Board Feet Calculator
Calculate board feet for one lumber piece or identical pieces. Enter thickness and width in inches, length in feet, and quantity for a total bd. ft. estimate.
FAQ for this calculator
- What is a board foot?
- A volume unit: 1 bd. ft. = 12 in × 12 in × 1 in of wood.
- 2×4 actual size?
- Use the dimensions you are billed on—often nominal 2×4 (1.5×3.5 actual) if that is how you buy.
- Board feet vs linear feet?
- Board feet measure volume; linear feet measure length only—use our linear foot calculator for the latter.
- Include waste?
- Add 5–15% waste manually for cuts and defects—not included here.
How to use the board feet calculator
One board foot is 144 cubic inches of lumber. The formula (T×W×L)/12 with length in feet gives board feet per piece.
- Measure nominal thickness and width in inches.
- Enter length in feet per piece.
- Multiply by piece count for the job total.
When to use this calculator
- Ordering hardwood for a small table top.
- Estimating bd. ft. for a deck rail run.
- Cross-checking a lumberyard quote.
Examples & walkthrough
- 2×6×8, qty 10 → 80 bd. ft. total in standard formula.
- 1×4×12, qty 1 → 4 bd. ft.