Board Foot Calculator
Calculate board feet and cost of lumber with our easy-to-use calculator.
Board Feet Calculator
Board Feet Calculator: Quick Overview
Easily calculate lumber volume and cost with our Board Feet Calculator. Ideal for woodworkers, contractors, and DIY builders.
Accurate Board Feet Calculation
Instantly compute board feet based on thickness, width, length, and quantity.
Supports Various Lumber Sizes
Measure wood in different dimensions, including rough and nominal sizes.
Lumber Cost Estimation
Quickly calculate the total cost based on price per board foot.
Educational Insights
Understand board foot calculations with step-by-step explanations.
Simplify lumber volume and cost calculations. No sign-up required – start measuring board feet instantly!
Lumber is sold and measured using board feet, a standardized unit in the woodworking and construction industries. A Board Foot Calculator helps professionals, woodworkers, and suppliers quickly determine the total volume of lumber based on dimensions like thickness, width, length, and quantity. This is crucial for estimating material requirements, budgeting costs, and reducing waste in large-scale wood projects.
A Board Foot (BF) is a unit of measurement for lumber, representing one foot in length, one foot in width, and one inch in thickness. It is commonly used in the woodworking and lumber industry to quantify and price wood materials.
Board foot calculation ensures that buyers purchase the exact amount of wood needed for a project, avoiding over- or under-purchasing. Since lumber is often priced per board foot, this calculation also helps in determining the overall cost of a purchase. Whether you're building furniture, flooring, cabinets, or framing a house, understanding board feet simplifies planning and cost estimation.
1 Board Foot (BF) = 144 Cubic Inches of Wood (in³)
What is a Board Foot Calculator?
A Board Foot Calculator is a digital or manual tool designed to compute the total board feet of lumber. It takes inputs such as thickness (in inches), width (in inches), length (in feet), and the number of boards to determine the volume of wood required.
Board Feet (BF) = (T * W * L * N) / 12
T = Thickness (in inches)
W = Width (in inches)
L = Length (in feet)
N = Number of Boards
This calculator is widely used by woodworkers, carpenters, and lumber suppliers to simplify complex measurements. Instead of manually calculating board feet for each piece of lumber, users can input their dimensions into the calculator and instantly get an accurate result. Our Board Foot Calculator also includes price estimation, making budgeting for lumber projects easier and more efficient.
Where is Board Foot Used?
Board foot measurement is widely used in woodworking, carpentry, and construction to estimate and purchase wood materials. It helps wood suppliers, furniture makers, and construction companies determine how much wood is needed for a project and how much it will cost. This unit is crucial for pricing hardwood and softwood in sawmills, lumberyards, and retail stores.
For example, when a cabinet maker buys hardwood, the price is usually listed per board foot rather than per piece. In construction, board foot measurement ensures accurate lumber estimates for framing houses, flooring, and decking. Without this standard unit, buying wood based on random dimensions would lead to inconsistent pricing and wasteful purchasing.
History Behind Its Usage
The concept of board feet dates back to the early 19th century, when sawmills and timber industries needed a universal way to measure and sell lumber. In the past, wood was often sold by the piece, leading to inconsistencies in pricing since dimensions varied. The board foot unit was introduced as a standardized measurement to ensure fair trade and transparent pricing in the lumber market.
As the woodworking and construction industries grew, board feet became the dominant way to calculate lumber volume in North America and other regions. Today, it remains the primary unit for estimating lumber costs, reducing waste, and streamlining inventory management in sawmills, lumberyards, and construction projects.
How to use the Board Foot Calculator?
Step 1
Enter the thickness of the lumber in inches
Step 2
Input the width of the board in inches
Step 3
Specify the length of the board in feet
Step 4
Enter the number of pieces of the lumber
Step 5
Optionally, you can input the price per board foot for cost estimation
Step 6
Click calculate to get the total board feet and cost
Example Calculation: Home Renovation Case Study
Let's consider a homeowner planning a deck renovation. They need to determine the total board feet required for purchasing lumber. Here are the details of the case study:
Home Renovation Case Study
A homeowner needs 50 pieces of lumber for their deck renovation project:
- Thickness (T) = 2 inches
- Width (W) = 8 inches
- Length (L) = 10 feet
- Number of Pieces (N) = 50 pieces
- Price Per Board Foot = $3.25
Step 1: Calculate Board Feet Per Piece
Board Feet Formula:
BF = (Thickness × Width × Length) ÷ 12
= (2 × 8 × 10) ÷ 12
= 160 ÷ 12
= 13.33 Board Feet per Piece
Step 2: Calculate Total Board Feet
Total Board Feet = Board Feet Per Piece × Quantity
= 13.33 × 50
= 666.67 Board Feet
Step 3: Calculate Total Cost
Total Cost = Total Board Feet × Price Per Board Foot
= 666.67 × $3.25
= $2,166.67
Conclusion
The homeowner needs 666.67 board feet of lumber for their deck project. Given the cost of $3.25 per board foot, the total estimated cost is $2,166.67. This calculation helps in budgeting and ensures the right amount of lumber is purchased, reducing wastage and overspending.
Using our Board Feet Calculator, you can quickly determine the amount of lumber required for any woodworking or construction project. This ensures you budget efficiently, reduce material waste, and make informed purchasing decisions.
Board Feet vs. Linear Feet vs. Square Feet
| Board Feet | Linear Feet | Square Feet |
|---|---|---|
| Measures volume (Thickness × Width × Length ÷ 12) | Measures length only (1D measurement) | Measures area (Width × Length) |
| Used for lumber purchases to account for thickness | Used for materials sold by length (e.g., pipes, trim) | Used for flooring, painting, or surface area calculations |
| Example: 2×6×12 = (2×6×12) ÷ 12 = 12 BF | Example: A 12-foot-long board = 12 LF | Example: A 4×8 plywood sheet = 32 SF |
| Considers thickness in pricing & calculation | Does not consider width or thickness | Does not consider thickness, only area |
| Common in lumberyards for wood sales | Used in construction for measuring trims, pipes, etc. | Used in real estate, flooring, and tiling |
Nominal vs. Actual Lumber Sizes: How They Affect Board Footage
Lumber is commonly sold by nominal sizes, which differ from their actual dimensions due to milling and planing. For example, a 2×4 does not measure exactly 2 inches by 4 inches, but instead 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches in its final form. This difference arises because lumber is initially cut to the nominal size in its rough state but shrinks after drying and is further reduced when planed smooth. When calculating board footage, failing to account for these actual dimensions can lead to inaccurate material estimates. If working with rough-cut lumber, which retains more of its original thickness and width, calculations should use nominal sizes. For planed (S4S) lumber, always refer to the actual dimensions.
Common Nominal vs. Actual Lumber Sizes Chart
| Nominal Size (in inches) | Actual Size (in inches) |
|---|---|
| 1×2 | ¾ × 1½ |
| 1×4 | ¾ × 3½ |
| 2×4 | 1½ × 3½ |
| 2×6 | 1½ × 5½ |
| 4×4 | 3½ × 3½ |
| 6×6 | 5½ × 5½ |
🔹 Adjustment for Board Foot Calculation:
Since board feet is calculated as (Thickness × Width × Length) ÷ 12, always use actual dimensions for precise results. For example, a 2×4×10 board is actually (1.5 × 3.5 × 120) ÷ 12 = 5.25 board feet, not 6.67 board feet as the nominal size would suggest.
How Lumber Moisture Content Affects Board Foot Measurement
Lumber contains moisture that influences its size and weight. Wet (green) wood has a higher volume due to retained water, whereas dry (kiln-dried) wood shrinks as it loses moisture. This affects board footage because a wet board appears larger, but once dried, its thickness and width reduce.
Basic Differences Between Wet vs. Dry Wood
| Factor | Wet (Green) Wood | Dry (Kiln-Dried) Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Larger due to water content | Shrinks as moisture evaporates |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Strength | Softer, prone to warping | Harder, more stable |
Shrinkage Factor in Board Foot Calculation
Different wood species shrink at different rates. Softwoods shrink more than hardwoods, and quarter-sawn lumber shrinks less than plain-sawn lumber. The shrinkage factor is around 6-10% for most softwoods and 8-12% for hardwoods. To adjust calculations, multiply the rough lumber size by a shrinkage factor before estimating final board footage.
Species-Specific Expansion & Contraction
- Oak & Maple: High shrinkage, noticeable changes in width.
- Pine & Cedar: Lower shrinkage, more stable.
- Teak & Mahogany: Dense hardwoods, minimal shrinkage.
💡Tip
When buying green lumber, purchase extra board feet to account for shrinkage after drying.
Why Choose our Board Feet Calculator?
Fast & Accurate Calculations
Instantly compute board feet and total cost with precision, saving time and effort.
Supports Multiple Units
Easily input dimensions in inches, feet, or metric units for convenience.
Cost Estimation Included
Quickly calculate lumber costs by entering price per board foot.
Beginner-Friendly
No prior experience needed – simple input fields and clear results make it accessible for everyone.
Ideal for Professionals & DIYers
Whether you're a contractor, woodworker, or hobbyist, our tool helps you plan efficiently.
No Registration Required
Start calculating board feet instantly without sign-ups or hidden fees.
Why Should You Buy Lumber by Board Feet?
Buying lumber by board feet ensures you pay for the actual usable wood volume rather than length alone, making it the fairest pricing method. Unlike linear feet, which ignores width and thickness, board footage accounts for all dimensions, preventing overpayment for thinner or smaller boards. This is especially useful for custom projects, where understanding the exact amount of material helps in budgeting and reducing waste. Lumberyards also price rough-cut and surfaced lumber differently based on board footage, allowing buyers to optimize cost-efficiency by purchasing rough lumber and planing it themselves.
What is Board Foot Insulation?
Board foot insulation refers to a unit of measurement used in spray foam insulation, not lumber. It represents one square foot of insulation at one-inch thickness. For example, 100 board feet of spray foam covers 100 square feet at 1-inch thickness or 50 square feet at 2-inch thickness. This metric is used to estimate coverage and cost for insulating walls, ceilings, and attics. Different types of spray foam (open-cell vs. closed-cell) have varying expansion rates, affecting how much material is needed per board foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is a board foot?
•
A board foot is a unit of measurement for the volume of lumber. It is defined as a piece of wood that is one foot long, one foot wide, and one inch thick, which equals 144 cubic inches.
Q2. How do I calculate board feet?
•
To calculate board feet, use the formula: board feet = length (in feet) × width (in inches) × thickness (in inches) / 12. Make sure to keep the units consistent.
Q3. Can I use different units for the dimensions?
•
Yes, you can use any unit of measurement for the dimensions. Our Board Foot Calculator will automatically convert the units into correct units for you, saving you time and effort.
Q4. Why is it important to calculate board feet?
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Calculating board feet helps you determine the volume of lumber you need for a project, which is essential for estimating costs and ensuring you have enough material.
Q5. What is the difference between board feet and square feet?
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Board feet measure volume (length × width × thickness), while square feet measure area (length × width). Board feet are used for lumber, whereas square feet are used for flooring and other surface areas.
Q6. How do I use a board foot calculator?
•
Enter the dimensions of your lumber (length, width, thickness and the number of pieces) into the calculator, and it will automatically compute the board feet for you.
Q7. Can I calculate board feet for multiple pieces of lumber at once?
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Yes, some calculators allow you to enter multiple pieces and will sum up the total board feet for all the pieces.
Q8. What is the standard thickness for a board foot?
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The standard thickness for a board foot is one inch. If your lumber is thicker or thinner, you need to adjust the calculation accordingly.
Q9. How do I convert cubic inches to board feet?
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To convert cubic inches to board feet, divide the cubic inches by 144, since one board foot equals 144 cubic inches.
Q10. Why do lumber yards use board feet?
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Lumber yards use board feet as a standardized unit of measurement to price hardwoods, which vary in width and thickness. This helps in consistent pricing and inventory management.
Q11. What is nominal width in board feet calculation?
•
Nominal width refers to the stated width of a board, which is often slightly less than the actual width due to finishing processes. For example, a 2x12 board might have an actual width of 11.25 inches.
Q12. Can I calculate the cost of lumber using board feet?
•
Yes, if you know the price per board foot, you can multiply the total board feet by the price to estimate the cost of the lumber.
Q13. What is the formula for board feet if all dimensions are in inches?
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If all dimensions are in inches, the formula is: board feet = (thickness × width × length) ÷ 144.
Q14. What is the Doyle log scale?
•
The Doyle log scale is a method used to estimate the number of board feet in a log. It is one of several scales used in the lumber industry for measuring logs and standing trees.
Q15. Can I use a board foot calculator for softwoods?
•
Yes, but softwoods are often sold by linear or square feet rather than board feet. However, the calculator can still be used to estimate the volume of softwood lumber.
Q16. How do I reset calculations in a board foot calculator?
•
Our Board Foot Calculator has a reset button that will clear the calculations and start over.
Q17. What is the acceptable variation in lumber tally?
•
The National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) allows a 4% variation in lumber tally as acceptable, but some professionals aim for higher accuracy.