How do you calculate board feet?

Board feet = (Thickness in inches × Width in inches × Length in feet) ÷ 12. For example, a 2×6×8 board is (2 × 6 × 8) ÷ 12 = 8 board feet.

What is the difference between nominal and actual lumber sizes?

Nominal size is the name (e.g. 2×4), while actual size is smaller due to drying and planing (e.g. 1.5″×3.5″). For billed board footage, confirm the supplier's measurement convention; for physical volume, use actual dimensions.

What is a log scale rule?

Log scale rules (Doyle, Scribner, International ¼″) estimate the board feet of lumber that can be sawn from a log based on its diameter and length.

Why do lumber prices vary by species?

Prices reflect availability, growth rate, demand, hardness, durability, and origin. Exotic species like Ipe and Teak cost more due to import costs and limited supply.

How do I convert board feet to cubic feet?

Divide board feet by 12. One board foot equals 1/12 of a cubic foot (144 cubic inches vs 1,728 cubic inches).

Is this calculator accurate for rough-sawn lumber?

It calculates volume from the dimensions entered. For an order tally, use the supplier's agreed thickness and measurement convention. For physical volume or finished parts, enter actual dimensions; the calculator does not certify an invoice tally.

Board Foot Calculator - Free Lumber Calculator

Q: What is a board foot?

A board foot (BF) is a unit of volume equal to a 1-inch thick, 12-inch wide, 12-inch long piece of lumber (144 cubic inches). It is the standard unit for buying and selling hardwood lumber.

Board Foot Calculator

Calculate lumber volume in board feet, enter quoted costs, and prepare a material specification. Formula: (Thickness × Width × Length) ÷ 12

What is a Board Foot?

A board foot equals a piece 1″ thick × 12″ wide × 12″ long (144 cubic inches). It's the standard unit for buying hardwood lumber.

Quick Add Common Sizes

Dimension basis for all rowsAdditional purchase allowance (%)

Presets contain nominal example quantities, not an approved material list. Enter actual dimensions for physical volume; nominal stock does not guarantee finished dimensions. Quantities below include the allowance once.

Enter dimensions in millimeters and meters

Line 1

Thickness (in)Width (in)Length (ft)Required pieces

1 purchased pieces · 8 BF, including allowance

8 board feet · 1 purchased pieces · 0.67 cubic feet

Material specification & editable costs

No preset market price. Enter your own quotation or planning allowance; a single species, grade and rate applies to this list. Leave unknown costs blank.

Species / manufacturer and productGrade and sawing patternMillingMoisture condition / targetRequired finished dimensions / profileCalculated stock dimensions do not guarantee finished dimensions.Substitution instructionsSite access and unloading requirementsDelivery ZIP (optional while planning)Required date (optional)Length selection / other requirements

Price and delivered material cost

Price unitMaterial price (USD per selected unit)Price source / quote referencePrice dateMilling charge (USD)Leave blank if unknown; enter 0 only if included or not applicable.Freight charge (USD)Leave blank if unknown; enter 0 only if included or not applicable.Unloading / accessorials (USD)Leave blank if unknown; enter 0 only if included or not applicable.Applicable tax amount (USD)Leave blank if unknown; enter 0 only if included or not applicable.Usable volume recovery (%) — optionalFor cost per usable BF only. Does not add stock or duplicate the waste allowance; include milling losses in your scenario.

A supplier reference is not verification of an offer. Square-foot pricing uses purchased board face area, not deck footprint or gaps. Include only additional charges, not costs already included in your price.

Material: Unknown · Priced quantity: 8 BF

Known-cost subtotal: Unknown (not the delivered total)

Delivered material total: Unknown

Still unknown: material, milling, freight, unloading, tax.

Usable volume scenario: Unknown BF · Delivered cost per usable BF: Unknown

No account required. Review and edit the specification before submitting. Submission is for sourcing review, not confirmation of availability, a quote or an order.

Quick Reference

Common Board Feet

Size	BF/pc
2×4×8	5.33
2×6×12	12
2×8×16	21.33
4×4×8	10.67
1×6×8	4

Lumber Math

1 BF = 144 in³
12 BF = 1 cubic foot
1 MBF = 1,000 board feet
BF = (T × W × L) ÷ 12

Weight Estimate

Softwood: ~2.5 lbs/BF
Hardwood: ~3.5 lbs/BF
Exotic: ~5 lbs/BF
Green lumber: +30-50%

Compare pricing on the same basis

Use a dated supplier quote or an explicit planning assumption above. Specify grade, milling, dimensions and price unit; unknown freight and tax are not zero.

Compare cost per usable board foot

Board Foot Calculator

Material specification & editable costs

Price and delivered material cost

Quick Reference

Common Board Feet

Lumber Math

Weight Estimate

Compare pricing on the same basis

Frequently Asked Questions

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