Linear Feet to Square Feet Calculator
Convert material length into total surface area
Calculated Square Footage:
How to Calculate Square Feet from Linear Feet
Calculating square feet from linear feet is a common task when ordering materials like decking boards, hardwood flooring, or trim. While linear feet measures length in a straight line, square feet measures the total surface area.
The Basic Formula
To convert linear feet to square feet, you must know the width of the board or material in inches. The formula is:
Square Feet = (Linear Feet × Width in Inches) / 12
Step-by-Step Example
Imagine you have 150 linear feet of decking boards, and each board is 6 inches wide.
- Identify Linear Feet: 150 ft.
- Identify Width: 6 inches.
- Convert Width to Feet: 6 inches ÷ 12 = 0.5 feet.
- Multiply: 150 linear feet × 0.5 feet = 75 square feet.
Accounting for Waste
When purchasing materials, it is standard practice to add a "waste factor" (usually 5% to 10%) to account for cutting errors, knots in wood, or irregular room shapes. Our calculator allows you to input this percentage to ensure you order enough material for your project.