Linear Feet to Square Foot Calculator

Convert linear measurements to area calculations instantly. Perfect for flooring, fencing, materials, and construction projects.

Real-time Calculation Cost Estimation Visual Charts Export Reports
Quick Formula

Square Feet = Linear Feet × Width (in feet)

Example: 100 linear ft × 6 ft width = 600 sq ft

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Measurement Converter

Flooring

Hardwood flooring, 6 ft width

Fencing

Privacy fence, 4 ft height

Countertop

Kitchen counter, 3 ft depth

1 ft 500 ft
0.5 ft 20 ft
100 ft
6 ft
$ per sq ft
Leave empty for area calculation only
%
Extra material for cuts/waste

Conversion Results

600 sq ft
Linear Feet
100 ft
Length measurement
Square Feet
600 sq ft
Area calculation
Total Cost
$2,970
With 10% waste

Area Calculation Visualization

Measurement Value Calculation Result
Total Area with Waste: 660 sq ft
Equivalent Measurements
Square Yards: 66.67 yd²
Square Meters: 55.74 m²
Acres: 0.014 acres
Cost Breakdown
Base Cost: $2,700
Waste (10%): $270
Total: $2,970

How Linear Feet Convert to Square Feet

Understanding the difference between linear feet and square feet is essential for accurate material estimation in construction, flooring, fencing, and home improvement projects. This calculator helps bridge that gap with precise conversions.

1. The Fundamental Formula

Converting linear feet to square feet requires knowing the width of the material or area:

Basic Conversion Formula:
Square Feet = Linear Feet × Width (in feet)

Linear feet measure length in a straight line, while square feet measure area. To get area, you need both length and width dimensions.

2. Real-World Applications

This conversion is crucial for various projects:

  • Flooring Installation: Carpet, hardwood, or tile sold by linear foot but installed by square foot
  • Fencing Projects: Fence panels measured in linear feet, but total area matters for material costs
  • Countertop Fabrication: Countertops sold by linear foot but require square footage for pricing
  • Baseboard and Trim: Linear measurement converted to area for paint/stain coverage
  • Fabric and Upholstery: Material sold by linear yard but used by square foot

3. Detailed Calculation Example

Let's walk through a complete flooring calculation:

Scenario: Installing hardwood flooring in a room

Measurements:
1. Room Length: 20 linear feet
2. Room Width: 15 linear feet
3. Board Width: 6 inches (0.5 feet)

Calculations:
1. Linear Feet of Boards Needed:
(20 ft ÷ 0.5 ft) + (15 ft ÷ 0.5 ft) = 40 + 30 = 70 linear feet
2. Square Footage Calculation:
Square Feet = Linear Feet × Board Width
70 ft × 0.5 ft = 35 square feet

Cost Calculation (at $8/sq ft):
Base Cost: 35 sq ft × $8 = $280
With 10% waste: $280 × 1.10 = $308 total

4. Accounting for Waste and Cuts

In real projects, always add waste percentage:

Total with Waste:
Total Square Feet = (Linear Feet × Width) × (1 + Waste Percentage/100)
Total Cost = Total Square Feet × Cost per Square Foot

Typical waste percentages:

  • Simple layouts: 5-10% waste
  • Complex patterns/cuts: 10-20% waste
  • Diagonal installations: 15-25% waste
  • Natural stone/marble: 20-30% waste
Statutory Warning: Use these calculations as an informatory basis only. Do not make financial, legal, or contractual decisions solely based on the results of this calculator. Actual material requirements may vary based on installation methods, pattern complexity, material defects, and specific project conditions. Always consult with professional contractors and purchase materials with appropriate safety margins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Linear feet measure length in a straight line (one-dimensional). Square feet measure area (two-dimensional). To convert linear feet to square feet, you need to know the width. For example, 100 linear feet of 6-foot wide material equals 600 square feet (100 × 6 = 600). Linear measurements are used for things like fencing or baseboards, while square measurements are used for flooring, painting, or roofing.

For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangular sections. Measure the linear feet of each straight section, then add them together. For curved sections, use a flexible measuring tape to follow the curve. If estimating for materials like flooring or fencing, it's often easier to measure the total perimeter and then determine how many linear feet of material you need based on the width of each piece or panel.

Waste percentage accounts for cuts, defects, pattern matching, and installation errors. Common reasons include: cutting material to fit around corners/obstacles, damaged materials, pattern matching for wood grain or tile patterns, and mistakes during installation. Standard waste percentages range from 5% for simple projects to 20-30% for complex patterns or natural materials. Always buy extra material to ensure you have enough for the entire project.

This calculator is designed for feet measurements. For metric conversions: 1 foot = 0.3048 meters. You can convert your metric measurements to feet first, or use these formulas:

For meters to feet: feet = meters × 3.28084
For centimeters to feet: feet = centimeters × 0.0328084

Once converted, use the calculator normally. The results include metric equivalents in the detailed table for your reference.

Cost estimates are based on the formulas and inputs you provide. Accuracy depends on: current material prices in your area, labor costs, project complexity, and local market conditions. The calculator provides a solid estimate for material costs based on square footage, but doesn't include labor, delivery fees, taxes, or specialty installation costs. For precise budgeting, obtain quotes from local suppliers and contractors, and use this calculator as a preliminary planning tool.
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Common Conversions

Linear Feet Width Square Feet
50 ft 4 ft 200 sq ft
100 ft 6 ft 600 sq ft
200 ft 3 ft 600 sq ft
75 ft 8 ft 600 sq ft
150 ft 2 ft 300 sq ft

Quick Reference Guide

  • 1 linear foot = 12 inches length
  • 1 square foot = 144 square inches
  • Multiply linear ft × width ft = square ft
  • Always add 10-15% waste for cuts
  • Use cost/sq ft for material estimates
  • Double-check measurements before ordering
Pro Tip: When measuring for materials, always round up to the next whole number and add extra for waste. It's better to have leftover material than to run short during installation.
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