Square metres to linear metres calculator
Convert square metres (m²) to lineal metres and back, either direction, at any roll width. Preset buttons for 3.66 m and 4 m — the widths broadloom carpet is actually supplied in.
Inputs
Result
50 m² ÷ 3.66 m = 13.66 lm
m² ÷ roll width = linear metres. linear metres × roll width = m². The linear-metres figure assumes the roll is cut edge-to-edge with no waste from joins — real jobs need a wastage allowance on top.
How the conversion works
A roll of flooring — broadloom carpet, vinyl sheet, sports flooring — is a rectangle. Its area equals length × width. So linear metres of roll multiplied by the roll width gives the square metres it can cover. Divide the other way to go from an area you need to cover to the length of roll to order.
The two formulas are: linear metres = m² ÷ roll width and m² = linear metres × roll width. “Lineal metre” and “linear metre” are the same unit — the Australian flooring trade tends to say lineal, and either spelling (metre or meter) means the same one-metre length along the roll.
The formula assumes the roll is used edge-to-edge with no joins. Real jobs need a wastage allowance on top — 10% for plain broadloom is a safe start.
Common m² to lineal metre conversions
Roll length needed to cover a given floor area, at the two standard Australian broadloom roll widths. Figures are before wastage — add your allowance on top.
| Floor area | 3.66 m roll (lineal m) | 4 m roll (lineal m) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 m² | 2.73 | 2.50 |
| 15 m² | 4.10 | 3.75 |
| 20 m² | 5.46 | 5.00 |
| 25 m² | 6.83 | 6.25 |
| 30 m² | 8.20 | 7.50 |
| 40 m² | 10.93 | 10.00 |
| 50 m² | 13.66 | 12.50 |
| 60 m² | 16.39 | 15.00 |
Take it further
For per-room carpet planning that handles drops and joins automatically, use the carpet broadloom calculator (one room) or the carpet cut list calculator (whole house across multiple rooms).
New to the trade terms? Read up on linear metres, broadloom carpet and roll length. Audience guide: carpet retailers.
Frequently asked questions
- How many linear metres are in a square metre?
- It depends on the roll width — there is no single fixed number. Linear metres = square metres ÷ roll width. On a 3.66 m broadloom roll, 1 m² is 1 ÷ 3.66 = 0.27 linear metres; on a 4 m roll it is 0.25 linear metres.
- How do I convert square metres to lineal metres?
- Divide the floor area by the roll width. For example, 30 m² of carpet off a 3.66 m roll is 30 ÷ 3.66 = 8.2 lineal metres before wastage. Add a wastage allowance on top — 10% is a safe start for plain broadloom.
- How do I convert linear metres back to square metres?
- Multiply the linear metres by the roll width. 8.2 linear metres of a 3.66 m roll covers 8.2 × 3.66 = 30 m². The calculator does this direction too — just flip the toggle.
- Is a lineal metre the same as a linear metre?
- Yes. "Lineal metre" (common in the Australian flooring and timber trades) and "linear metre" both mean one metre measured along a single line. Both are also spelled "meter". This calculator accepts either — the maths is identical.
- How wide is a roll of broadloom carpet?
- Australian broadloom is usually supplied at 3.66 m (a 12-foot imperial legacy width) or 4 m, with some commercial ranges at 5 m. Set the roll width before converting — it changes the answer.
- Do I need to add wastage to the converted figure?
- Yes. The conversion assumes the roll is used edge-to-edge with no joins or offcuts. Real jobs lose material to cuts, joins and pattern matching, so add a wastage allowance — typically 5–15% for broadloom depending on how room widths fit the roll.
Get the m² straight off the plan
Try AreaSum with a sample plan or upload your own. No signup until you export.