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Don't estimate your project in 8ft closet sticks like the "other guys". Pros use 14ft lengths for higher yield and fewer joints. This free tool provides a quick linear estimate for single-room DIY projects.
Looking for more than just linear footage? CHIPTRIM provides a full opening schedule and cut map for your entire house, including pocket doors, patio sliders, and arched windows. Built by installers, for the field.
DID YOU KNOW?
8/0 OR 96" TALL DOORS REQUIRE A MINIMUM OF 4 - 14' PIECES OF CASING IN ORDER TO BE DONE CORRECTLY.
EXAMPLE: 2/6 X 8/0 (30" X 96") TALL DOOR LINEAR MATH SAYS: 96 + 96 + 96 + 96 + 36 + 36 = 456"
456" / 12" = 38' / 14' (PIECE OF CASING) = 2.7 → MOST PEOPLE BUY THREE PIECES (RARELY BUY 2.7).
TECHNICALLY, THE LINEAR FOOTAGE IS CORRECT THREE PIECES WILL DO THE JOB.
SO, YOU MAKE THE TRIP AND THE PURCHASE WITH CONFIDENCE.
BUT.
YOU'LL FIND YOURSELF SHORT WHEN IT COMES TIME FOR THE LEGS (SIDES) OF THE DOOR AND WILL NEED TO MAKE AN UGLY JOINT.
THE PROPER MATH: 2/6 X 8/0 (30" X 96") TALL DOOR
96" - 4 PCS
36" - 2 PCS
CASING IS 14' OR 168". YOU'LL SEE WE'LL NEVER GET TWO LEGS FROM ONE STICK: 96 + 96 = 192".
IT'S JUST NOT PHYSICALLY POSSIBLE. THIS IS WHERE TRIM MATH GETS NASTY. IT'S NOT YOU, IT'S GEOMETRY.
That’s a 33% error rate that "Free" calculators won't tell you about
SO WHILE LINEAR MATH SAYS THREE, REAL-WORLD USE IS ACTUALLY FOUR.
UNLESS YOU LIKE JOINTED LEGS OR SECOND TRIPS, USE CHIPTRIM PRO TO AVOID THIS AND OTHER PITFALLS. OR CHECK OUT CHIP TIPS FOR MORE EXPERT ADVICE.
Ready to run CHIPTRIM Pro?
QUICK START: HOW TO MEASURE FOR THIS TOOL
QUICK START: HOW TO MEASURE FOR THIS TOOL
To get an accurate linear footage estimate, you only need three core numbers per opening. Always measure the jamb (the wood frame), not the drywall opening.
1. The Door Basics
Measure both legs: Measure from the floor to the top of the jamb. Floors are rarely level, so don't assume they match.
Measure the head: Measure the horizontal width from outside edge to outside edge.
The Reveal: Our tool assumes a standard 1/8" reveal (the small gap of wood you see between the trim and the frame).
2. The Window Basics
Legs: Measure from the window sill (or stool) to the top of the jamb.
Head: Measure the full width of the window jamb.
Aprons: If your style includes a decorative piece under the sill, include that width in your total.
3. CHIP Tip: The "Story Pole" Method
If you want to skip the tape measure entirely, stand your casing against the jamb and mark the cut line directly on the wood. This physical mark is more accurate than any number read off a tape.
Why "Linear Footage" Isn't Enough
Why "Linear Footage" Isn't Enough
Most free calculators (including this one) give you a total length and tell you to add 10% for waste. In the real world, this causes shortages. Casing comes in fixed sticks (8', 10', 12', 14', or 16'). If your "Linear Footage" says 100 feet, but your cut patterns leave you with several 3-foot "trash" pieces, you will run out of wood.
While this free tool provides a rough linear estimate, CHIPTRIM Pro generates professional documentation for site verification and customer satisfaction:
Optimized Cut Maps: Fits your specific openings to selected material lengths, to ensure you buy exactly what you need with zero math errors.
Patterned Cut Library: Groups identical cuts together to speed up your workflow at the saw.
Opening Schedules: A clear list of every door and window in the project for easy site verification.
Order Summary: A professional material list to hand to your supplier or attach to your quote.
Ready to get your rough estimate? Use the 14' Stick Calculator above.
Ready to CHIPTRIM Optimized Takeoff? Use the link below.
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