Linear Feet to Square Feet Converter
Convert between linear feet and square feet by entering your measurements below.
Result:
Quick Tips:
- Linear feet measures length only (one-dimensional)
- Square feet measures area (two-dimensional: length × width)
- For flooring, borders, and trim, knowing both measurements is essential
Linear Feet to Square Feet Conversion Table
Linear Feet | Width (inches) | Square Feet |
---|---|---|
10 | 3 | 2.50 |
10 | 6 | 5.00 |
10 | 12 | 10.00 |
20 | 3 | 5.00 |
20 | 6 | 10.00 |
20 | 12 | 20.00 |
50 | 3 | 12.50 |
50 | 6 | 25.00 |
50 | 12 | 50.00 |
100 | 3 | 25.00 |
100 | 6 | 50.00 |
100 | 12 | 100.00 |
Understanding Linear Feet and Square Feet
What is Linear Footage?
Linear footage (LF) is a measurement of length in feet. It is a one-dimensional measurement that only accounts for the length of an object, regardless of its width or height. Linear feet are commonly used for measuring materials like trim, baseboards, and borders.
What is Square Footage?
Square footage (SF) is a measurement of area in square feet. It is a two-dimensional measurement that accounts for both length and width. Square feet are commonly used for measuring flooring, wall coverings, and other surface areas.
Conversion Formulas
Linear Feet to Square Feet Formula:
Square Feet = Linear Feet × Width (in feet)
If your width is in inches, you need to convert it to feet first by dividing by 12.
Width (in feet) = Width (in inches) ÷ 12
Square Feet to Linear Feet Formula:
Linear Feet = Square Feet ÷ Width (in feet)
Again, if your width is in inches, convert it to feet first.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Calculating Square Feet from Linear Feet
You need to install a 6-inch wide border around a room, and you've measured that you need 40 linear feet of material. How many square feet of material should you purchase?
Step 1: Convert the width from inches to feet: 6 inches ÷ 12 = 0.5 feet
Step 2: Calculate the square footage: 40 linear feet × 0.5 feet = 20 square feet
You would need to purchase 20 square feet of material for your border.
Example 2: Calculating Linear Feet from Square Feet
You want to install hardwood flooring in a 200 square foot room. The hardwood planks are 5 inches wide. How many linear feet of flooring will you need?
Step 1: Convert the width from inches to feet: 5 inches ÷ 12 = 0.4167 feet
Step 2: Calculate the linear footage: 200 square feet ÷ 0.4167 feet = 480 linear feet
You would need approximately 480 linear feet of hardwood flooring.