Measure the length of the item in feet
If the measurement is in inches, divide by 12 to convert to feet
If the measurement is in yards, multiply by 3 to convert to feet
If the measurement is in meters, multiply by 3.28084 to convert to feet
Add the lengths together if there are multiple pieces
Use the total length as the linear feet
For width-based materials, linear feet means length only, not area
For irregular shapes, measure the longest straight length needed
Round to the nearest desired unit if needed