Board Foot Calculator
Related Calculators
Board Foot Calculator Guide
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Board Foot
- Board Foot Formula
- Lumber Tables & Reference
- Examples of Board Foot Calculation
- Importance of Board Foot
- Unit Conversion Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction to Board Foot
Lumber measurement is a key factor in woodworking and construction. Accurately calculating wood volume helps avoid material waste, reduce cost, and plan projects efficiently.
The Board Foot is a standard unit in the lumber industry, representing one foot long, one foot wide, and one inch thick of wood. Using this unit simplifies pricing and ensures consistent measurement.
Whether you are a professional builder, hobbyist woodworker, or lumber supplier, understanding board feet can save money and optimize wood usage.
Board Foot Formula
Calculating board feet requires thickness, width, and length. All dimensions should be converted to inches for thickness and width, and feet for length.
The formula is straightforward and allows instant calculation once you have the correct measurements.
Thickness (in) × Width (in) × Length (ft) ÷ 12 = Board Feet
By mastering this formula, you can estimate lumber volumes for any project, whether for furniture, decking, or construction purposes.
Common Lumber Thicknesses & Board Feet
| Thickness (in) | Width (in) | Length (ft) | Board Feet (1 piece) | Price per Board Foot ($) | Cost per Piece ($) | Usage Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 8 | 4.00 | 3.50 | 14.00 | Decking boards |
| 2 | 8 | 10 | 13.33 | 4.00 | 53.32 | Framing lumber |
| 1.5 | 4 | 12 | 6.00 | 3.75 | 22.50 | Furniture lumber |
| 0.75 | 10 | 6 | 3.13 | 3.00 | 9.38 | Trim & paneling |
| 3 | 12 | 8 | 24.00 | 5.00 | 120.00 | Heavy beams |
| 2.5 | 6 | 10 | 12.50 | 4.50 | 56.25 | Specialty lumber |
| 1 | 8 | 16 | 10.67 | 3.80 | 40.55 | Flooring boards |
Importance of Board Foot in Woodworking
Knowing the board foot helps in accurate cost estimation, reducing waste and ensuring projects stay on budget.
Lumber prices are usually quoted per board foot, so accurate calculation ensures you only purchase the necessary quantity.
Using this measurement allows both buyers and sellers to communicate effectively and maintain consistent project planning.
Unit Conversion Guide for Lumber
| Unit | To Inches | Common Use | Conversion Factor | Example | Precision | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Millimeters (mm) | Divide by 25.4 | Metric projects | 1 mm = 0.0394 in | 50 mm = 1.97 in | High | Precision woodworking |
| Centimeters (cm) | Divide by 2.54 | General metric | 1 cm = 0.394 in | 10 cm = 3.94 in | Medium | Construction projects |
| Meters (m) | Multiply by 39.37 | Large beams | 1 m = 39.37 in | 2 m = 78.74 in | Low | Long lumber |
| Inches (in) | Base unit | US standard | 1 in = 1 in | 12 in = 12 in | High | Primary measurement |
| Feet (ft) | Multiply by 12 | Length measurement | 1 ft = 12 in | 6 ft = 72 in | High | Common lumber lengths |
| Feet/Inches (ft/in) | Feet × 12 + inches | Combined input | N/A | 5' 8" = 68 in | High | Mixed unit input |
| Meters/Centimeters (m/cm) | Meters × 39.37 + cm / 2.54 | Metric combination | N/A | 1 m 50 cm = 59.06 in | Medium | Flexible measurement |
Examples of Board Foot Calculation
| Example # | Thickness | Width | Length | Pieces | Board Feet per Piece | Total Board Feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 in | 6 in | 8 ft | 10 | 4.00 | 40.00 |
| 2 | 2 in | 4 in | 12 ft | 5 | 8.00 | 40.00 |
| 3 | 0.75 in | 8 in | 6 ft | 12 | 3.00 | 36.00 |
| 4 | 1.5 in | 10 in | 16 ft | 3 | 20.00 | 60.00 |
| 5 | 3 in | 12 in | 8 ft | 1 | 24.00 | 24.00 |
| 6 | 2.5 in | 6 in | 10 ft | 2 | 12.50 | 25.00 |
| 7 | 1 in | 8 in | 16 ft | 4 | 10.67 | 42.68 |