Linear Metres From Area
Calculator

Inputs

Linear metres of board
166.666666

Results

Linear metres of board
166.666666
Linear metres including waste
183.333333
Linear feet including waste
601.487314

Results

Linear metres of board166.666666
Linear metres including waste183.333333
Linear feet including waste601.487314

formula-map diagram

Linear metres of board
166.666666
Linear metres including waste
183.333333
Linear feet including waste
601.487314

Formula map

Formula

L = area ÷ board width, then × (1 + waste ÷ 100)

= 166.66666666667

Note

This result is a simplified model; verify against your shop's own tolerances and material data before cutting.

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Frequently asked questions

What does this calculator convert, and why?+

It converts a surface area (in square metres) into the linear metres of a fixed-width material needed to cover it, such as flooring boards, siding, or fabric rolls. You need to know the material's width to make the conversion.

What's the actual formula being used?+

Linear metres equal area divided by the material's width (also in metres). For example, 20 square metres of flooring at a 0.2 metre board width requires 100 linear metres of boards.

Why is my real material need higher than the calculated number?+

The raw division gives the theoretical minimum with zero waste. Real installs need extra for staggered end joints, diagonal or angled runs, pattern matching, and trim cuts at walls, typically 10% for straight layouts and more for diagonal ones.

Does the width I enter include the tongue-and-groove or overlap?+

Use the effective coverage width after installation, not the raw board width. If boards overlap or interlock, part of each board's width doesn't add new coverage, so using the full manufactured width will underestimate how much you need.

Can I use this for irregular rooms or areas?+

Yes, but you must first calculate the total area correctly by breaking an irregular room into rectangles and summing them. The linear-metres conversion itself assumes you already have an accurate total area figure.