Board Foot Calculator

Calculate the board feet of lumber needed for your woodworking, construction, or renovation project. Perfect for estimating lumber requirements, costs, and minimizing waste. Get accurate results for any type of lumber, from framing to fine woodworking.

Length (ft):

Width (in):

Thickness (in):

Number of Pieces:

What is a Board Foot?

A board foot is a unit of measurement for lumber volume, equal to 144 cubic inches (12" × 12" × 1"). It is the standard unit used in the lumber industry in North America for pricing and ordering wood. Understanding board feet is essential for anyone working with wood, whether you're a contractor, carpenter, woodworker, or DIY enthusiast.

Why Use a Board Foot Calculator?

Calculating board feet by hand can be tedious and error-prone, especially when dealing with multiple pieces, varying sizes, or complex projects. A board foot calculator streamlines the process, helping you:

Estimate lumber needs for framing, cabinetry, furniture, and more
Compare costs between suppliers
Minimize waste and over-ordering
Plan for project budgets and deliveries
Ensure compliance with project specifications

Types of Lumber and Projects Measured in Board Feet

Framing Lumber: Used for walls, floors, and roofs in construction
Hardwood: For cabinetry, furniture, and fine woodworking
Softwood: For general construction, decking, and outdoor projects
Timbers: Large beams and posts for structural applications
Sheet Goods: Plywood and MDF are usually sold by the sheet, but can be converted to board feet for comparison

How to Use the Board Foot Calculator

Measure the length of each piece in feet.
Measure the width and thickness in inches (use actual, not nominal, dimensions).
Enter the number of pieces you need.
Input your measurements into the calculator fields above.
Click "Calculate" to see the board feet per piece, total board feet, and volume in cubic feet and meters.

Common Lumber Sizes and Actual Dimensions

1×4: 0.75" × 3.5" (actual)
1×6: 0.75" × 5.5" (actual)
2×4: 1.5" × 3.5" (actual)
2×6: 1.5" × 5.5" (actual)
2×8: 1.5" × 7.25" (actual)
2×10: 1.5" × 9.25" (actual)
1×12: 0.75" × 11.25" (actual)

Always use actual dimensions for calculations, as nominal sizes are larger than the finished product.

Calculation Formulas

Board Feet (per piece): (Length (ft) × Width (in) × Thickness (in)) ÷ 144
Total Board Feet: Board Feet × Number of Pieces
Volume (cubic feet): Total Board Feet ÷ 12
Volume (cubic meters): Volume (cubic feet) × 0.0283168

For irregular shapes or tapered boards, break the piece into sections, calculate each separately, and sum the results.

Material Considerations, Waste, and Pricing Tips

Waste Factor: Add 10-15% extra for cutting, defects, and mistakes.
Species: Hardwoods (oak, maple, cherry) are priced higher than softwoods (pine, fir, spruce).
Grade: Higher grades have fewer knots and defects, but cost more.
Moisture Content: Kiln-dried lumber is more stable and less prone to warping.
Market Conditions: Lumber prices fluctuate based on supply, demand, and season.

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Deck Framing

For 2×6 joists at 16" spacing:

Length: 12 feet
Width: 5.5 inches (actual 2×6 width)
Thickness: 1.5 inches (actual 2×6 thickness)
Quantity: 10 pieces
Board Feet per Piece: 6.88
Total Board Feet: 68.75

Example 2: Bookshelf

For 1×12 shelves:

Length: 8 feet
Width: 11.25 inches (actual 1×12 width)
Thickness: 0.75 inches (actual 1×12 thickness)
Quantity: 4 pieces
Board Feet per Piece: 0.47
Total Board Feet: 1.88

Example 3: Custom Tabletop

For a 6' × 3' × 1.5" thick hardwood tabletop (single piece):

Length: 6 feet
Width: 36 inches
Thickness: 1.5 inches
Quantity: 1 piece
Board Feet per Piece: 2.25
Total Board Feet: 2.25

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a board foot?

A board foot is a unit of measurement for lumber volume, equal to 144 cubic inches (12" × 12" × 1"). It's the standard unit used in the lumber industry.

Why are actual dimensions different from nominal dimensions?

Lumber is planed and dried after cutting, reducing its dimensions. For example, a 2×4 actually measures 1.5" × 3.5". Always use actual dimensions for accurate calculations.

How do I convert board feet to linear feet?

To convert board feet to linear feet, divide the board feet by the width and thickness (in feet). For example, 1 board foot of 1×6 lumber equals 2 linear feet.

What affects lumber pricing?

Lumber prices are affected by species, grade, moisture content, market conditions, and regional availability. Prices are typically quoted per board foot.

How accurate are the calculations?

The calculations are mathematically precise, but actual lumber needs may vary based on project requirements, waste factors, and material availability.

How do I ensure accurate measurements?

Use a reliable tape measure, double-check all dimensions, and keep detailed records. For large projects, consult with a professional or supplier.

What is the difference between rough and surfaced lumber?

Rough lumber is cut to size but not planed, so it retains its full dimensions. Surfaced (S4S) lumber is planed smooth and is smaller than its nominal size.

How do I account for waste?

Add 10-15% to your total board feet to account for cutting, defects, and mistakes. This ensures you have enough material to complete your project.

What about safety and compliance?

Wear safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection when working with lumber. Follow all local building codes and best practices for safe construction.

How do I plan for delivery and storage?

Schedule deliveries to minimize delays, ensure site access, and store lumber in a dry, covered area to prevent warping and damage.

What are the cost implications?

Consider material costs per board foot, delivery fees, labor, equipment, and potential overages. Compare quotes from multiple suppliers.

How do I handle large projects?

Break the project into sections, order materials in phases, and coordinate with multiple suppliers. Plan for storage and logistics.

What about environmental considerations?

Choose sustainably harvested lumber, recycle waste, and comply with environmental regulations. Consider the long-term impact of your project.

Safety, Compliance, and Environmental Tips

Wear safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection when cutting or handling lumber
Follow all local codes and regulations
Keep work areas clear and organized
Dispose of waste responsibly
Store lumber flat and dry to prevent warping