Board Foot Calculator
Calculate measured and waste-adjusted board feet, linear feet and lumber cost from actual stock dimensions.
What Is the Board Foot Calculator?
The Board Foot Calculator converts board thickness in inches, width in inches, length in feet and piece quantity into measured board feet. It keeps the waste allowance visible, reports total linear feet and estimates material cost from a price per board foot.
How It Works
Enter the stock dimensions and number of boards, then add the waste percentage appropriate for defects, grain matching and cuts. Enter the dealer's board-foot price when a cost estimate is useful, and copy or download the takeoff.
When to Use It
Use it for hardwood, rough-sawn lumber, slabs and other stock sold by board-foot volume. Confirm whether the seller calculates from nominal, rough or surfaced dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is One Board Foot?
- One board foot is 144 cubic inches, commonly represented by a board 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide and 1 foot long.
- Are Nominal And Actual Dimensions The Same?
- Not always. Enter the dimensions used by the seller for pricing; surfaced construction lumber is often smaller than its nominal label.
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