Linear Foot

What is a Linear Foot?

A linear foot is a measurement of length in a straight line, equal to 12 inches or 1 foot. Unlike square feet (which measure area) or cubic feet (which measure volume), linear feet measure only length or distance.

Linear feet are essential for estimating and pricing materials that are sold by length rather than area or volume.

Common Linear Foot Applications

Materials Sold by Linear Foot

• Trim and molding: Baseboards, crown molding, window casing
• Lumber: 2×4s, 2×6s, and other dimensional lumber
• Piping: Plumbing pipes, electrical conduit, gas lines
• Fencing: Fence boards, rails, and posts
• Gutters: Seamless gutters and downspouts
• Concrete curbing: Decorative borders and edging

Pricing Examples

• Crown molding: $3-$15 per linear foot
• Baseboard installation: $2-$8 per linear foot
• Chain link fencing: $8-$25 per linear foot
• Seamless gutters: $4-$12 per linear foot

Measuring Linear Feet

Basic Measurement

Simply measure the length of the item or run in feet and inches, then convert to decimal feet if needed.

Examples

• Room perimeter: 12 ft + 10 ft + 12 ft + 10 ft = 44 linear feet of baseboard
• Fence line: 150 feet of property line = 150 linear feet of fencing
• Pipe run: Kitchen to water heater = 25 linear feet of supply line

Converting Measurements

• Inches to feet: Divide by 12 (36 inches = 3 linear feet)
• Yards to feet: Multiply by 3 (5 yards = 15 linear feet)

Calculating Material Needs

Account for Waste

Always add extra material for cuts, mistakes, and future repairs:

• Trim work: Add 10-15% for cuts and waste
• Plumbing/electrical: Add 5-10% for connections and routing
• Fencing: Add 5% for post spacing adjustments

Standard Material Lengths

Lumber: Commonly sold in 8-foot, 10-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot lengths Trim: Usually 8-foot, 12-foot, or 16-foot pieces Pipe: Standard lengths vary by material (10-foot, 20-foot sections)

Linear Foot vs. Other Measurements

Linear Foot vs. Square Foot

• Linear foot: Length only (trim around a room)
• Square foot: Length × width (flooring for a room)

Linear Foot vs. Board Foot

• Linear foot: Just the length of lumber
• Board foot: Considers thickness, width, and length for volume

Linear Foot vs. Running Foot

These terms are often used interchangeably and mean the same thing.

Industry Applications

Carpentry and Trim Work

• Measuring for baseboards, chair rails, crown molding
• Calculating lumber needs for framing projects
• Estimating deck railing and stair components

Plumbing and Electrical

• Measuring pipe runs for rough-in work
• Calculating conduit needs for electrical installations
• Estimating wire and cable requirements

Landscaping

• Measuring for edging, curbing, and borders
• Calculating fence and railing installations
• Planning irrigation line runs

Pricing Strategies

Per Linear Foot Pricing

Many contractors price services by linear foot for consistency:

• Includes material cost + labor + markup
• Accounts for complexity and access factors
• Provides clear pricing structure for clients

Bulk Pricing Considerations

• Longer runs often have lower per-foot pricing
• Minimum charges may apply for small jobs
• Complex installations command higher per-foot rates

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to Measure All Runs: Missing areas like closets, alcoves, or behind doors.

Not Accounting for Obstacles: Failing to add extra length for routing around obstacles.

Incorrect Unit Conversion: Mixing up measurements between inches, feet, and yards.

Insufficient Waste Factor: Not ordering enough extra material for cuts and errors.

Measurement Tips

• Use a quality measuring tape for accuracy
• Measure twice, cut once - verify all measurements
• Mark measurements clearly on plans or sketches
• Round up to the nearest foot when in doubt
• Consider material lengths available when calculating needs