Maxi Calculator

Board Foot Calculator

Calculate the volume of lumber in board feet

Board Foot Calculator

Enter the thickness of the board in inches

Enter the width of the board in inches

Enter the length of the board in feet

Table of Contents
What is a Board Foot?

A board foot is a unit of measurement for the volume of lumber in North America. One board foot is equal to the volume of a board one foot long, one foot wide, and one inch thick (or its equivalent).

This measurement is crucial in:

  • Lumber pricing and purchasing
  • Construction material estimation
  • Woodworking project planning
  • Timber harvesting calculations
How to Calculate Board Feet

The formula for calculating board feet is:

Board Feet = (Thickness in inches × Width in inches × Length in feet) ÷ 12

For example:

  • A board that is 2 inches thick, 4 inches wide, and 8 feet long would be: (2 × 4 × 8) ÷ 12 = 5.33 board feet
  • A plank that is 1 inch thick, 6 inches wide, and 12 feet long would be: (1 × 6 × 12) ÷ 12 = 6 board feet
Common Uses

Board foot calculations are essential in various applications:

  • Construction Projects: Estimating lumber needs for building projects
  • Woodworking: Planning material requirements for furniture and crafts
  • Lumber Yards: Inventory management and pricing
  • Forestry: Estimating timber yields and value
Tips for Accurate Measurement
  • Always measure to the nearest 1/8 inch for accuracy
  • Consider rough vs. finished dimensions when calculating
  • Account for waste and saw kerf in project planning
  • Double-check measurements to avoid costly errors
  • Keep in mind that actual dimensions may vary from nominal sizes
Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we use board feet instead of cubic feet?

Board feet are specifically designed for lumber measurement and are industry standard in North America. They make it easier to calculate and price lumber, especially for pieces that are typically sold in inch-thick increments.

What is the difference between nominal and actual dimensions?

Nominal dimensions are the name by which lumber is sold (e.g., 2×4), while actual dimensions are typically smaller due to shrinkage during drying and smoothing during milling (e.g., 1.5×3.5 inches).

How do I account for waste in my calculations?

Add 10-15% to your calculated board feet for typical waste. For complex projects or when working with expensive woods, you might want to add up to 20% to account for mistakes and waste.