Linear Feet Calculator
Calculate exact linear footage by adding multiple cut-list runs, measuring room or fence perimeters, or converting square feet to linear feet using board coverage width.
What-if Simulator
Visualize how length or waste changes impact final linear footage.
The simulator models how length changes or extra cut-waste percentages alter total linear footage and ordering requirements.
Base Linear Feet
99
Simulated Linear Feet
99
Projected Variance
Difference in required linear footage (LF).
How to Use the Linear Footage Calculator
Calculate the exact linear footage of material needed for flooring, fencing, trim, piping, fabric, or any linear product in seconds. Enter your length, choose a unit, and add an optional waste allowance.
Enter the total run length in the unit of your choice (inches, feet, yards, cm, or meters).
Optionally enter the material's installed coverage width.
Add a waste allowance percentage (typically 5%–15% for most projects).
The calculator outputs exact linear footage, a rounded-up purchase quantity, linear meters, and linear yards.
Use the Advanced Specs tab to download a full CSV report.
Why Linear Footage Matters
Most strip materials — flooring planks, lumber, piping, conduit, trim, and fabric — are sold by the linear (running) foot. Getting the correct linear footage before ordering means:
- Order Accuracy: Buy the exact length you need — no costly surplus or project-halting shortfalls.
- Budget Control: Waste allowances prevent expensive same-day re-orders.
- Multi-Unit Support: Instantly convert between feet, inches, yards, and metric units.
Linear Feet Formulas
Linear footage measures one-dimensional running length. Depending on your project measurements, select the matching formula below:
Select Calculation Mode
Choose between adding individual runs, room perimeter, or square feet to linear feet conversion.
Enter Project Dimensions
Input your run lengths, room dimensions, or square footage and material board width.
Apply Waste Allowance
Add 5%–15% waste margin to account for end-cuts, miters, and offcuts.
Order Stock Boards & Pieces
Divide total linear footage by your supplier's stock board length (8ft, 10ft, 12ft, 16ft) to get total pieces to buy.
Quick Reference: Unit Conversion to Linear Feet
Common length units and their equivalent in linear feet.
| Input Unit | Conversion Factor to Feet | Example: 100 units → Linear Feet |
|---|---|---|
| Inches (in) | ÷ 12 | 8.33 ft |
| Feet (ft) | × 1 | 100 ft |
| Yards (yd) | × 3 | 300 ft |
| Centimeters (cm) | ÷ 30.48 | 3.28 ft |
| Meters (m) | ÷ 0.3048 | 328.08 ft |
Conversion factors sourced from NIST's exact foot-to-meter conversion factors.
Recommended Waste Allowances by Material
Industry contractors recommend adding extra material allowance to account for end-cuts, pattern matching, diagonal layouts, and defective pieces:
Lap Siding & Shiplap
10% – 15%
Overlaps, gables, and corner pieces add significant waste. See CertainTeed siding estimating guide .
Trim, Baseboards & Molding
10% – 15%
Miter cuts and corner joints.
Linear Feet vs. Board Feet vs. Square Feet
Contractors and suppliers use several distinct measurements when discussing lumber and building materials:
Linear Feet (LF)
Measures total physical length along a strip of material, regardless of width or thickness. Used for trim, molding, fencing, piping, fabric, and vinyl flooring.
Board Feet (BF)
Measures three-dimensional wood volume. One board foot equals 144 cubic inches (12″ × 12″ × 1″). Used for pricing rough-sawn hardwood and dimensional lumber.
Square Feet (SF)
Measures two-dimensional surface area. Divide square footage by material width (in feet) to convert to linear feet when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential answers about linear footage calculation.
What is linear footage?
Linear footage (also called linear feet or running feet) is simply the length of a material measured in feet, without regard to its width or thickness. It is the standard unit for selling strip materials like lumber, fabric, piping, and trim.
How do I calculate linear footage?
Measure the total length of your run in feet. If the length is in another unit, convert it first: divide inches by 12, divide centimeters by 30.48, or multiply meters by 3.2808. Then add your waste percentage: Purchase LF = Base LF × (1 + Waste% ÷ 100).
How many linear feet are in a yard?
One yard equals exactly 3 linear feet. To convert linear yards to linear feet, multiply by 3. To convert linear feet to yards, divide by 3.
What is the difference between linear feet and square feet?
Linear feet measures one-dimensional length, while square feet measures two-dimensional area. To convert square feet to linear feet, you need to divide the total area (sq ft) by the material's coverage width in feet.
How much waste should I add for flooring?
For straight-lay flooring installations, a 5%–10% waste allowance is standard. For diagonal layouts, herringbone, or complex room shapes, use 10%–15% to account for additional cut pieces.
Can I use this calculator for metric measurements?
Yes. The calculator accepts centimeters and meters as input units, automatically converting them to linear feet and also reporting the result in linear meters and linear yards.
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