Use this linear feet calculator to convert a surface area into the running length of fixed-width flooring, siding, paneling, or boards. Enter the installed face width—not the nominal product name—and the calculator keeps raw linear feet separate from the length after your chosen waste allowance.
Check the width before ordering
The formula is short; the useful work is making sure the area and installed coverage width describe the same finished surface.
Worked example
- Raw length = 200 × 12 ÷ 5 = 480 .
- A 10% allowance adds 48 .
- The order result is 528 ; a supplier may still require rounding to full boards, bundles, or cartons.
Raw length versus order length
Raw linear feet are the geometric coverage result. The order length adds only the percentage you entered. Keeping both visible makes it easier to spot double-counted waste and to explain the estimate to a supplier.
When another calculator fits better
Use the freight page for trailer floor space, the board-foot page for lumber volume, and a project-specific takeoff for decks, walls, or framing. Those jobs need geometry that this width conversion does not ask for.
If you have shape dimensions instead of an area total, measure square footage first, then convert that known area to a length using the required material width here.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate lineal feet?
For material coverage, multiply square feet by 12 and divide by the exposed face width in inches. If you already measured separate straight runs, convert each to feet and add them instead.
How many linear feet is a 10x10?
A 10 by 10 rectangle has a 40 linear ft perimeter and a 100 area. Converting that 100 area to material length still requires the material's exposed width.
What is 12 in linear feet?
A straight 12 length is 12 linear ft. The word linear clarifies that the measurement is length rather than area or volume.
Can I convert square feet to linear feet without a width?
No. Area can be covered by different running lengths when material widths differ, so the exposed width is required to make the conversion unique.