What is a Linear Foot? – A linear foot is one of the simplest—yet most misunderstood—units of measurement. Often seen in construction, home improvement, shipping, and textiles, it answers a straightforward question: how long is something, in a straight line, measured in feet? If you have a plank of wood that is exactly 8ft long, it’s 8 linear feet—regardless of width or thickness.
Linear Foot Definition
A linear foot (sometimes called a “lineal foot”) refers to 12in in a straight line. The key word is “linear,” which means you are only measuring length, not area or volume. Simply put:
Unlike square feet (area: length × width) or cubic feet (volume: length × width × height), a linear foot only describes the length of an object. It doesn’t matter if the board is 2in wide or 12in wide—if it’s 8ft long, it’s 8 linear feet.
Where Are Linear Feet Used?
Linear feet are a vital measurement in many scenarios:
- Lumber & construction materials (measure baseboards, pipes, wires, trim, fencing)
- Flooring (long rolls of carpet or linoleum often sold per linear foot)
- Shipping & freight (volume calculations, especially for containers/trucks)
- Textiles (fabrics are sold “by the yard,” which is functionally like a linear foot)
- Remodeling (countertops, shelving, railings, etc.).
How to Measure and Calculate Linear Feet
Calculating linear feet is remarkably easy:
- Measure the length of your item in feet with a tape measure.
- If your measurement is in inches, simply divide by 12 (since there are 12in in a foot):
- Example: 48in ÷ 12 = 4 linear feet.
- If you have multiple pieces, add their lengths together for the total linear feet.
Tip: If you’re measuring a curved or uneven surface, use a flexible tape and follow along the surface, not straight across.
Quick Conversion Reference
| Inches | Linear Feet |
|---|---|
| 12 | 1 |
| 36 | 3 |
| 60 | 5 |
| 120 | 10 |
Linear Foot vs. Square Foot
These are not the same!
- Linear foot is only length—one direction.
- Square foot is area—length × width.
For example:
- An 8ft long board, no matter how wide, is 8 linear feet.
- If a board is 8ft long and 0.5ft wide, it covers 4sqft (8 × 0.5).
When to use which?
- Use linear feet for trim, pipes, and any product where only length matters.
- Use square feet for flooring, drywall, or any project where coverage of an area is calculated.
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding the term “linear foot” helps you:
- Purchase the correct amount of materials (and avoid overbuying or running short)
- Get accurate pricing, since many materials are sold “per linear foot”
- Communicate more effectively with contractors, retailers, and shippers
Most-Asked FAQs About Linear Feet
1. How do I convert inches, yards, or centimeters to linear feet?
1. Inches to feet: Divide by 12
2. 1 foot = 12 inches
3. Yards to feet: Multiply by 3
4. Centimeters to feet: Divide by 30.48
2. What’s the difference between linear feet, square feet, and board feet?
1. Linear foot = length
2. Square foot = area (length × width)
3. Board foot = volume (used for lumber; calculated as L × W × H, all in feet, divided by 12)
3. What items are commonly sold by linear foot?
Lumber, trim, pipes, wires, fencing, fabric, some flooring, gutters, and rails
4. How do I estimate the cost of materials sold by the linear foot?
Multiply the price per linear foot by the total number of linear feet needed
5. Can I use linear feet to measure area?
No. Linear feet only measure length. To calculate area, you need square feet (length × width)
Final Thoughts on What is a Linear Foot?
A linear foot is simply a straight-line measurement of length. Knowing how to use this term properly ensures smother home projects, accurate orders, and clearer communication—whether you’re working on a DIY task, buying building materials, or planning a move. Always double-check whether your plan or invoice refers to linear, square, or cubic feet before you order; your wallet—and project—will thank you