Linear Feet Calculator
Linear Feet Calculator estimate total linear footage from lengths and quantities for lumber, flooring, fencing, and trim, including waste factor and conversions easily.
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Helping Notes
Required fields mirror WNAD: per-item Length, Width, Height (inches) and Stackable. Use multiple lines for mixed sizes. Trailer width assumed 98″; stack height 103″. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
If Stackable is checked, we estimate how many can stack (⌊103/height⌋). Then we pack footprints across the 98″ trailer width to minimize rows. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
This is an estimator; real loading may vary by trailer, turnability, or carrier rules. For identical pallets only, simple N/2 × length ÷ 12 also applies. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Results
Total Linear Feet
Total Linear Inches
Total Rows
Last Row Remnant
What Is a Linear Feet Calculator?
A Linear Feet Calculator helps you total straight-run length for materials sold or planned by the foot. It focuses on one dimension—length—so you can budget, purchase, and schedule accurately for projects like fencing, baseboards, crown molding, conduit, wire, deck boards (by run), countertops, and fabric or rope. By entering individual piece lengths and quantities, the calculator produces a consolidated linear footage total, with optional waste allowance and unit conversions.
About the Linear Feet Calculator
The calculator aggregates lengths across items and supports common unit inputs (feet, inches, yards, meters). It converts everything to feet, sums the net total, and can apply a configurable waste percentage for offcuts, mistakes, or pattern matching. Unlike square footage (area) or board feet (volume), linear feet describes a single dimension of distance along a straight or perimeter path. That makes it perfect for estimating trim, pipe runs, railing, or perimeter-based tasks.
Unit conversions to feet: ft = in ÷ 12, ft = yd × 3, ft = m × 3.28084
Total linear feet (net): LFnet = Σ (Li[ft] × Qi)
Apply waste allowance: LFreq = LFnet × (1 + w), where 0 ≤ w ≤ 0.20 (e.g., 5–20%).
Rectangular perimeter (fencing/trim): LF = 2(L + W)
Circular run (edging/handrail): LF = πD
How to Use This Linear Feet Calculator
- Enter each item’s length and quantity. If your measurements are in inches, yards, or meters, the tool converts them to feet.
- Optionally set a waste percentage to cover cuts, seams, or layout patterns.
- Review outputs for net linear feet and required linear feet (after waste). Export or copy results into your materials list.
Examples
- Trim package: 8 pieces × 12 ft + 6 pieces × 8 ft → LFnet = 96 + 48 = 144 ft. With 10% waste → 158.4 ft.
- Perimeter fence: Lot 60 ft × 40 ft rectangle → LF = 2(60 + 40) = 200 ft. Add 5% waste → 210 ft.
- Garden edging (circular): Diameter 18 ft → LF = π × 18 ≈ 56.55 ft. Round up per supplier increment.
- Mixed units: 10 pieces × 30 in each → 30 ÷ 12 = 2.5 ft; LF = 10 × 2.5 = 25 ft.
Formula Snippets Ready for Rendering
FAQs
What is the difference between linear feet and square feet?
Linear feet measure length only; square feet measure area (length × width). Use linear feet for runs like trim or fencing.
How are linear feet different from board feet?
Board feet measure lumber volume (thickness × width × length ÷ 12). Linear feet ignore thickness and width and only total length.
How do I convert inches to linear feet?
Divide inches by 12 to get feet. For example, 30 inches ÷ 12 = 2.5 feet.
How much waste should I add?
Common allowances are 5–15% for trim or flooring, up to 20% for complex layouts or heavy pattern matching.
Does width matter for linear feet?
No. Linear feet totals length only. Width matters for pricing if the supplier charges by width or for area-based tasks.
Can I use linear feet for countertops?
Yes for edge runs and linear edging pieces. For countertop slabs, pricing is often per square foot; confirm with your fabricator.
How do I calculate perimeter quickly?
For rectangles, double the sum of length and width. For circles, multiply diameter by π.
Will the calculator handle mixed units?
Yes. Enter inches, yards, or meters; the tool converts everything to feet before summing the total.
Should I round up my order?
Usually yes—suppliers sell in set increments. Round up after applying your waste percentage to avoid shortage.
Is linear feet used for shipping charges?
Many carriers price by weight and dimensions. Some freight rules include a linear-foot restriction for trailer space—check your carrier’s policy.
Can this estimate materials for a fence with gates?
Calculate total perimeter, then subtract gate widths, add posts and hardware runs, and apply a small waste factor.
Do I use linear feet for carpet or flooring?
Use square feet for area; use linear feet for trim like baseboards, stair nosing, and transition strips.
How accurate are results if my measurements vary?
Break the project into segments and enter each separately. Summing segments improves accuracy over using a single average length.
Does the calculator support metric and imperial?
Yes. Enter meters, yards, inches, or feet. The output standardizes to feet for a consistent total.