Board Foot Calculator
Calculate board feet for lumber volume and pricing
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Enter lumber dimensions (thickness, width, length)
- Specify quantity of pieces
- Optionally enter price per board foot for cost calculation
- Choose your preferred unit system (imperial or metric)
- Click calculate to get volume and cost estimates
What is a Board Foot?
A board foot is a unit of volume measurement used in the lumber industry. It represents the volume of a piece of wood that is 1 foot long, 1 foot wide, and 1 inch thick (12" × 12" × 1" = 144 cubic inches).
Board feet are commonly used to price and sell lumber, especially hardwoods and specialty woods where precise volume measurement is important.
Board Foot Formula
The formula to calculate board feet is:
Board Feet = (Thickness × Width × Length) ÷ 144
Where:
- Thickness is measured in inches
- Width is measured in inches
- Length is measured in inches
- 144 is the number of cubic inches in one board foot
Common Lumber Sizes
| Nominal Size | Actual Size | Board Feet per 8' Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1×4 | 0.75" × 3.5" | 2.33 |
| 1×6 | 0.75" × 5.5" | 3.67 |
| 1×8 | 0.75" × 7.25" | 4.83 |
| 1×10 | 0.75" × 9.25" | 6.17 |
| 1×12 | 0.75" × 11.25" | 7.50 |
| 2×4 | 1.5" × 3.5" | 4.67 |
| 2×6 | 1.5" × 5.5" | 7.33 |
| 2×8 | 1.5" × 7.25" | 9.67 |
| 2×10 | 1.5" × 9.25" | 12.33 |
| 2×12 | 1.5" × 11.25" | 15.00 |
Lumber Pricing
Lumber is typically priced per board foot, especially for hardwoods and specialty woods. Common price ranges:
- Softwoods (pine, fir): $1-3 per board foot
- Hardwoods (oak, maple): $3-8 per board foot
- Exotic woods (teak, mahogany): $8-20+ per board foot
- Reclaimed lumber: $2-10 per board foot
Prices vary significantly based on species, grade, moisture content, and market conditions.
Lumber Buying Tips
- Always calculate board feet before purchasing to compare prices
- Consider waste factor (typically 10-20%) for cuts and defects
- Check moisture content - kiln-dried is preferred for indoor projects
- Inspect for knots, warping, and other defects
- Buy slightly more than needed to account for mistakes
- Consider the grade of lumber for your project needs
- Ask about delivery and handling fees
Frequently Asked Questions
- How accurate is this board foot calculator?
- This calculator provides precise board foot calculations based on the standard formula. However, actual lumber dimensions may vary slightly from nominal sizes due to milling tolerances. Always verify with your lumber supplier for exact dimensions.
- What's the difference between nominal and actual lumber sizes?
- Nominal size is the name used to identify lumber (like 2×4), while actual size is the true dimensions after milling. For example, a 2×4 actually measures 1.5" × 3.5". This calculator uses actual dimensions for accurate board foot calculations.
- Why is lumber priced per board foot?
- Board foot pricing allows for fair comparison between different sizes and species of lumber. It accounts for the actual volume of wood you're purchasing, making it easier to compare costs across different dimensions and species.
- How do I account for waste when buying lumber?
- Add 10-20% to your calculated board feet to account for waste from cuts, defects, and mistakes. For complex projects or beginners, consider adding even more. It's better to have extra lumber than to run short mid-project.
- Can I use this calculator for metric lumber?
- Yes, the calculator supports both imperial and metric units. For metric lumber, enter dimensions in meters and the calculator will convert to board feet equivalent for comparison with imperial lumber pricing.