Sq Ft to Linear Ft Calculator

Convert square footage to linear feet for flooring, trim, and construction materials

Area to Linear Feet Converter
Total area you need to cover
Width of the material (e.g., lumber width)
Formula: Linear Feet = (Square Feet × 12) / Width (inches)
Conversion Result
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Linear Feet
Common Material Widths Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between square feet and linear feet?

Square feet (sq ft) measures area - a two-dimensional measurement of length × width. Linear feet (linear ft) measures length - a one-dimensional measurement. For example, a 10 ft × 10 ft room is 100 sq ft of area but has 40 linear feet of perimeter.

When buying materials like flooring or trim, you need linear feet (length), while the area of your room is measured in square feet.

How do I convert square feet to linear feet?

The formula is: Linear Feet = (Square Feet × 12) ÷ Width (in inches)

Example: For 100 sq ft of area with 6-inch wide material:
Linear Feet = (100 × 12) ÷ 6 = 1200 ÷ 6 = 200 linear feet

You need the width of the material because wider boards cover more area per linear foot.

How many linear feet are in a square foot?

There is no direct conversion - it depends on the width of the material. For a 12-inch wide material, 1 linear foot covers 1 square foot. For a 6-inch wide material, 1 linear foot covers 0.5 square feet. To convert sq ft to linear ft, you need the width of the material.

How do I calculate linear feet for flooring?

For flooring, you need to know the width of the flooring planks. Most hardwood flooring comes in 2.25", 3.25", or 5" widths. Use the formula:

Linear Feet = (Room Area × 12) ÷ Plank Width (inches)

Always add 10-15% extra for waste, cuts, and mistakes.

How do I calculate linear feet for baseboards or trim?

For baseboards and trim, you measure the perimeter of the room. Add the length of all walls, then add 10% for waste and cuts. For example, a 10 ft × 12 ft room has a perimeter of (10+12)×2 = 44 linear feet. You don't use the square footage for trim - it's purely length measurement.

What is the difference between nominal and actual lumber width?

Lumber is sold by nominal dimensions (the name) which are larger than actual dimensions. For example:

  • 1×4 nominal = 3/4" × 3.5" actual
  • 1×6 nominal = 3/4" × 5.5" actual
  • 2×4 nominal = 1.5" × 3.5" actual

Always use actual width for accurate calculations.

How much extra material should I order?

It's recommended to add 10-15% extra for waste, cuts, and mistakes. For diagonal installations, add 15-20%. For rooms with many corners or irregular shapes, add up to 20%.

Can I use this calculator for any material?

Yes! This calculator works for any material where you know the area (sq ft) and the width of the material. Common uses include:

  • Flooring (hardwood, laminate, vinyl planks)
  • Decking boards
  • Fencing pickets
  • Baseboards and crown molding
  • Lumber for shelving