How to Calculate Board Feet for Lumber
Calculate the volume of lumber you need for woodworking or framing projects and find the true cost.
Lumber is sold by the board foot (bf), which is a unit of volume, not length. One board foot is equivalent to 144 cubic inches. Woodworkers and lumber yards use this to price high-end hardwoods or large framing orders.
The Board Foot Formula (BF)
(Width in inches x Thickness in inches x Length in feet) / 12 = Board Feet per piece.
Nominal Dimensions
Remember that 'Dimensional Lumber' (like a 2x4) has a nominal size that is different from its actual size. This calculator uses nominal dimensions as that's how lumber is priced and sold at the yard.
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