linear metre

[rugeleyboy]

probably the wrong section,but what is a linear metre in comparison to a normal metre?

[Katie~77]

A linear metre measures length, as opposed to a square metre which measures area. (I think).x

[Buenchico]

The phrase 'linear metre' is used, for example, when giving the price of materials cut from a long legth. The easiest way to explain it is by giving an example.

Suppose that a carpet firm sells its product at �5 per square metre. It could, of course, just put up a sign saying "�5 per square metre". But it sells it's carpet in widths of 2m, so it labels the rolls "�10 per linear metre" meaning that a charge of �10 will be made for every 1m cut off the roll.

If the firm also sells the carpet on rolls 3m wide, it will label those rolls as "�15 per linear metre".

So a 'linear metre' is measured in the same way as an 'ordinary metre' but the figure which results from it (i.e. the price) actually takes into account the derived area.

Chris