How to use this calculator
Choose your calculation mode. Perimeter mode calculates the total linear feet around a rectangular area, which is perfect for baseboards, fencing around a yard, or trim around a room. Total length mode lets you add multiple individual sections together.
The unit conversion mode converts inches, yards, meters, or centimeters into linear feet. This is useful when your measurements are in different units than what the material supplier uses.
Optionally add a price per linear foot to get a total material cost estimate, and adjust the waste factor percentage to account for cuts and mistakes. The default 10% waste factor works well for most straight run projects.
Common uses for linear feet
Fencing projects measure the fence line in linear feet to determine how much material to buy. Baseboards and crown molding are sold by the linear foot and measured by room perimeter. Decking boards, gutters, and downspouts are all ordered in linear feet.
Plumbing pipe, electrical conduit, and cable are measured in linear feet for installation runs. Countertop edges, shelving, and railing sections also use linear footage for ordering and pricing purposes.
Understanding linear feet versus square feet is important. Linear feet is a one dimensional measurement of length only. If you need to cover an area (like flooring or wall panels), you need square footage instead. Linear feet is strictly for items measured by their length.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure linear feet for baseboards?
Measure each wall at floor level and add all measurements together. Include closet interiors if they get baseboard. Subtract only for wide openings (patio doors, archways) but keep door openings since baseboard runs on both sides of the door casing. Add 10% to 15% for waste from cuts and corners.
How many linear feet of fencing do I need?
Measure the total length of the fence line you want to enclose. For a full perimeter fence around a rectangular yard, add all four sides. Subtract for the house wall if the fence connects to it, and subtract for gate openings. The linear feet figure tells you total fence length, but you will also need to calculate posts, rails, and pickets separately.
Is linear feet the same as running feet?
Yes, linear feet and running feet mean exactly the same thing. Both refer to a straight line measurement of length in feet. Some suppliers and contractors use one term while others use the other, but they are interchangeable.
How do I convert square feet to linear feet?
You cannot directly convert square feet to linear feet because they measure different things (area vs length). However, if you know the width of your material, divide the square footage by the width in feet to get linear feet needed. For example, to cover 100 square feet with 6 inch wide boards: 100 / 0.5 = 200 linear feet.
Why add a waste factor?
Real world projects always use more material than the exact measurement. Cuts at corners and ends create short offcuts that cannot be reused. Some pieces may have defects, splits, or warping that make them unusable. Adding 10% to 15% ensures you have enough material to complete the project without a return trip to the store.