Instantly convert between square feet and linear feet for lumber, flooring, siding, and fencing. Know exactly how much material to buy with built-in waste factors.
10% for straight cuts, 15-20% for angles/patterns
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Decking, framing
Hardwood, LVP
Lap siding
Baseboards, crown
Rolled goods
Privacy fence
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Every calculator is reviewed by certified professionals to ensure accuracy.David Chen's Master Mason, Licensed GC certification ensures professional-grade precision.
| Material Width | Linear Feet | +10% Waste | 8' Boards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5" (1×4) | 343 | 377 | 48 |
| 5.5" (1×6) | 218 | 240 | 30 |
| 7.25" (1×8) | 166 | 182 | 23 |
| 9.25" (1×10) | 130 | 143 | 18 |
| 11.25" (1×12) | 107 | 117 | 15 |
How do you convert sq ft to linear ft?
Divide square feet by the material width in feet. Example: 500 sq ft ÷ 0.5 ft (6") = 1,000 linear feet.
What's the difference between sq ft and linear ft?
Square feet = area (L × W). Linear feet = length only. You need both to calculate material quantities.
How many linear feet in 100 sq ft?
Depends on width. 6" boards: 200 LF. 12" material: 100 LF. Always divide by width in feet.
How do I account for waste?
Add 10% for straight runs, 15-20% for diagonal patterns or rooms with many corners and obstacles.
This calculator converts between area measurements (square feet) and length measurements (linear feet) based on the width of your material. Since lumber, flooring, and siding are sold by length but you need to cover an area, this conversion is essential for accurate material ordering. We include a waste factor to account for cuts, mistakes, and pattern matching.
Formulas
Linear Feet = Square Feet ÷ Width (in feet)
Square Feet = Linear Feet × Width (in feet)