Linear feet refer to the length of an item, without width considerations. In contrast, square feet measure the area of a space. Converting from linear to square feet is often necessary in projects requiring area coverage, such as laying out turf or installing flooring.
This calculator helps in:
- Estimating materials accurately.
- Saving time on manual calculations.
- Reducing waste by purchasing the correct amount of materials.
Formula of Linear Square Foot Calculator
Converting Linear Feet to Square Feet
To convert measurements from linear feet to square feet when you know the width of the material, use:
- Square footage = Length (in feet) x Width (in feet)
For example, for a room that is 20 feet long and 15 feet wide:
- Square footage = 20 ft x 15 ft = 300 square feet
Converting Area to Length
If you know the total area and the width of the space, you can find the length required using:
- Length = Area ÷ Width
Using the previous example, if the area is 300 square feet and the width is 15 feet:
- Length = 300 sq ft ÷ 15 ft = 20 feet
Conversion Table for Common Measurements
The following table simplifies conversions for commonly used measurements with a standard width of 10 feet:
| Length (feet) | Square Footage (sq ft) |
|---|---|
| 5 | 50 |
| 10 | 100 |
| 15 | 150 |
| 20 | 200 |
| 25 | 250 |
Use this table to quickly find the square footage without performing manual calculations.
Example of Linear Square Foot Calculator
Consider installing carpet in a room that is 12 feet wide and 18 feet long. To find out how much carpet is needed in square feet:
- Calculate Square Footage:
- Square footage = Length x Width = 18 ft x 12 ft = 216 square feet
This calculation shows that you would need 216 square feet of carpet.
Most Common FAQs
Linear feet measure length and do not account for width, while square feet measure the area of a space. For instance, a board that is 10 feet long and 1 foot wide covers 10 linear feet but 10 square feet.
Adjust the width in the formula accordingly. If the width varies, use the average width of the space to get an approximate area:
If the width ranges from 12 to 14 feet, use 13 feet as the width in your calculations.
This calculator is versatile but best suited for straightforward projects involving simple shapes. Complex projects or those requiring intricate measurements should be double-checked with a professional to ensure accuracy.