Linear Feet to Square Feet Converter
Linear feet measure length; square feet measure area. To convert, you need the width of the material. Multiply linear feet by width (in feet) to get square feet.
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Our editorial team researches and fact-checks material calculations with input from licensed contractors, landscape designers, and certified tradespeople across the US.
Flooring Calculator — works in square feet for any plank width
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The formula
Square feet = Linear feet × Width (ft)
Linear feet = Square feet ÷ Width (ft)
Width must be in feet — divide inches by 12 first.
Flooring: linear feet by plank width
| Plank width | Linear feet per 100 sq ft | Linear feet per 200 sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 2.25” (⅛) | 533 lin ft | 1,067 lin ft |
| 3” (¼) | 400 lin ft | 800 lin ft |
| 3.5” | 343 lin ft | 686 lin ft |
| 4” (⅓) | 300 lin ft | 600 lin ft |
| 5” | 240 lin ft | 480 lin ft |
| 6” (½) | 200 lin ft | 400 lin ft |
| 7.5” | 160 lin ft | 320 lin ft |
Add 10% for waste.
Fencing: linear feet vs. board feet
For a 6-foot tall privacy fence with 6-inch boards:
| Fence length | Boards needed | Linear feet of boards |
|---|---|---|
| 50 lin ft | 50 × 12 boards/section | 600 linear feet |
| 100 lin ft | 200 boards | 1,200 linear feet |
Baseboard and trim
Linear feet of trim = Room perimeter (ft) minus door openings (typically 3 ft each)
For a 12×14 ft room: Perimeter = (12+14) × 2 = 52 ft Minus 2 doors = 52 − 6 = 46 linear feet of baseboard
Lumber: linear feet to board feet
Board feet = Linear feet × Thickness (in) × Width (in) ÷ 12
| Board | 10 lin ft | 20 lin ft |
|---|---|---|
| 1×4 | 3.3 bf | 6.7 bf |
| 2×4 | 6.7 bf | 13.3 bf |
| 2×6 | 10 bf | 20 bf |
| 2×8 | 13.3 bf | 26.7 bf |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert linear feet to square feet?
Multiply linear feet by the width in feet. For example, 100 linear feet of 12-inch wide flooring = 100 × 1 ft = 100 sq ft.
Are linear feet and square feet the same?
No — linear feet measure length in one direction only. Square feet measure area (length × width). You need the width of the material to convert between them.
How many linear feet of flooring do I need for 200 square feet?
For 3-inch wide planks: 200 sq ft ÷ 0.25 ft wide = 800 linear feet. For 5-inch wide planks: 200 ÷ 0.417 = 480 linear feet. Add 10% waste.
How do I convert board feet to linear feet?
Linear feet = Board feet × 12 ÷ (Thickness in inches × Width in inches). For a 1×6 board: 10 board feet × 12 ÷ (1 × 6) = 20 linear feet.
What does "linear foot" mean for fencing?
For fencing, linear feet refers to the total length of the fence line (perimeter). The square footage of fencing material depends on the fence height.
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