Linear Feet Calculator
Convert square feet to linear feet using the board’s coverage width.
Square feet to linear feet
Area measures how much surface you cover. Linear feet measure how much material you buy along its length. A wider board covers more area with the same length, so the usable face width connects the two.
For 120 sq ft and a 5.5-inch face, you need about 261.82 linear feet before waste. A 10% allowance brings that to 288 linear feet. At an example price of $2.50 per linear foot, the material estimate is $720.
Buying individual floor or wall tiles? The tile calculator estimates tile counts, whole boxes and cutting allowance.
Why trim uses perimeter instead of floor area
For trim, measure the lengths of the edges you will cover. A rectangular 10 ft × 12 ft room has a perimeter of 2 × (10 + 12) = 44 linear feet, although its floor area is 120 square feet. Subtract openings that need no trim, then account for cuts. This calculator converts surface coverage using a face width; a perimeter measurement is a separate starting point.
Compare a price per square foot
At a usable width of 5.5 inches, an example $2.50 per linear foot equals $2.50 × 12 ÷ 5.5 = $5.45 per square foot, before allowance. Use the same coverage width and waste assumptions when comparing quotes. The area-to-length guide explains how coverage width changes the order.
Convert a price per board to a price per linear foot
If a supplier charges $30 for a 12-foot board, divide $30 by 12 to get $2.50 per linear foot. Enter that unit price in the Price per linear foot field in the Cost section.
Actual stock purchases may cost more when cuts leave unusable offcuts. For metric quotes, divide the price of a piece by its length in metres, then choose metric units before entering that price.
Which board width should I use?
Overlapping boards and tongue-and-groove products cover less than their total edge-to-edge width. Use the manufacturer’s stated coverage width when one is available.
For spaced decking or fencing, a simple continuous-area conversion can mislead: gaps, edges, and board counts affect the layout. Work from an actual layout before ordering.
If your supplier sells in fixed lengths, rounding the total footage is not enough. Check whether those pieces can make each required cut, including saw kerf and end trimming.
Common questions
Can I convert square feet without a board width?
No. The same area takes different lengths of narrow and wide material. You need an effective coverage width to make the conversion.
Does changing units convert my existing values?
Yes. Area, face width, and the price per unit length are converted together. The physical material requirement and cost stay the same apart from display rounding.
How do I convert linear feet to board feet?
Multiply linear feet by thickness in inches and width in inches, then divide by 12. For example, 20 linear feet of 1-inch-thick, 6-inch-wide material contains 10 BF. Use our board foot calculator for mixed board sizes.
What does the allowance include?
It adds the percentage you choose to the net length. It is a budget allowance for offcuts or selection, not a calculated cut plan. Ask your installer or supplier what suits your layout.
Questions about a result? See how our calculators are built or report a calculation issue.