Cost Per Linear Yard Calculator
This tool helps you determine the cost for each linear yard of material based on the total price paid and the total length in yards.
Enter the Total Cost of the material and its Total Length measured in linear yards.
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Understanding Cost Per Linear Yard & Formula
What is Cost Per Linear Yard?
Cost per linear yard is a pricing unit used for materials that are typically sold in rolls or lengths, like fabric, trim, rope, or fencing. It represents the price you pay for a single yard of that material's length, regardless of its width (assuming constant width).
Cost Per Linear Yard Formula
The calculation is straightforward:
Cost Per Linear Yard = Total Cost / Total Length (in Yards)
For example, if you paid $50 for 10 yards of fabric, the cost per linear yard is $50 / 10 yards = $5 per yard.
Unit Consistency is Key
It is absolutely critical that your "Total Length" input is in yards for this formula to work correctly. If you measure length in feet, meters, or inches, you must convert it to yards first.
- 1 Yard = 3 Feet
- 1 Yard = 36 Inches
- 1 Yard ≈ 0.9144 Meters
So, to convert:
- Feet to Yards: Divide by 3
- Inches to Yards: Divide by 36
- Meters to Yards: Divide by 0.9144
Cost Per Linear Yard Examples
Click on an example to see the scenario and calculation:
Example 1: Fabric Purchase
Scenario: You buy a piece of fabric for $35.00 that is 5 linear yards long.
1. Known Values: Total Cost = $35.00, Total Length = 5 yards.
2. Formula: Cost Per Linear Yard = Total Cost / Total Length
3. Calculation: $35.00 / 5 yards
4. Result: $7.00 per linear yard.
Conclusion: Each yard of the fabric costs $7.00.
Example 2: Ribbon Roll
Scenario: A roll of decorative ribbon is priced at $12.50 and contains 10 linear yards.
1. Known Values: Total Cost = $12.50, Total Length = 10 yards.
2. Formula: Cost Per Linear Yard = Total Cost / Total Length
3. Calculation: $12.50 / 10 yards
4. Result: $1.25 per linear yard.
Conclusion: The ribbon costs $1.25 for every yard.
Example 3: Fencing Material
Scenario: You buy 25 yards of fencing material for your garden, costing $150.00.
1. Known Values: Total Cost = $150.00, Total Length = 25 yards.
2. Formula: Cost Per Linear Yard = Total Cost / Total Length
3. Calculation: $150.00 / 25 yards
4. Result: $6.00 per linear yard.
Conclusion: The fencing material costs $6.00 per linear yard.
Example 4: Bulk Wire Purchase
Scenario: A contractor buys a spool of 100 yards of electrical wire for $75.00.
1. Known Values: Total Cost = $75.00, Total Length = 100 yards.
2. Formula: Cost Per Linear Yard = Total Cost / Total Length
3. Calculation: $75.00 / 100 yards
4. Result: $0.75 per linear yard.
Conclusion: The bulk wire costs $0.75 for each linear yard.
Example 5: Custom Upholstery Fabric
Scenario: You order 7.5 yards of custom upholstery fabric at a total price of $412.50.
1. Known Values: Total Cost = $412.50, Total Length = 7.5 yards.
2. Formula: Cost Per Linear Yard = Total Cost / Total Length
3. Calculation: $412.50 / 7.5 yards
4. Result: $55.00 per linear yard.
Conclusion: The custom fabric has a cost of $55.00 per linear yard.
Example 6: Decorative Trim
Scenario: A roll of decorative trim is 15 feet long and costs $9.00. First, convert feet to yards.
1. Known Values: Total Cost = $9.00, Total Length = 15 feet.
2. Conversion: 15 feet / 3 feet/yard = 5 yards.
3. Formula: Cost Per Linear Yard = Total Cost / Total Length (in Yards)
4. Calculation: $9.00 / 5 yards
5. Result: $1.80 per linear yard.
Conclusion: The decorative trim costs $1.80 per linear yard.
Example 7: Bulk Rope
Scenario: A marine supply store sells bulk rope. 50 meters of rope costs $68.50. First, convert meters to yards.
1. Known Values: Total Cost = $68.50, Total Length = 50 meters.
2. Conversion: 50 meters / 0.9144 meters/yard ≈ 54.68 yards.
3. Formula: Cost Per Linear Yard = Total Cost / Total Length (in Yards)
4. Calculation: $68.50 / 54.68 yards
5. Result: ≈ $1.25 per linear yard.
Conclusion: The bulk rope costs approximately $1.25 per linear yard.
Example 8: Carpet Border (Linear Measurement)
Scenario: You buy 80 linear feet of a special carpet border material for $320. First, convert feet to yards.
1. Known Values: Total Cost = $320.00, Total Length = 80 feet.
2. Conversion: 80 feet / 3 feet/yard ≈ 26.67 yards.
3. Formula: Cost Per Linear Yard = Total Cost / Total Length (in Yards)
4. Calculation: $320.00 / 26.67 yards
5. Result: ≈ $12.00 per linear yard.
Conclusion: The carpet border material costs about $12.00 per linear yard.
Example 9: Multiple Fabric Pieces
Scenario: You buy two pieces of the same fabric: one 3 yards ($21) and one 2.5 yards ($17.50). Total cost and length are needed.
1. Known Values: Total Cost = $21.00 + $17.50 = $38.50, Total Length = 3 yards + 2.5 yards = 5.5 yards.
2. Formula: Cost Per Linear Yard = Total Cost / Total Length
3. Calculation: $38.50 / 5.5 yards
4. Result: $7.00 per linear yard.
Conclusion: The consistent cost per yard ($7.00) is confirmed by combining the purchases.
Example 10: Vinyl Tubing
Scenario: A spool of 75 feet of vinyl tubing costs $37.50. First, convert feet to yards.
1. Known Values: Total Cost = $37.50, Total Length = 75 feet.
2. Conversion: 75 feet / 3 feet/yard = 25 yards.
3. Formula: Cost Per Linear Yard = Total Cost / Total Length (in Yards)
4. Calculation: $37.50 / 25 yards
5. Result: $1.50 per linear yard.
Conclusion: The vinyl tubing costs $1.50 per linear yard.
Understanding Volume Measurement
Volume is the quantification of the three-dimensional space...
Common Volume Units Reference
Ensure your input dimensions (R, r, h) use a consistent unit...
| Unit | Equivalent in Yards | Conversion Factor (To Yards) |
|---|---|---|
| Inch (in) | 1 in = 1/36 yd | Divide by 36 |
| Foot (ft) | 1 ft = 1/3 yd | Divide by 3 |
| Yard (yd) | 1 yd = 1 yd | Multiply by 1 (use as is) |
| Meter (m) | 1 m ≈ 1.0936 yd | Divide by 0.9144 (or Multiply by 1.0936) |
| Centimeter (cm) | 1 cm ≈ 0.010936 yd | Divide by 91.44 |
| Millimeter (mm) | 1 mm ≈ 0.0010936 yd | Divide by 914.4 |
Note: This table helps with converting other length units *to* yards before using the calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost Per Linear Yard
1. What is 'linear yard'?
A linear yard is a unit of length equal to 3 feet or 36 inches. When buying rolled goods (like fabric, carpet binding, trim), a "linear yard" refers to one yard of length cut from the roll, typically at a standard width.
2. Why calculate cost per linear yard?
It helps you compare prices of materials sold by length, budget for projects that require a specific length, and understand the true unit cost beyond the total price of a roll or piece.
3. What is the formula used by this calculator?
The formula is simple: Cost Per Linear Yard = Total Cost / Total Length (in Yards).
4. My length is in feet. How do I use the calculator?
You must first convert feet to yards. Divide the number of feet by 3. For example, 12 feet is 12 / 3 = 4 yards. Enter 4 in the "Total Length (Linear Yards)" field.
5. My length is in meters. How do I use the calculator?
You must first convert meters to yards. Divide the number of meters by 0.9144. For example, 10 meters is 10 / 0.9144 ≈ 10.94 yards. Enter 10.94 (or a more precise value) in the "Total Length (Linear Yards)" field.
6. What kind of materials are sold by the linear yard?
Common materials include fabric, ribbon, trim, rope, wire, fencing, tubing, and sometimes specific types of flooring or wall coverings (like wallpaper borders or commercial vinyl).
7. Does this calculator account for material width?
No, 'linear yard' only measures length. It assumes the material has a standard, constant width for that product. If you need cost per *square* yard (which accounts for width), that requires a different calculation.
8. Should I include taxes and shipping in the Total Cost?
Yes, if you want to know the *actual* cost you paid per yard, include all associated costs (item price, taxes, shipping, etc.) in the "Total Cost" input.
9. What if the total length is zero?
The calculator requires a positive length to perform the division. You cannot calculate a cost *per* yard if there is zero length. Enter a length greater than zero.
10. Can I use this for carpet sold by the square yard?
No, this calculator is for materials sold by length (linear yard). Carpet is typically sold by the square yard (area). You would need a calculator for cost per square yard for that.
