What this tool does
The Linear Feet to Square Feet Calculator helps you convert between linear measurements and area measurements for construction materials. Linear feet (also called lineal feet) measures length in a straight line, while square feet measures area. This calculator bridges the gap between how materials are sold (often by the linear foot) and how project coverage is measured (in square feet). Enter your linear feet and material width to instantly calculate the square footage you'll cover, or work backwards from a target area to find how many linear feet you need. The tool includes presets for common material widths including standard lumber, decking boards, fencing, and flooring planks.
How it calculates
The formula to convert linear feet to square feet is: Square Feet = Linear Feet x Width (in feet). The key is converting the width to feet before multiplying. For example, if you have 100 linear feet of 5.5-inch deck boards: first convert 5.5 inches to feet (5.5/12 = 0.458 feet), then multiply (100 x 0.458 = 45.83 square feet). For the inverse calculation to find linear feet needed for a target area: Linear Feet = Square Feet / Width (in feet). So to cover 200 square feet with 6-inch boards: 200 / (6/12) = 200 / 0.5 = 400 linear feet needed. The calculator handles the unit conversion automatically and provides results for both directions.
Who should use this
1. Contractors and builders estimating material quantities for flooring, decking, or fencing projects. 2. DIY homeowners planning deck construction who need to know how much lumber to purchase. 3. Flooring installers calculating hardwood plank requirements from room square footage. 4. Fence installers determining board quantities for privacy fence sections. 5. Lumber yard customers who need to translate between how materials are priced (per linear foot) and how projects are measured (by area).
Worked examples
Example 1: A homeowner is building a 12' x 16' deck (192 sq ft) using 5.5-inch wide composite deck boards. To find linear feet needed: 192 sq ft / (5.5/12 ft) = 192 / 0.458 = 419 linear feet. At \$2.50 per linear foot, total cost = 419 x \$2.50 = \$1,047.50 for materials (before waste allowance).
Example 2: A contractor has 500 linear feet of 3.5-inch fence pickets. Coverage calculation: 500 LF x (3.5/12 ft) = 500 x 0.292 = 146 square feet. This would cover approximately 146 linear feet of fence at one board high, or about 48 linear feet of fence that is 3 boards high.
Example 3: Installing 2.25-inch hardwood flooring in a 250 sq ft room. Linear feet needed: 250 / (2.25/12) = 250 / 0.1875 = 1,333 linear feet. With 10% waste factor: 1,333 x 1.10 = 1,467 linear feet to order.
Limitations
This calculator provides theoretical coverage without accounting for several real-world factors. First, it does not include waste from cuts, mistakes, or irregular room shapes - add 10-15% to your calculated amounts. Second, spacing between boards (such as deck board gaps or fence picket spacing) is not factored in, which reduces actual coverage. Third, the calculator assumes materials are laid parallel with no diagonal installation pattern, which would require more material. Fourth, lumber preset widths use actual dimensions, not nominal sizes - verify your specific material measurements. Finally, cost estimates do not include fasteners, trim, underlayment, or installation labor.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between linear feet and square feet? A: Linear feet measures length in one dimension (like a line), while square feet measures area in two dimensions (length x width). A 10-foot board is 10 linear feet regardless of width, but its square footage depends on how wide it is.
Q: Why are lumber widths different from their names (like 2x4)? A: Lumber is named by its nominal size (rough-cut dimensions), but sold at actual dressed dimensions after drying and planing. A 2x6 actually measures 1.5" x 5.5". This calculator uses actual widths for accuracy.
Q: How much extra should I order for waste? A: For straightforward installations, add 10% extra. For complex layouts, diagonal patterns, or rooms with many corners and obstacles, add 15-20%. Always round up to standard lengths offered by your supplier.
Q: Can I use this for carpet or tile calculations? A: This calculator is designed for linear materials like boards and planks. Carpet is typically sold by the square yard, and tile by the square foot or box - use dedicated calculators for those materials.
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