Quickly estimate lumber volume and cost using the board foot formula.
Board feet by lumber size and length (feet)
| Size ↓ / Length → |
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* Values calculated using: Board Feet = Thickness (in) × Width (in) × Length (ft) / 12. Nominal dimensions used.
Board Feet = Thickness (in) × Width (in) × Length (ft) / 12
Where all measurements use nominal lumber dimensions
T × W × L / 12
Board feet for one piece
(T × W × L / 12) × N
Multiply by number of boards
Total BF × Price/BF
Estimate your lumber cost
Lumber is sold by nominal size (e.g., 2×4), but actual dimensions are smaller after drying and planing (e.g., 1.5" × 3.5"). Board feet are traditionally calculated using nominal dimensions. When precision matters — such as for hardwood purchases — confirm whether your supplier quotes nominal or actual sizes.
A board foot calculator helps you measure the volume of wood in a simple way. It is mostly used by people who work with lumber like carpenters builders and woodworkers. If you are buying wood you need to know how much material you are getting. This is where a board feet calculator becomes useful.
This tool also works as a lumber board foot calculator. You can enter size length and quantity and get results instantly. It also helps you estimate cost which is very helpful when planning a project.
Calculate board feet quickly without doing manual math so you can focus on your project.
Enter price per board foot and get instant cost estimates to plan your lumber budget accurately.
Enter measurements in inches feet millimeters centimeters or meters for maximum flexibility.
A board foot is a unit used to measure wood volume. It is commonly used in the United States and Canada. Understanding what is a board foot helps you compare different wood sizes easily.
A piece of wood that is 1 inch thick · 12 inches wide · 12 inches long — which equals 144 cubic inches of wood.
This is different from square foot because square foot only measures area. A board foot measures full volume which includes thickness width and length.
| Unit | What it Measures | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Board Foot | Volume (144 cubic inches) | Lumber pricing and buying wood |
| Linear Foot | Length only | Trim molding and pipes |
| Square Foot | Area only | Flooring and sheet goods |
Many people search how to calculate board foot or how to calculate board foot measure. The process is simple. Follow these steps to get your result.
Measure the thickness of your board in inches. For standard lumber use the nominal size for rough-sawn hardwood measure the actual thickness.
Record the width of the board in inches. Use nominal dimensions for dimensional lumber or actual measurements for custom-milled wood.
Measure the total length of the board in feet. This is the only dimension entered in feet — thickness and width stay in inches.
Board Feet = Thickness × Width × Length ÷ 12. This shows how board foot is calculated for any size of lumber.
A board that is 2 inches thick, 6 inches wide, and 10 feet long:
The board foot formula is simple and easy to use. This is also called board foot calculation formula. If you have multiple pieces you can multiply the result by number of boards.
Board Feet = Thickness (in) × Width (in) × Length (ft) ÷ 12
| Number of Boards | BF Per Board | Total Board Feet |
|---|---|---|
| 1 board | 8 BF | 8 BF |
| 3 boards | 8 BF | 24 BF |
| 5 boards | 8 BF | 40 BF |
| 10 boards | 8 BF | 80 BF |
Many people also want to know the cost of wood. This is where a board foot price calculator helps. You can calculate cost using this simple method:
Total Cost = Board Feet × Price per Board Foot
| Board Feet | Price per BF | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | $5.00 | $50 |
| 25 | $4.00 | $100 |
| 50 | $3.00 | $150 |
This works as a cost per board foot calculator and helps you plan your budget before buying lumber.
A board foot calculator for lumber is very useful in real life. When you buy wood it is usually sold by board feet. That is why a board foot lumber calculator helps you understand how much wood you need.
Estimate the exact amount of lumber needed for tables shelves and cabinets.
Calculate lumber volumes for framing decking and structural work.
Plan material needs for kitchen bathroom and custom cabinet projects.
Avoid wasting material by calculating exactly what you need before cutting.
Compare pricing between different board sizes and suppliers on an equal basis.
Teach lumber measurement fundamentals in shop classes and apprenticeships.
This online board foot calculator is simple and useful. It also works like a board foot calculator app but directly in your browser.
Calculates board feet instantly as soon as you enter your measurements.
Works with inches feet millimeters centimeters and meters for any project.
Enter price per board foot and get total cost instantly for budget planning.
Fully responsive on mobile tablet and desktop without any download needed.
Use the tool instantly without creating an account or storing any personal data.
Free to use anytime with no hidden costs subscriptions or limitations.