Lumber & Board Foot Calculator
Calculate board feet, linear feet, and lumber for framing and hardwood purchases.
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How to Calculate Board Feet
Board feet = thickness (in) x width (in) x length (ft) / 12. Hardwood is priced per board foot, ranging from $3/bf for common species to $15+/bf for exotics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a board foot?
A board foot is 144 cubic inches — a piece 12x12x1 inches. Calculate as: (thickness x width x length in inches) / 144. It's the standard unit for pricing hardwood.
What are actual vs nominal lumber dimensions?
A 2x4 is actually 1.5x3.5 inches. A 2x6 is 1.5x5.5. A 2x8 is 1.5x7.25. Always use actual dimensions for calculations.