Definition
A lineal foot (or linear foot) is a one-dimensional measurement of length in a straight line along the ground. Often used in real estate and construction, this unit measures the length without considering the item’s width or height, assuming these dimensions are consistent or predetermined.
Examples
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Land Pricing: A plot of land along Campbell Road is sold at $100 per lineal foot. If a buyer purchases a 50-linear-foot-wide section of the plot, they would pay $5,000 assuming a standard depth.
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Construction Materials: When purchasing wood planks for building a fence, a 2-inch by 4-inch plank sold at $3 per linear foot would cost $54 for an 18-foot long board.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: A lineal foot measures only length, while a square foot measures an area defined by length and width. A lineal foot might be used for pricing fencing material, while a square foot would be used for flooring.
Q: How do you convert lineal feet to square feet?
A: To convert lineal feet to square feet, you need to know the width of the area you’re measuring. Multiply the total number of lineal feet by the width in feet.
A: Yes, both “linear foot” and “lineal foot” refer to the same unit of measurement, emphasizing the one-dimensional nature of the measurement.
Q: How do I use lineal feet in property sales?
A: When pricing property, lineal feet might be used for properties with consistent lot depths, making it easier to standardize pricing for varying widths.
Q: Can lineal feet be used for calculations involving volume?
A: No, lineal feet are strictly a measurement of length and are not used for calculating volume as they do not consider depth or height.
- Square Foot (sq ft): A measurement of area representing one foot by one foot.
- Acre: A unit of land area equivalent to 43,560 square feet.
- Footage: Generally refers to measurements in feet, such as linear footage, square footage, or cubic footage.
- Lot Depth: The distance from the front to the back of a property lot, perpendicular to the frontage.
Online Resources
- Investopedia: Real Estate Terms
- National Association of Realtors: Glossary
- The Balance: Real Estate Terminology
References
- “Real Estate Principles” by Charles F. Floyd and Marcus T. Allen
- “The Language of Real Estate” by John W. Reilly
- “Modern Real Estate Practice” by Fillmore W. Galaty, Wellington J. Allaway, and Robert C. Kyle
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Real Estate Investing For Dummies” by Eric Tyson and Robert S. Griswold
- “Commercial Real Estate Analysis and Investments” by David M. Geltner and Norman G. Miller
- “The Millionaire Real Estate Investor” by Gary Keller
### What does a lineal foot measure?
- [x] Length
- [ ] Area
- [ ] Volume
- [ ] Weight
> **Explanation:** A lineal foot strictly measures one-dimensional length in a straight line along the ground.
### In real estate, what is typically sold by the lineal foot?
- [ ] Kitchens
- [x] Land
- [ ] Bedrooms
- [ ] Garages
> **Explanation:** Land is often priced by the lineal foot, particularly in urban settings where frontage is a key value determinant.
### Can a lineal foot be used to measure volume?
- [ ] Yes, it can measure any dimension.
- [x] No, it only measures length.
- [ ] Yes, if you know the width and height.
- [ ] No, it measures weight.
> **Explanation:** A lineal foot measures only length and does not account for width, depth, or volume.
### If you buy 30 linear feet of fencing at $5 per foot, how much do you pay?
- [x] $150
- [ ] $100
- [ ] $200
- [ ] $30
> **Explanation:** 30 linear feet at $5 per foot equals $150.
### Why is the term "lineal foot" commonly used in construction?
- [ ] It measures weight more precisely.
- [x] It provides a straightforward measurement of length required for materials like planks and pipes.
- [ ] It incorporates both the width and height of materials.
- [ ] It provides volume calculations.
> **Explanation:** The lineal foot is practical in construction for directly measuring the length of materials like boards, pipes, and other elongated items.
### Which industry often uses lineal feet for pricing and measurement?
- [ ] Fashion
- [ ] Medical
- [x] Real Estate & Construction
- [ ] Automotive
> **Explanation:** Real estate and construction industries predominantly use lineal feet to measure land frontage and the required length of materials.
### What other measurements may be derivative of linear footage?
- [x] Square feet and cubic feet
- [ ] Gallons and liters
- [ ] Pounds and kilograms
- [ ] Acres and miles
> **Explanation:** Linear footage can help derive square footage (when considering width) and cubic feet (with the inclusion of height).
### When considering lot depth, what other measurement is essential along with lineal foot in property deals?
- [ ] Acreage
- [ ] Weight
- [x] Lot depth
- [ ] Color quality
> **Explanation:** Lot depth is essential for calculating total area based on linear footage of lot frontage.
### Is width considered in the calculation of lineal feet?
- [ ] Always
- [ ] Sometimes
- [x] Never
- [ ] It depends on the context.
> **Explanation:** A lineal foot measurement focuses solely on length, not width or any other dimension.
### Can lineal feet be converted directly into square feet?
- [ ] Yes, using a standard formula.
- [x] No, the width dimension is needed.
- [ ] Yes, if the height is constant.
- [ ] No, they measure different properties.
> **Explanation:** To convert linear feet into square feet requires multiplying by the width, since linear feet solely measure length.
