Linear feet calculator freight ⛓️
Estimate freight linear footage from sample data with statistical confidence. This tool follows international sampling standards and gives you a reliable range for your cargo planning.
📐 Enter your freight measurements
Separate by commas, spaces, or line breaks.
📊 Sample distribution & confidence interval
📋 Detailed results
Sample size (n): —
🔍 Understanding your linear feet estimate
The results above are based on three inputs: your sample, the confidence level, and the model year adjustment. The confidence interval gives you a range where the true average linear feet per item likely falls. Below we break down each factor.
Input summary & assumptions
| Input | Description | Example / range |
|---|---|---|
| Sample data | Actual measured linear feet of individual freight units (pallets, boxes, etc.) | 2.5 – 12.0 ft |
| Confidence level | Statistical certainty of the interval containing the true mean | 90%, 95%, 99% |
| Model year | Adjusts for packaging trends (2024=1.00, 2025=1.03, 2026=1.06; other=1.00) | 2024–2026+ |
How the adjustment factor works
| Model year | Adjustment factor | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1.00 | baseline packaging density |
| 2025 | 1.03 | +3% estimated increase due to thicker materials |
| 2026 | 1.06 | +6% forecast for additional void fill / pallet reinforcements |
| other | 1.00 (neutral) | use manual judgement |
Interpreting the confidence interval
| Statistic | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Lower bound | The smallest probable average linear feet (conservative for loading plans). |
| Upper bound | The largest probable average (useful for maximum space allocation). |
| Adjusted mean | Mean multiplied by model‑year factor – a pragmatic estimate for current freight. |
- Always use the adjusted mean + confidence interval for robust freight budgeting.
- Sample size below 5 may give wide intervals — add more measurements for accuracy.
- Linear feet are additive; for total shipment, multiply the average by number of units.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What is a linear foot in freight?
A linear foot is simply a one‑foot length segment. In trucking or air freight, it often refers to the linear space a pallet or crate occupies along the trailer. Our calculator helps you estimate the average linear feet per item from a sample.
How precise is this linear feet calculator freight tool?
It uses standard t‑distribution (for n≤30) and z‑scores for larger samples, which is the academic norm. The model year factor is a simple trend adjustment — you can override it mentally for special cases.
Can I use this for any freight type?
Yes. Whether you measure cartons, pallets, or pipes, enter their lengths in feet. The statistics treat them as continuous measurements. For metric, convert metres to feet (1 m = 3.281 ft) before entering.
What if I don’t know the model year?
Select “other” and leave the field blank or type 2024 — the factor becomes 1.00, meaning no year adjustment. That’s perfectly fine; the confidence interval remains valid.
How do I get the total linear feet for my whole shipment?
Take the adjusted mean (or the upper bound if you want to be safe) and multiply by the total number of units in your freight. The confidence interval gives you a range for the average; multiply the bounds by N to get total range.
Use the Feet-to-Cubic-Feet Calculator to convert linear measurements into volume, or browse the full Feet & Inches Measurement Calculator category for more length and measurement tools.