Linear Foot
Definition
A linear foot (also called lineal foot) is a measurement of length equal to 12 inches or one foot, with no consideration of width or thickness. It is the most common measurement for pricing and ordering dimensional lumber, trim, molding, fencing, countertops, and piping. Unlike board feet (which measure volume) or square feet (which measure area), a linear foot measures only one dimension. For example, a 10-linear-foot section of baseboard trim at $2.50/LF costs $25.00 regardless of the trim's width or thickness.
Why is Linear Foot Important?
For homeowners, contractors, and DIY builders across the United States, understanding Linear Foot is essential to accurate material estimation and cost planning. Whether you are pouring a concrete driveway, framing a deck, or calculating roofing materials, mastering this concept helps prevent costly over-ordering or project delays from material shortages.
Our free construction calculators leverage this concept to provide instant, accurate estimates โ saving hours of manual measurement and arithmetic while ensuring your project stays on budget.
What is a Linear Foot?
A linear foot (often written as LF, lin ft, or lineal foot) is a measurement of length only โ exactly 12 inches or one foot โ without any consideration of width, thickness, or height. It is the most straightforward and commonly used measurement in construction for ordering and pricing materials that come in long strips or pieces.
Linear Foot vs Other Measurements
| Unit | Measures | Dimensions | Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear Foot | Length only | 1D | Trim, fencing, countertops, piping, lumber |
| Square Foot | Area | 2D (L ร W) | Flooring, roofing, painting, siding |
| Board Foot | Volume (lumber) | 3D (T ร W ร L) | Hardwood lumber pricing |
| Cubic Foot | Volume | 3D (L ร W ร H) | Soil, concrete (when converted to ydยณ) |
Materials Commonly Priced Per Linear Foot
| Material | Typical Price/LF (2024) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baseboard trim | $0.75โ$3.50 | MDF cheapest, hardwood most expensive |
| Crown molding | $1.50โ$8.00 | Price varies dramatically by profile/material |
| Countertop (laminate) | $10โ$30 | Installed price for 25" depth standard |
| Countertop (granite) | $50โ$150 | Depends heavily on stone selection |
| Chain-link fence | $8โ$18 | 4-ft height, installed |
| Wood privacy fence | $15โ$35 | 6-ft height, installed |
| Vinyl fence | $20โ$40 | 6-ft privacy, installed |
| Gutter (aluminum) | $6โ$12 | 5" K-style, installed |
| PVC pipe (1") | $0.50โ$2.00 | Schedule 40, material only |
| 2ร4 lumber (SPF) | $0.40โ$0.80 | Varies with lumber market conditions |
Converting Linear Feet to Square Feet
Formula: Square Feet = Linear Feet ร Width (in feet)
This conversion is essential when you need to determine area coverage from linear material:
- 100 LF of 6"-wide baseboard = 100 ร 0.5 = 50 sq ft of wood surface to paint/stain
- 50 LF of 2-ft-wide countertop = 50 ร 2 = 100 sq ft of counter surface
- 200 LF of 6-ft-tall fence = 200 ร 6 = 1,200 sq ft of fence area (for staining)