Board Feet Calculator
Lumber is often priced by the board foot, a block 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide and 12 inches long. This converts your boards to board feet.
- Free
- Works offline after your first visit
- Saves on this device
- No sign-up
- Updated
How it works
Multiply thickness, width and length, all in inches, then divide by 144 to get board feet. Multiply by the number of boards.
Use the actual size you measure, not the name the store gives the board. Boards are often a little smaller than their name after they are planed smooth.
Worked example
1 boards, each 1 in thick, 6 in wide and 8 ft long, come to 4 board feet.
Questions
Do I use the nominal or the actual size?
Use the actual size you measure. Boards are often a little smaller than their store name after milling.
Does waste count?
Not in this number. Add a little to your total for cut-off ends and defects, which is usual when you buy lumber.
Is this how the store prices lumber?
Some sellers price by the board foot and some by the piece. Ask the seller how they price before you buy.
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