In most instances, the term "foot" refers to a linear foot. A linear foot is equal to 12 inches, or 1 foot. It isn't necessary to convert feet to linear feet because they are one and the same. If a board is 5 feet long, it is 5 linear feet. The term linear only applies to units of measure that are a straight line. Lumber, vinyl, fabric and fencing are typically measured in linear feet. Only the length is measured. Width is irrelevant for linear measurements.
Calculate Linear Feet
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Step 1
Make sure that the item you are measuring is a straight line.
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Step 2
Measure the length of your item in inches. Do not include the width of your item in your measurement because the width is not relevant to linear feet.
Step 3
Convert the inches to feet by dividing the total number of inches by 12. The result is equal to the linear feet of your item.