Linear Feet Calculator
Add up multiple length measurements in different units and get your total in linear feet, inches, yards, and meters.
Common Linear Feet Estimates
What is a Linear Feet Calculator?
A linear feet calculator helps you add up multiple length measurements — potentially in different units — and converts the total to linear feet along with other common units. Linear feet (also called lineal feet) is simply a measurement of length in feet, without regard to width or height. It's the standard unit used when purchasing materials like fencing, decking boards, trim, piping, wire, and more. This calculator lets you enter as many line items as you need, mix units freely (feet, inches, yards, meters), label each measurement, and see a running total instantly. Everything runs in your browser with no data sent anywhere.
How to Use the Linear Feet Calculator
- Add measurements: Enter a length value and select the unit (feet, inches, yards, or meters) for each item.
- Label items (optional): Add labels like "North fence" or "Kitchen baseboard" to keep track of what each measurement is for.
- Add more rows: Click "+ Add Item" to add as many measurements as you need.
- Read the total: The calculator shows the combined total in linear feet, plus conversions to inches, yards, and meters.
Features
- Multi-row input: Add unlimited measurement rows — perfect for complex projects with many segments.
- Mixed units: Enter some measurements in feet, others in inches or meters — the calculator handles the conversion.
- Labels: Optionally name each row to keep your measurements organized.
- 4-unit output: Total shown in linear feet, inches, yards, and meters simultaneously.
- Common estimates: Reference table showing typical linear footage for fencing, decking, trim, and more.
- No signup or ads: Completely free, private, and instant.
Use Cases
- Fencing: Measure each side of your yard and get the total linear feet of fencing to order.
- Decking: Add up board lengths for each section of a deck to calculate total decking material.
- Trim & molding: Measure each wall segment for baseboard, crown molding, or chair rail and get the total.
- Piping & conduit: Calculate total pipe runs for plumbing, electrical conduit, or irrigation.
- Wire & cable: Add up cable runs between outlets, panels, and equipment for accurate ordering.
- Landscaping: Calculate edging, border materials, or garden bed perimeters.
Tips & Tricks
- Use labels to create a material list you can reference at the store.
- Add a 10% waste row at the end to account for cuts and mistakes.
- For irregular spaces, break each wall or section into its own row.
- Use the Square Feet to Linear Feet Calculator if you need to convert area to linear footage.
Linear Feet Calculator vs Alternatives
Unlike generic unit converters, this tool is designed for multi-item linear footage calculations. You can enter multiple measurements in mixed units, label them, and see a combined total — something that typically requires a spreadsheet. It's purpose-built for construction and home improvement projects, runs instantly in your browser, and requires no signup or downloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a linear foot?
A linear foot (or lineal foot) is simply one foot of length measured in a straight line. Unlike square feet (area) or cubic feet (volume), it only measures one dimension — length.
Is a linear foot the same as a regular foot?
Yes. "Linear foot" just emphasizes that you're measuring length only, without regard to width or thickness. 1 linear foot = 1 foot = 12 inches.
How do I convert inches to linear feet?
Divide the number of inches by 12. For example, 66 inches ÷ 12 = 5.5 linear feet. This calculator does this automatically when you select "inches" as the unit.
How many linear feet are in a yard?
There are 3 linear feet in 1 yard. To convert yards to linear feet, multiply by 3.
Can I mix different units in my measurements?
Yes! Each row has its own unit selector. You can enter some lengths in feet, others in inches, yards, or meters, and the calculator converts everything to linear feet for the total.
How do I calculate linear feet for fencing?
Measure each side of the area you want to fence in feet (or any unit), enter each side as a separate row, and the calculator gives you the total linear feet of fencing needed.
What's the difference between linear feet and square feet?
Linear feet measures length only (1D), while square feet measures area (length × width, 2D). You need our Sq Ft to Linear Ft calculator if you want to convert between them.
Related Tools
Convert area to length with the Square Feet to Linear Feet Calculator, or check out the Date Duration Calculator for project timeline planning.