How to Calculate Linear Feet

A look at linear footage

Wondering what a linear foot is? Whether you’re planning an upcoming home improvement project or want to understand how U-Pack® measures household goods shipments, you’ve come to the right place.

This measurement isn’t one you’ll hear every day, but it’s simple once you get the hang of it.

What is a linear foot?

A linear foot (also called a lineal foot) is a 12 inch measurement of length. Because the term linear refers to a straight line, it makes sense to think of linear footage as the straight line measurement of something. It differs from other measurements because width and height don’t matter.

For example, if you have a piece of flooring that’s 5 feet long and 18 inches wide, it would be 5 linear feet. If you choose a piece that’s 12 inches wide and 5 feet long, it’s still 5 linear feet.

How to measure linear feet

To determine linear footage, start by measuring the length in inches. Then divide the total inches by 12.

Check out this video for a tutorial on calculating linear feet: 

Determining costs per linear foot

When moving in a U-Pack trailer, you’ll get a quote for a certain amount of linear feet (based on your home size). The quote will also include a “per-foot adjustment rate,” which you can add or subtract based on the footage you actually use. When the moving trailer arrives, mark the estimated space inside. This way you’ll easily be able to tell how much is left when loading (and what the price will be). For example, if you get a quote for 11 feet, but only use 10, just subtract your per-foot rate one time from the quoted price to see what the new cost will be. Check out these loading tips to learn how to maximize your space.

Note: a moving quote may automatically quote a different equipment type — the ReloCube container. The flexible pricing works the same way, but costs change per container used, instead of per linear foot. You may be able to toggle between options, or email changequote@upack.com to get a trailer quote if it’s unavailable online.

How many total linear feet will you need to move?

To quickly calculate linear footage, use this chart. Or use the Room-By-Room Estimator tool for a more detailed calculation. And remember, you can use more or less space and adjust the price according to the price per linear foot.

The beauty of moving with U-Pack is that you don’t have to worry about running out of space like with truck rental. U-Pack trailers are bigger than even the biggest rental truck — the entire trailer is actually the size of a 26-foot rental truck plus a 10-foot truck. The large equipment size means having much more space at your disposal. Just load belongings inside, and pay based on the space you use.

Other industries that use linear footage measurements

Many construction projects will utilize linear feet measurements. You may find that flooring, fencing, trim or even concrete are measured in linear, or lineal, feet. Pricing per linear foot will vary based on the product and project size. A local home improvement store should be able to help you determine what’s needed.

Have questions about linear feet?

For help determining your space needs for a move or calculating linear feet, leave a comment below. We’re here to help!

Related Resources

How a U-Pack Move Works

7 Things You Should Know about U-Haul® Before Renting a Truck

Cheapest Way to Move Furniture to Another State

Best Security Systems & Alarms For Your Home

When you’re moving into a new neighborhood, a new city, a new home, you want to take steps to make sure you feel safe. Installing a home security system is one way to feel confident that your house and its inhabitants are safe, so we conducted a little home security system review to give you the scoop on which systems are the best. Here are the top five on our list. Take a look.

ADT Home Alarm and Security Systems

You’ve probably seen the ADT label on a number of homes, and that’s because its one of the most trusted companies on the market. With a team of ADT professionals monitoring the sensors on your windows and doors, you can feel safe knowing that the police will be alerted as soon as there is any suspicious activity. Recent advancements mean you can arm or disarm your system from your phone, install cameras to watch doorways or the garage and get alerts when there is unexpected activity, or with add-on programs, let the plumber in while you’re at the office with remote app access. There are plenty of reasons why ADT is considered one of the best home security systems on the market.

Vivint Smart Home

Smart, connected homes aren’t the way of the future- they are now. Vivint combines a number of different technologies including smart locks, camera systems, an element thermostat, garage door opener, and optional 24/7 system monitoring to create the wireless home security system you need. Choose the elements you need to feel safe while settling into your new community, leave the ones that you don’t need. Vivint can personalize your package just the way you need it.

FrontPoint

This 100% wireless system is nearly impossible for intruders to disable. Their “Crash & Smash” system means your security program keeps working, even if they destroy the control panel – so FrontPoint’s security professionals will still get the information they need to deal with the alert. Choose to add flood or smoke sensors, recessed door and window sensors, even order a keychain that can arm, disarm, turn on the lights, or send a panic signal to the dispatch. Their system can be designed to suit a small space too, so if you’re concerned for your apartment safety, FrontPoint has options for you.

Ring

Create a “ring of security” around your home with cameras covering every angle. This wireless home security system is run through an app on your phone, giving you access to footage of your home at any time and from anywhere. Choose to receive alerts when there is activity at your front door, and if the camera shows an unknown guest, turn on the floodlight and use the built-in two way speaker to tell them they’ve been spotted. This is one of the most easily installed DIY home security alarms out there!

Abode Home Security

Sleek and extremely versatile, the Abode Home Security base package is compatible with your electronic locks, garage door opener, wireless thermostat, or other Nest-based functions. Program the system to lock the doors when you leave, sound a doorbell chime when the door is opened, and sound a loud siren if the system is armed and an intruder enters. With so many different ways to personalize and program the Adobe system, you can make it suit your needs exactly. Worried about false alarms? Get visual alerts sent to your phone so you can confirm if it was just the dog or if the police should be notified.

Give yourself the peace of mind you want when moving into a new area. Choose one of the best home alarm systems and you’ll rest easy knowing that someone else is watching over your safety.

Related Posts:

• 7 Security Apps That Will Keep Your House Safe While You’re Away
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• Simple Ways to Turn Your Home into an Eco-friendly Home