Linear Feet Calculator
Calculate linear feet for lumber, trim, baseboards, and other materials. Convert between square feet and linear feet.
Total Linear Feet
Equivalent Measures
Summary
Common Lumber Dimensions
| Nominal Size | Actual Size | Board Feet per Linear Foot |
|---|---|---|
| 1x2 | 3/4" × 1.5" | 0.167 |
| 1x4 | 3/4" × 3.5" | 0.333 |
| 1x6 | 3/4" × 5.5" | 0.500 |
| 2x4 | 1.5" × 3.5" | 0.667 |
| 2x6 | 1.5" × 5.5" | 1.000 |
| 2x8 | 1.5" × 7.25" | 1.333 |
| 2x10 | 1.5" × 9.25" | 1.667 |
| 2x12 | 1.5" × 11.25" | 2.000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a linear foot?
A linear foot (or lineal foot) is a unit of measurement that measures length in a straight line. It does not account for width or thickness—just the length. For example, a 2x4 board that is 8 feet long contains 8 linear feet.
How do you calculate linear feet?
To calculate linear feet:
- Measure the length of each piece in feet
- Add all lengths together
- For multiple identical pieces: length × quantity = total linear feet
How do you convert square feet to linear feet?
Linear Feet = Square Feet / (Width in inches ÷ 12). For example, to cover 100 sq ft with 6-inch wide boards: 100 ÷ (6 ÷ 12) = 100 ÷ 0.5 = 200 linear feet.
How many linear feet in a 2x4?
A standard 8-foot 2x4 contains 8 linear feet. A 2x4 is sold by its length, not by board feet, so the linear footage equals the length of the board.
What's the difference between linear feet and board feet?
Linear feet measures only length. Board feet measures volume (length × width × thickness ÷ 12). For example, an 8-foot 2x4 is 8 linear feet but approximately 5.33 board feet (8 × 3.5 × 1.5 ÷ 12).
How many linear feet are in a 10x10 room?
For baseboards in a 10x10 room (40 linear feet of perimeter) minus door openings. For flooring, you need to convert area (100 sq ft) divided by board width to get linear feet.
How do I measure linear feet for baseboards?
Measure the length of each wall (in feet), add them together, then subtract the width of any doorways. Add 5-10% extra for waste and cuts.