Linear foot Calculator
Linear foot Calculator estimate total linear footage from lengths and quantities for lumber, flooring, fencing, and trim, including waste factor and conversions easily.
Equation Preview
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 foot
Total Linear Inches
Total Rows
Last Row Remnant
What Is a Linear Foot Calculator?
A Linear Foot Calculator totals straight-run length across items so you can plan, purchase, and schedule materials measured or priced per foot. It focuses purely on length—ignoring width and thickness—making it perfect for estimating baseboards, crown molding, handrails, fencing, conduit, wire, rope, countertop edging, fascia, and landscape borders. Enter piece lengths and their quantities, optionally in mixed units, and the tool converts everything to feet before summing. Because projects involve offcuts and layout constraints, you can apply a configurable waste percentage to avoid shortages. The output is a clear total of net linear feet and the recommended required amount after waste, ready to take to suppliers or to add into a takeoff sheet.
About the Linear Foot Calculator
This calculator standardizes inputs from inches, yards, or meters into feet and aggregates lengths across multiple items. It includes quick geometry helpers for rectangular perimeters and curved runs, which are common in fencing, railing, and edging. Unlike square feet (area) or board feet (volume), linear feet describe a single dimension along a path. That simplicity speeds up material takeoffs for trim packages, pipe runs, cable pulls, or perimeter measurements. After summing net length, the calculator applies an adjustable waste factor so you can budget for cuts, seams, pattern repeats, damage, or on-site variability. The result improves cost control, reduces return trips, and supports clearer communication with crews and vendors.
Unit conversions to feet: ft = in ÷ 12, ft = yd × 3, ft = m × 3.28084
Total linear feet (net): LFnet = Σ (Li[ft] × Qi)
Required length with waste: LFreq = LFnet(1 + w), with 0 ≤ w ≤ 0.20.
Rectangular perimeter: LF = 2(L + W) Circular run: LF = πD
How to Use This Linear Foot Calculator
- List each item’s length and quantity. If your measurements are in inches, yards, or meters, choose those units—everything is converted to feet.
- Set a waste percentage for cuts, seams, pattern alignment, or handling damage. Typical ranges are 5–15%; complex layouts may require 20%.
- Review the outputs: net linear feet and required linear feet after waste. Copy totals directly into estimates or purchase orders.
- For perimeters, enter length and width (rectangles) or diameter (circles). For arcs, use radius and central angle to compute arc length.
Examples
- Trim package: 8 pieces × 12 ft + 6 pieces × 8 ft → LFnet = 96 + 48 = 144 ft; with 10% waste → 158.4 ft.
- Rectangular fence: Yard 60 ft × 40 ft → LF = 2(60 + 40) = 200 ft; add 5% → 210 ft.
- Circular edging: Diameter 18 ft → LF = π × 18 ≈ 56.55 ft.
- Mixed units: 14 pieces × 30 in → 30 ÷ 12 = 2.5 ft; LF = 14 × 2.5 = 35 ft.
Formula Snippets Ready for Rendering
FAQs
What is a linear foot?
A linear foot is a one-dimensional length of 12 inches. It measures distance along a path or edge only.
When should I use linear feet instead of square feet?
Use linear feet for runs like trim, fencing, railing, and piping. Use square feet for surfaces such as floors or countertops.
How do I convert inches, yards, and meters to feet?
Divide inches by 12, multiply yards by 3, and multiply meters by 3.28084 to standardize everything to feet.
How much waste should I include?
Commonly 5–15% for straightforward work; complex layouts or fragile materials may need up to 20% to prevent shortages.
Does width affect linear-foot totals?
No. Linear feet summarize length only. Width matters for pricing by area or when converting to square footage.
Can I estimate curved runs like handrails?
Yes. Use circumference (πD) for full circles or arc length (s = rθ) for partial curves, then add straight segments.
Should I round up my order quantity?
Usually yes—suppliers sell in fixed increments. Round up after adding waste to avoid mid-project shortages and extra trips.
Will this work with mixed units in one list?
Yes. Enter each item’s unit; the calculator converts to feet before summing to a consistent, comparable total.