body {
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
line-height: 1.6;
color: #333;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
padding: 20px;
}
.calculator-container {
background-color: #f8f9fa;
border: 1px solid #e9ecef;
border-radius: 8px;
padding: 30px;
margin-bottom: 40px;
box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
}
.calculator-title {
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 25px;
color: #2c3e50;
}
.input-group {
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.input-group label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 8px;
font-weight: 600;
color: #495057;
}
.input-group input {
width: 100%;
padding: 12px;
border: 1px solid #ced4da;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
box-sizing: border-box;
}
.input-group input:focus {
border-color: #007bff;
outline: none;
box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(0,123,255,0.25);
}
.calc-btn {
display: block;
width: 100%;
padding: 14px;
background-color: #28a745;
color: white;
border: none;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: bold;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background-color 0.2s;
}
.calc-btn:hover {
background-color: #218838;
}
.results-area {
margin-top: 30px;
padding-top: 20px;
border-top: 2px solid #dee2e6;
display: none;
}
.result-row {
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
align-items: center;
margin-bottom: 15px;
padding: 10px;
background: #fff;
border-radius: 4px;
border: 1px solid #dee2e6;
}
.result-label {
font-weight: 600;
color: #555;
}
.result-value {
font-size: 1.25em;
font-weight: bold;
color: #2c3e50;
}
.highlight {
background-color: #e8f5e9;
border-color: #c3e6cb;
}
.highlight .result-value {
color: #28a745;
}
.error-msg {
color: #dc3545;
text-align: center;
margin-top: 10px;
display: none;
}
.article-content h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
border-bottom: 2px solid #eee;
padding-bottom: 10px;
margin-top: 40px;
}
.article-content h3 {
color: #34495e;
margin-top: 25px;
}
.article-content p {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.article-content ul {
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.article-content li {
margin-bottom: 8px;
}
.example-box {
background-color: #e3f2fd;
padding: 20px;
border-radius: 8px;
border-left: 5px solid #2196f3;
margin: 20px 0;
}
function calculateLinearFeet() {
// Get input values using var
var sqFtInput = document.getElementById('sqFtInput');
var widthInput = document.getElementById('boardWidthInput');
var wasteInput = document.getElementById('wasteInput');
var priceInput = document.getElementById('priceInput');
var errorDisplay = document.getElementById('errorDisplay');
var resultsArea = document.getElementById('resultsArea');
var baseResult = document.getElementById('baseResult');
var totalResult = document.getElementById('totalResult');
var costRow = document.getElementById('costRow');
var costResult = document.getElementById('costResult');
// Reset error
errorDisplay.style.display = 'none';
// Parse values
var areaSqFt = parseFloat(sqFtInput.value);
var widthInches = parseFloat(widthInput.value);
var wastePercent = parseFloat(wasteInput.value) || 0;
var pricePerLF = parseFloat(priceInput.value) || 0;
// Validation logic
if (isNaN(areaSqFt) || areaSqFt <= 0) {
errorDisplay.innerText = "Please enter a valid positive number for the Total Area.";
errorDisplay.style.display = 'block';
return;
}
if (isNaN(widthInches) || widthInches 0) {
totalCost = totalLinearFeet * pricePerLF;
costRow.style.display = 'flex';
costResult.innerText = '$' + totalCost.toFixed(2);
} else {
costRow.style.display = 'none';
}
// Update DOM Output
baseResult.innerText = linearFeetBase.toFixed(2) + " LF";
totalResult.innerText = totalLinearFeet.toFixed(2) + " LF";
// Show results
resultsArea.style.display = 'block';
}
Understanding Square Foot to Linear Foot Conversions
Whether you are installing hardwood flooring, decking, or siding, purchasing materials often requires converting the total area (Square Footage) into the total length of boards required (Linear Footage). While square footage measures a two-dimensional area, linear footage measures the length of the material in a straight line, regardless of its width.
Why Convert Square Feet to Linear Feet?
Most construction materials are sold by the linear foot, even if the project is measured in square feet. For example, lumber yards sell decking boards by length (8′, 10′, 12′ boards), but your deck is measured as a 200 sq ft area. This calculator bridges that gap by accounting for the specific width of the material you are installing.
The Conversion Formula
The math behind converting square feet to linear feet is relatively straightforward, but it requires consistent units. Since board width is usually measured in inches and area in feet, you must first convert the width.
The Formula:
Linear Feet = Square Footage ÷ (Board Width in Inches ÷ 12)
Practical Example: Decking
Let's say you are building a deck that is 300 square feet. You plan to use standard decking boards that are 6 inches wide.
- Convert width to feet: 6 inches ÷ 12 = 0.5 feet.
- Divide area by width: 300 sq ft ÷ 0.5 ft = 600 Linear Feet.
If you factor in 10% for waste, you would need to order 660 Linear Feet.
Importance of the Waste Factor
In construction, "exact" is rarely enough. You will inevitably have cut-offs, mistakes, or defective boards. Standard industry practice suggests adding:
- 5-7% for simple, rectangular rooms or straight decking patterns.
- 10-15% for rooms with angles, curves, or diagonal installation patterns.
This calculator includes a dedicated field for waste percentage to ensure you don't run short on materials halfway through your project.
Common Board Widths
When measuring your board width, ensure you measure the exposed face width, not the nominal width, especially for tongue-and-groove flooring.
- 2 ¼" – Common for traditional strip oak flooring.
- 3 ¼" to 5″ – Standard plank flooring sizes.
- 5 ½" – Actual width of a nominal 6″ decking board.
Using this Calculator for Pricing
Materials are often priced per linear foot rather than per square foot. By entering the Price per Linear Foot in the optional field above, you can instantly estimate the total material cost for your project. This is particularly useful when comparing lumber options (e.g., Cedar vs. Composite) where pricing structures differ.