“Linear feet” might sound like an obscure construction site term that’s only relevant when hearing it spoken aloud; but when it’s your turn to measure for new flooring, fencing, or fabric–panic sets in.
“How can I begin calculating linear feet?”
Don’t stress – all it takes to build something is a tape measure, some common sense and possibly an online scientific calculator to double-check your numbers – that’s it!
Grab some coffee, take a seat, and let’s navigate this process the easy way–storytelling style – exactly the way real people learn.
As we begin this journey of real-life stories, meet Laura: the Queen of the Craft Room. Laura is a home decor enthusiast eager to upgrade her craft room with shelves.
She wants clean lines and symmetry in her space, yet when the home improvement store employee asks: “How many linear feet of shelving do you require?”, it hits a roadblock.
Laura hesitates, thinking for a moment: “Uhh… All I know is I want something along this wall and maybe one small space over here.
After realizing she knew nothing of what a “linear foot” is, she set about learning it the fun way.
So What Is a Linear Foot?
Let’s make this as clear and straightforward as possible. Let’s break this down:
Consider a linear foot as a measure of length in one direction only; its measurement is 12 inches just like any regular foot but its name “linear” signifies we’re only measuring one direction of distance–no height nor width are considered when taking this measurement.
Imagine laying an inch ruler across the length of a wall; if it takes 10 of them from one end of it to another, that wall measures 10 linear feet long – simple?
Laura measures her wall and finds out it measures 12 feet, so 12 linear feet of shelving would be necessary on that side of it.
She writes it down and uses her free scientific calculator just to be sure she doesn’t lose it–then is off and running.
Real-Life Linear Feet Moments (You Have Experienced These)
Without realizing it, we may have all been using linear feet without even realizing it! Let’s look back on some instances in which they may have come into use:
Furniture Arranging:
Wondering if that dream couch fits with your wall? Measure its length using linear feet; if your couch measures 7 feet long compared to 9-foot wall space, congratulations–there is room enough for both! And even space for an optional side table!
Fencing Your Backyard:
Fencing can be purchased per linear foot. Once you measure your backyard perimeter, this number should be given to your supplier instead of considering height or thickness considerations.
Buying Fabric or Trim:
Are You Crafting, Sewing or Upholstering a Bench? Fabric can be bought by the yard but measured linear foot when cut to size – simply line up your tape measure before cutting!
Calculators Can Come in Handy
Now let’s tackle those moments when math becomes challenging.
Consider Laura who needs shelves along two walls–one 12 feet, the other 9.5 feet–to make the whole shelf seamless, so she adds:
12 + 9.5 = 21.5 linear feet
Simple addition should not be complicated; but when she wants five rows of shelving across both walls, her brain goes blank and so she takes to using an online scientific calculator free to calculate. After entering all her numbers into it, the calculator prints out:
She required 107.5 linear feet of shelving, total. No complicated formulas or calls to stores needed – just real world problem-solving!
TIP for Construction-Site Tip: Don’t Forget “Wiggle Room”
In building, taking precise measurements can often cause headaches due to walls that aren’t always straight, corner kinks occurring, and materials not meeting specifications perfectly. So it is essential not to forget allowing some room for “wiggle” when measuring exact-to-the-inch measurements.
Pros often add 10% extra linear feet totals as a buffer zone should a cut go wrong or they need to overlap materials.
So when Laura gets a total of 107.5, she multiplies it by 1.10 using her online scientific calculator:
She rounds up and orders 120 linear feet. Crisis averted. Leftover wood becomes an eye-catching book rack! Win-win situation!
As it pertains to flooring or paneling projects, many individuals become confused between linear feet and square feet. Let’s dispel this confusion! (Read on)
Here’s the difference: Long feet = how far something extends.
Square Feet Equals the Area.
If you’re measuring just borders, trims or strips of material – then linear feet is where it all lies.
If you are covering surfaces like floors and walls, such as an attic or basement floor, then square footage becomes part of the equation. (Be sure to have your online scientific calculator ready if this becomes necessary.) If this becomes the case for you, remember to keep a scientific calculator handy and update its calculations regularly.)
But for now, let’s keep it straightforward and straightforward – literally.
But What If the Line Isn’t Straight?
Let’s veer off course for a second and consider Laura who wants to wrap LED strip lights around a round mirror; though her measurements must still include rounding off its shape.
Knowing about Finding Circumference becomes particularly useful here: by measuring across a mirror’s diameter (i.e. its circumference), one can calculate how far around it extends.
As this measurement is still linear when unwrapped, she will order LED strip based on linear feet even though its circumference encloses a circle.
Yes, a free scientific calculator can also help with circumference measurements – simply enter them and watch the magic happen!)
Pro Tips for Accurate Measuring of Linear Feet
Use a sturdy tape measure. Soft ones should be suitable for sewing projects while harder tape measures should be utilized during construction work.
Maintain a writing log as soon as you take measurements – always.
Make sure to double-check when calculating the total length for multiple items.
Allow for errors, cuts and design changes by leaving enough margin for error and adjustment.
Use a calculator. From mobile apps to online scientific calculators free, tech can assist in helping to prevent mental math mistakes and save time by helping avoid mental math errors.
Free Tools That Simplify Linear Math
Are You New to DIY or an Experienced Contractor?
Here Are Tools That Will Simplify Linear Math
Online Scientific Calculator
Ideal for quick totals, conversions and verification of numbers. Perfect if your measurements include decimals or multiply multiple sections simultaneously.
HomeZada and Planner 5D offer apps with built-in measurement tools and visual references for home upgrades or furniture layouts, providing helpful visual guides.
Measurement Converters Are You Needing to Convert Inches into Feet or Metric to Imperial? Free online converters make this possible without flipping through charts!
Wrap Up: Why Linear Feet Are Important
Linear feet might sound complex but are in fact straightforward.
Use it when: [b]Building a garden fence
Lining bookshelves with LED lights […] and [c]Creating LED light strips in a bookshelf or shelf linings containing books.
How to Select Crown Molding for Ceiling
Installing railing on your deck is the solution to giving it that added touch.
Framing an Art Piece
Here’s the truth of it all: you may already be using linear feet without realizing it! They have become part of everyday life without you even realizing it.
Now that you understand, you are prepared to undertake any DIY or professional project with confidence and clarity – and perhaps even with some excitement!
Next time someone mentions linear feet, simply smile and answer:
“Don’t worry; this will all work out.” “Let me get my tape and calculator.”
Bonus Tip: Feeling uncertain? Grab a piece of string, measure it against whatever material you’re working with, then measure that string against a ruler for easy results with no math required!
Real-world measurements don’t need to be exact – they should instead focus on being practical.
