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Board Foot Calculator

Converts lumber dimensions into board feet for pricing and estimating wood orders

Lumber thickness in inches

Lumber width in inches

Lumber length in feet

How many boards you need

Enter to estimate total lumber cost

Board Feet per Piece

Board feet in a single piece (thickness x width x length / 12)

Total Board Feet

Board feet for all pieces combined

Estimated Cost

Total cost based on price per board foot

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a board foot?

A board foot is a unit of lumber volume equal to 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long (144 cubic inches). It is the standard unit for pricing hardwood lumber. A 2x6 that is 8 feet long contains 8 board feet: (2 x 6 x 96) / 144 = 8.

How do I calculate board feet?

Multiply thickness (inches) x width (inches) x length (feet), then divide by 12. For a board that is 1.5 inches thick, 6 inches wide, and 10 feet long: (1.5 x 6 x 10) / 12 = 7.5 board feet. Use nominal dimensions for lumber purchased rough or actual dimensions for surfaced lumber.

What is the price per board foot for common species?

Prices vary by region and grade. Common ranges: pine $2-5, poplar $3-6, red oak $4-8, white oak $5-10, cherry $6-12, walnut $8-15, maple $4-9. Exotic species can exceed $20 per board foot. Figured or specialty cuts command premium prices.