What is a Linear Foot, and Why Do you Need to Know it?

By: ROS Team

If you have bought or sold a property, you might be familiar with the term “square foot.” But the term “linear foot” might not be as typical since it is not often used during discussions about house or apartment floor plans, and you might be curious what does linear foot mean.

A linear foot is a form of measurement used when securing a freight trailer for moving from one residence to the next, generally over long distances. Moving companies that use large freight trailers use linear feet to calculate the cost of transporting your belongings.

1- What is Linear Foot
2- Measuring in Linear Feet
3- Linear Foot vs Square Foot
4- Why it’s Important
5- How to Calculate

What is a Linear Foot?

You might be wondering how long is a linear foot. A linear foot is similar to a standard foot in that it is also equal to 12 inches (one foot). A linear foot differs slightly in that it measures the distance from point A to point B in a straight line. We most often use linear measurements when we travel—the mileage traveled by car can be converted to linear measurement. Another thing you might want to know is what is a linear foot in fencing? If you have a 6 meter high, 100-meter long fence, your fence is 100 meters linear.

One more common use of a linear foot measurement is sewing; the material purchased is measured in linear feet.

Measuring in Linear Feet:

One-dimensional measurement is described as linear. When you measure the length or width of a room, you measure the space from one corner to the other and note the measurement in linear feet. You can also use linear feet to measure a broken window pane. If you are pretty awed at how many inches in a linear foot, it still sounds like a linear foot. It measures 12 inches long and is spread over a straight or linear line.

Measuring in Linear Feet

Linear Foot vs Square Foot:

How many linear feet in a square foot? It may be one of the questions you want to be answered. While a linear foot is a one-dimensional measurement, a square foot is a two-dimensional measurement. A square foot is the result of two linear measurements. For example, when you want to calculate the area of the room. You must look for the length and width of the room. Let’s say 12 feet and 10 feet, respectively. The area of the room is then calculated by multiplying the room’s length by its width, resulting in a 120 square foot area for the room.

Why is the Linear Foot form of Measurement Important?

Some things are sold by linear feet when you go shopping, while others (like carpet or hardwood flooring, for instance) are sold in square feet. So, it’s a good idea to be familiar with both terms. Should you ever need to convert square feet to linear feet, divide by either the length or width measurement?

Measuring in linear feet is especially relevant when securing a freight trailer when moving. Moving companies usually charge by weight and distance, which means relocating over large spaces could become quite expensive. With that in mind, a cheaper option may be to book a freight trailer for your move.

how to measure linear feet — Image Source

Estimates to use freight trailers are based on linear feet. To find out how much space you would need, ask the company for more information. They usually have standard measurements for their freight trailers on hand.

The advantage of paying by linear foot is that you only have to pay for the space you need. On the contrary, when renting a truck or moving container, you have to pay for the whole area whether or not you need it.

There are other methods of measurement, such as cubic feet or square feet. But if you need to determine how much space you require in a freight trailer or how much building material you need, you just need to measure the linear length. The length or width will already be fixed.

In some instances, people might ask you how much is a linear foot. For example, in shipping, carriers try to calculate the shipment costs, or if you send anything and wish to do an assessment yourself, the critical measurement is a linear foot. Only so much space is available in a single trailer, and you can acquire a highly detailed price to assist you in designing the remainder of your budget if you know how long your goods will take linear feet.

Note: When working with local moving companies, put your faith in their skilled and professional workers since. They know how best to measure the linear feet of their freight trailers and can provide you with an estimate based on that calculation.

How to Calculate Linear Foot?

If you wonder how to measure a linear foot, You must first measure the distance between point A and point B in inches and divide the result by 12 to find linear feet. It is simple, and no complex calculation is involved, unlike when calculating square feet or cubic feet.

Conclusion:

Although a square foot is a more common measurement, knowing about linear feet is equally good. There will be situations in which working with the linear foot of measure is more convenient than using square feet. Getting familiar with both will surely save you time, money, and unnecessary fees in any transaction you will use it. Understanding the ins and outs of its various uses can prove enormously helpful next time you deal with it.