Linear Feet Calculator: Add Lengths and Quantities
Use this linear feet calculator to add lengths in feet, inches, yards or meters. Enter each measurement and quantity, then choose an optional waste allowance. You can print the total for supplies, shelving or trim as you prepare your new home.
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Tip: Linear feet measures length only. If you need area, use square feet instead.
How to Calculate Linear Feet
To calculate linear feet, convert the length of one item to feet and multiply it by the number of items. Width and thickness do not change the linear-foot measurement.
Linear feet = length in feet × quantity
For example, if you need 12 boards that are each 8 feet long, the calculation is 8 × 12 = 96 linear feet. With a 10% waste allowance, plan for about 105.6 linear feet.
How to Get Linear Feet From Inches
If your measurement is in inches, divide the number of inches by 12. For example, 120 inches ÷ 12 = 10 linear feet. The calculator above does this conversion automatically.
Length conversion examples
| Measurement | Linear feet |
|---|---|
| 12 inches | 1 ft |
| 36 inches | 3 ft |
| 3 yards | 9 ft |
| 10 meters | 32.81 ft |
Linear Feet vs. Square Feet
Linear feet measures length in a straight line. Square feet measures area using length × width. A 10-foot board is 10 linear feet regardless of its width. A floor that is 10 feet by 12 feet covers 120 square feet.
Common Uses for a Linear Foot Calculator
Linear footage is commonly used when estimating baseboards and trim, lumber, fencing, shelving, countertops, pipes, cables and other materials sold or planned by length. When buying material, check the product’s selling unit because some products are priced by piece, square foot, board foot or another measurement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a linear foot?
A linear foot is a measurement of length equal to 12 inches. It measures only length, not width or area.
How do I calculate linear feet?
Convert each length to feet, multiply by the quantity, then add the totals together. Add a waste allowance when your project involves cuts or offcuts.
How many linear feet are in 100 inches?
Divide 100 by 12. The result is approximately 8.33 linear feet.
Do I multiply length by width for linear feet?
No. Multiplying length by width gives area, usually square feet. Linear feet uses length only.
Should I add extra material for waste?
Often, yes. The appropriate allowance depends on the material and project. The calculator lets you compare totals with 0% to 20% waste.
Using linear feet when you move
A moving trailer company may charge for the length of trailer space your shipment occupies. However, adding the lengths of individual furniture pieces will not tell you that space. Packing layout, trailer width, usable height and the carrier’s rules also matter. Ask your carrier for a space estimate.
This linear feet calculator adds lengths only. It does not estimate truck capacity, weight or shipment cost. For supplies in your new home, enter each run of trim or shelving separately. For example, two 8-foot lengths and one 36-inch length total 19 feet. A 10% allowance raises that to 20.9 feet.
Conversions and rounding
One foot equals 12 inches or 0.3048 meters; one yard equals three feet. We keep full precision while adding measurements and round the display to two decimal places. Your supplier may sell whole pieces or fixed lengths, so check its ordering rules before buying.
Planning notes and disclaimer
This tool adds lengths using the unit conversions shown above. It does not estimate truck capacity or shipment pricing. Check your measurements and your supplier’s ordering units. Choose a waste allowance that fits your project; the suggested total is not a purchasing guarantee.