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.
How much does lumber cost?
2x4x8 studs: $3-$7 each. 2x6x8: $5-$10. 2x12x12: $15-$25. Prices vary significantly by region and market conditions. Pressure-treated lumber costs 50-100% more than standard.
How many studs do I need for a wall?
Standard spacing: one stud every 16 inches (400 mm) on center, plus one for each end. A 3.6 m (12 ft) wall needs 10 studs. Add extra for door/window framing: 2 jack studs and 2 cripples per opening, plus a header.
What's the difference between a board foot and linear foot?
A board foot is a volume measurement: 1 inch thick x 12 inches wide x 12 inches long (or equivalent). A linear foot is just length regardless of width or thickness. Hardwoods are sold by board foot; dimensional lumber (2x4s, etc.) by linear foot or piece.