Madeira em Pés Lineares

Calculating linear feet of lumber

The rule is linear_feet = length_m · 3.2808 · pieces. A linear foot is just 1 foot (0.3048 m) of length, and the board's cross section doesn't enter into it at all. A 2×4 and a 2×10 each count as one linear foot per foot of length. The conversion is 1 m = 3.2808 ft, so a 10 m piece works out to 10 · 3.2808 = 32.81 linear feet. In the U.S. this is how you price beams, studs, battens, and trim. Brazil works in meters, which is why this calculator earns its keep mostly when you're buying from or comparing quotes against American suppliers.

Applications

Common in carpentry, framing, importing U.S. lumber, decking, fencing, and trim work. On the U.S. market, quotes for SPF (Spruce-Pine-Fir), pine, cedar, and treated lumber usually come in $/linear foot by profile, say $0.85/lf for 2×4 SPF. When pricing goes by volume, which is how rough-sawn hardwoods tend to be sold, board feet is the unit to reach for.

FAQ

Linear feet vs board feet, what's the difference? Linear feet count length and nothing else, while board feet fold in thickness and width to give you volume. Linear suits uniform profiles; board feet is for hardwood slabs.

Does the cross section matter? Not for the linear-foot count, but it does move the unit price. A 2×4 runs cheaper per linear foot than a 2×10, even though you measure both the same way.

How do I convert linear feet to meters? Divide by 3.2808, or multiply by 0.3048 if you prefer. So 100 lf = 30.48 m.