Board Foot Calculator
Calculate board feet from dimensions and quantity
Calculate board feet from a board's dimensions and quantity — the standard way lumber is measured and priced.
Board feet = (thickness × width × length) ÷ 12. Use actual (nominal) dimensions in inches and feet.
Board Feet Each
5.50
Total Board Feet
5.50
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the thickness in inches.
- Enter the width in inches.
- Enter the length in feet.
- Enter the quantity.
- Review the board feet per piece and total.
Why Use This Calculator?
- Figuring out how much lumber you're buying.
- Comparing board-foot totals across sizes.
- Pricing hardwood, which is often sold by the board foot.
Real-World Examples
A 1.5 × 5.5 in board, 8 ft long
That's about 5.5 board feet per piece — the actual size of a "2×6" board.
The formula
Board feet = (thickness × width × length) ÷ 12. Use inches for thickness and width, and feet for length. The result is the volume in board feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a board foot and a linear foot?
A linear foot is just length. A board foot accounts for thickness and width too, so it measures actual lumber volume.
Why use actual dimensions?
Because nominal sizes (like "2×4") are larger than the real milled size. Use actual dimensions for correct board-foot totals.
Does hardwood round up?
Hardwood is sometimes sold in nominal "rough" sizes and may be tallied differently. This calculator gives the straightforward geometric board feet.
Important Disclaimer
Calculates board feet exactly from the dimensions you enter. Actual lumber sizes and tallying methods vary by supplier.
Privacy
Your entries stay in your browser and aren't stored or transmitted.
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