The #1 Guide: How To Get Linear Feet Accurately & Fast

You are starting a new home project. Maybe you are building a fence. Or you are putting up new trim. You go to the store. You look at the wood. Then you see the words “linear feet.” This can be a confusing moment. It makes many people ask, how to get linear feet? It sounds hard, but it is very simple. It is the key to buying the right amount of stuff for your job.

This guide will be your number one source for this topic. We will show you just what a linear foot is. We will also give you a full plan to measure it fast and right. Also, we will cover the simple tools you need. We will talk about mistakes to not make. By the end, you will have a clear idea of linear feet. You will be able to do any home project with a sure mind. You will know you are buying the right amount of stuff every time.

More in Home & Garden Category

What Is Polyethylene Terephthalate

How to Get Rid of Air Conditioner

How to Get Rid of Mold in Air Ducts

What Exactly Are Linear Feet?

The first step is to know what linear feet really means. The word “linear” is a big clue. It just means in a straight line. So, a linear foot is a measure of length. It is just a normal foot, like on a tape measure.

It is a way to measure from end to end. The width or thickness of the object does not matter. We only care about its length.

How is a linear foot different from a regular foot?

This is a great question. The truth is, they are the same length. One linear foot is 12 inches. It is the same as a normal foot. The word “linear” just makes it clear. It tells you that you are only measuring the length.

Think of it this way. If you have a piece of wood that is 8 feet long, you have 8 linear feet of wood. It is that simple. You do not need to do any hard math.

Why don’t you need to worry about width or thickness?

You often buy things like wood or fences by the linear foot. This is because the width and thickness are already set. For example, a “2×4” piece of wood is always the same width and thickness. Only the length you buy changes.

So, the store uses “linear feet” to make it clear. They are asking you, “How long do you need it?” The width is not part of the question.

When are linear feet used in real life?

You will see the term linear feet used in many projects. It is very common in home repair and building.

Here are some common examples:

• Fencing: You need to know the linear feet of your yard to buy the right amount of fence.
• Baseboards: You measure the linear feet of your walls to know how much trim to buy.
• Lumber: When you buy boards for a deck, you buy them by the linear foot.
• Countertops: Kitchen counters are often sold by the linear foot.
• Fabric and Carpet: When you buy a roll of cloth or carpet, you often buy it by the linear foot.

Knowing how to get linear feet is a very useful skill for all these jobs.

What Tools Do You Need to Measure Linear Feet?

Good news! You do not need any fancy or costly tools. Measuring linear feet is a simple job. You likely already have all you need in your toolbox or a kitchen drawer.

Let’s look at the simple tools that will make this job easy.

Why is a simple tape measure your best friend?

A normal tape measure is the most key tool for this job. It is perfect for almost any time. A good tape measure is easy to read. It has clear marks for feet and inches.

A 25-foot tape measure is a great choice for most home projects. It is long enough to measure most rooms. It is also small enough to carry with ease.

Can you use a laser measure for long distances?

Yes, a laser measure is another great tool. It is a big help for measuring long, straight lines. You just point the laser at the far wall. It then tells you the distance.

A laser measure can cost a bit more than a tape measure. But it can be a great time-saver. It is good if you are measuring a large space or a long fence line.

What about using a measuring wheel for outdoor projects?

A measuring wheel is a tool that you roll on the ground. It has a counter that tells you the distance. This is a great tool for measuring long, curved, or bumpy lines outside.

If you are trying to find the linear feet for a garden edge or a winding path, a measuring wheel is the perfect tool for the job.

How to get linear feet without any tools?

What if you are at the store and do not have a tape measure? You can still get a rough guess.

• Use Your Own Feet: The average man’s shoe is about one foot long. You can walk heel-to-toe to get a rough idea of the length.
• Use Your Arm Span: The distance from your fingertips on one hand to the other is about the same as your height.
• Use a Dollar Bill: A U.S. dollar bill is about 6 inches long. Two of them make about one foot.

These ways are not exact. But they can be helpful if you just need a quick guess.

How to Get Linear Feet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now you know what linear feet are. You also have your tools ready. It is time to start measuring. The steps are simple. But it is key to be careful and get it right.

We will break it down into a few simple steps. These steps will work for almost any project.

Step 1: How to get linear feet for a single, straight object?

This is the easiest measure. You are just measuring one straight line.

1. Take your tape measure.
2. Place the end of the tape at one end of the thing.
3. Pull the tape to the other end of the thing.
4. Read the number on the tape.

That is it! If the thing is 10 feet long, you have 10 linear feet.

Step 2: How to get linear feet for a room’s perimeter?

This is a very common job. You need to do this for jobs like putting in baseboards. You are just measuring the total length of all the walls.

1. Measure the length of the first wall. Write it down.
2. Measure the length of the second wall. Write it down.
3. Do this for all the walls in the room.
4. Then, add all the numbers together.

The total is the number of linear feet you need. For example, if you have a square room that is 10 feet by 10 feet, you have four walls. Each wall is 10 feet long. So, you would need 40 linear feet of baseboard.

Step 3: How to get linear feet for an irregular shape?

What if you are measuring something that is not a simple square or a straight line? The trick is to break it down into smaller, straight lines.

Think about measuring for a garden edge around a flower bed with curves. You can use a string to follow the curve. Then, you can make the string straight and measure its length. This is a great way to handle shapes that are not straight.

Step 4: How to get linear feet when buying materials?

When you are at the store, you will use your total linear feet number to buy your stuff. If you need 40 linear feet of baseboard, you have a few choices.

You might buy four 10-foot boards. Or you might buy two 16-foot boards and one 8-foot board. You just need to make sure the total length of the boards you buy is at least the amount you need. It is always a good idea to buy a little extra.

How to Convert Other Measurements to Linear Feet

Sometimes your numbers are in a different unit. You might have inches, yards, or even square feet. It is key to know how to change these to linear feet.

This easy math helps you get your numbers right.

How do you convert inches to linear feet?

This is a very common change. There are 12 inches in one foot. So, to change inches to feet, you just divide the number of inches by 12.

• Example: If you have a board that is 72 inches long, you would do 72 / 12 = 6. So, you have 6 linear feet.

How do you convert yards to linear feet?

There are 3 feet in one yard. So, to change yards to feet, you just multiply the number of yards by 3.

• Example: If your fence line is 20 yards long, you would do 20 x 3 = 60. So, you need 60 linear feet of fencing.

What about converting square feet to linear feet?

This is a harder question. Square feet is a measure of area (length times width). Linear feet is just a measure of length. You cannot change square feet to linear feet without more info.

You need to know the width of the material. For example, if you have a deck that is 100 square feet, you need to know the width of the deck boards you are using. This will help you find the total linear feet you need. This is a key part of how to get linear feet.

Why is understanding these conversions so important?

Knowing these simple changes is key. It helps you speak the same language as the hardware store. When you can talk about linear feet with a sure mind, you will have a much easier time buying the right stuff.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring

Measuring for a project is a key step. A small mistake can cause big problems later. You might waste money on too much stuff. Or you might not have enough to finish the job.

Here are some common mistakes to not make.

Why shouldn’t you forget to account for waste?

This is a huge one. When you are cutting things like wood or trim, you will always have some waste. You will have small leftover pieces. You also might make a bad cut and have to start over.

A good rule is to always add 10% to your total linear feet number. This is called the “waste factor.” This extra stuff will give you a safety net.

How does not measuring twice lead to errors?

There is an old saying: “Measure twice, cut once.” This is very good advice. It is very easy to make a small mistake when you are reading a tape measure.

Always check your numbers again before you write them down. This simple step can save you a lot of pain.

Are you mixing up linear feet with other measurements?

Make sure you are clear on what you are measuring. Remember, linear feet is just about length. Do not get it mixed up with square feet (area) or cubic feet (volume).

Knowing the change between these terms is key. For more on this, you can look at school resources, like this guide on basic construction math from the University of Kentucky Extension.

Putting It All Together: Real-World Examples

The best way to learn how to get linear feet is to see real examples. Let’s walk through the steps for a few common home projects.

These examples will show you how all the steps come together.

How to get linear feet for a new fence?

Let’s say you want to build a fence around your square backyard.

1. Measure the Sides: You go outside with your tape measure. You find that each of the four sides of your yard is 50 feet long.
2. Add Them Up: You add the four sides together: 50 + 50 + 50 + 50 = 200. You need 200 linear feet of fencing.
3. Account for Waste: You add 10% for waste. 10% of 200 is 20. So, you need a total of 220 linear feet.
4. Buy Your Materials: You go to the store and buy 220 linear feet of fence panels.

How to get linear feet for kitchen countertops?

You are getting new countertops. The store sells them by the linear foot.

1. Measure Each Section: You measure the length of each part of your counter. Let’s say you have one part that is 8 feet long and another that is 6 feet long.
2. Add Them Up: You add the two parts together: 8 + 6 = 14. You need 14 linear feet of counter material.
3. Talk to the Pros: For countertops, it is always best to have a pro do the final measures. But this gives you a good guess for your budget.

How to get linear feet for a garden border?

You want to put a nice edge around your curved flower bed.

1. Use a String or Hose: You take a long piece of string or a garden hose. You lay it down along the exact curve of your flower bed.
2. Straighten and Measure: You then pick up the string and make it straight. You use your tape measure to find the total length of the string. Let’s say it is 25 feet.
3. Add for Waste: You add 10% for waste. 10% of 25 is 2.5. So, you should buy about 28 linear feet of border material.

What is the Final Verdict on How to Get Linear Feet?

So, how to get linear feet? The final answer is that it is a simple and key skill for any home project. It is just a straight-line measure of length. With a simple tape measure and a little bit of care, you can do it with a sure mind.

It is a skill that will save you time, money, and pain.

What is the Most Important Thing to Remember?

The most key thing to remember is to measure twice and cut once. Always check your numbers again. And do not forget to add a little extra for waste.

What is the Best First Step to Take?

The best first step for any project is to make a clear plan. Draw a simple picture of what you are measuring. Write down all your numbers clearly.

How Can You Feel Good About Your Next Project?

You can feel good by being ready. The question of how to get linear feet is the first step to a good project. By learning this simple skill, you are giving yourself the power to make your home better.

FAQ – How To Get Linear Feet