Board Feet Calculator
Calculate lumber volume in board feet from thickness, width, and length. Works with inches and feet. Essential for buying hardwood lumber.
Board Feet Calculator
Board foot = (thickness" × width" × length") / 144. One board foot = 1 cubic inch × 144.
Tips for Lumber Buying
Understand Board Foot
One board foot = 1 inch thick × 12 inches wide × 12 inches long = 144 cubic inches. It's the standard unit for selling hardwood lumber.
Round Up for Rough Lumber
Rough-sawn lumber is oversized. A 1-inch rough board is actually 1-1/8 to 1-1/4 inches. Calculate based on actual thickness.
Account for Surfacing
Planing removes 1/8 to 1/4 inch from each face. A 4/4 rough board becomes 3/4 to 7/8 after surfacing. Price based on rough dimensions.
Buy Extra for Defects
Rough lumber has knots, checks, and wane. Add 15-25% extra to account for defects that must be cut out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a board foot?
A board foot is a volume measurement equal to 144 cubic inches (1" × 12" × 12"). It's the standard unit for pricing hardwood lumber in North America.
How do I calculate board feet?
Formula: (thickness in inches × width in inches × length in feet) / 12. Or: (T × W × L) / 144 when all dimensions are in inches.
What is the difference between board feet and linear feet?
Board feet measures volume (T × W × L). Linear feet measures length only. A 1×6×12 board is 6 linear feet but 6 board feet. A 2×6×12 is 6 linear feet but 12 board feet.
How do lumber grades affect board feet?
Higher grades (FAS, Select) have fewer defects and cost more per board foot. Lower grades (No.1 Common, No.2) cost less but have more waste from defects.
Cutting Lumber to Size?
Optimize your cuts from boards to minimize waste and maximize yield.
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