Calculate total linear feet from a list of pieces, find the linear footage of boards needed to cover an area, or convert between feet, inches, yards, and meters. Built for framing crews, trim carpenters, fencing contractors, and materials estimators.
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Shop Express Tools →A linear foot is simply a measurement of length — 12 inches, or 1 foot. To find total linear feet: multiply pieces × length per piece, then add all groups together. To find linear feet from area: divide the area (SF) by the material width (ft). Example: 200 SF at 6" wide boards = 200 ÷ 0.5 = 400 linear feet.
These three measurements are all used in construction but measure different things:
Materials like pipe, conduit, trim, and fencing are priced by the linear foot. Flooring and siding are often priced by the square foot. Lumber sold in volume (like rough sawn hardwood) is priced by the board foot. Understanding which unit applies to your material prevents ordering mistakes and helps you compare quotes accurately across suppliers.
| Material | Width | LF per 100 SF |
|---|---|---|
| 1×4 tongue and groove | 3.5" actual | 343 LF |
| 1×6 tongue and groove | 5.5" actual | 218 LF |
| 2×4 decking | 3.5" actual | 343 LF |
| 5/4×6 decking | 5.5" actual | 218 LF |
| 3.5" wide LVP flooring | 3.5" | 343 LF |
| 5" wide LVP flooring | 5" | 240 LF |
| 7" wide LVP flooring | 7" | 171 LF |
| 4" wide brick (rowlock) | 4" | 300 LF |
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Start free trialA linear foot is simply a measurement of length — 12 inches, or 1 foot. It's used for materials sold by length: lumber, pipe, fencing, trim, conduit, and so on. "Linear" distinguishes it from square feet (area) or cubic feet (volume).
Divide the area in square feet by the width of the material in feet. For example, covering a 200 sq ft floor with 6"-wide boards: 200 ÷ 0.5 = 400 linear feet of board.
There are 3 linear feet in 1 linear yard. To convert yards to feet, multiply by 3. To convert feet to yards, divide by 3.
Measure the perimeter of the area to be fenced in feet. That's your linear footage. Add 5–10% for corners and waste. For picket or board fencing, also calculate how many boards you need based on the board width and spacing.
Lumber comes in many lengths, so selling by linear foot lets you price accurately regardless of piece length. Board feet (thickness × width × length ÷ 12) accounts for volume. Use our Board Feet Calculator if you need volume-based pricing.