Board Feet Calculator
Calculate board feet for lumber purchases. Supports dimensional softwood (actual sizes) and rough hardwood (nominal sizes) with cost calculations.
A 2x6 is actually 1.5" × 5.5" — using actual dimensions
Board Dimensions
Total Board Feet
5.50 BF
- 1 board foot = 144 cubic inches (1" × 12" × 12")
- Softwood (dimensional): Use actual sizes (2×4 = 1.5" × 3.5")
- Hardwood (rough): Use nominal/stated sizes
- 4/4 = 1" thick, 8/4 = 2" thick, 12/4 = 3" thick
Related Calculators
About This Calculator
The Board Feet Calculator instantly converts lumber dimensions into board feet—the standard unit of measure for wood in the United States since the colonial era. Whether you're purchasing rough hardwood from a sawmill, dimensional softwood from the lumberyard, or exotic species from specialty dealers, this calculator handles the math accurately.
A board foot equals 144 cubic inches of wood, equivalent to a piece 1 inch thick × 12 inches wide × 12 inches long. Understanding board feet is essential for pricing lumber, estimating project costs, and communicating with lumber suppliers. This calculator handles both dimensional softwood (using actual dressed sizes) and rough hardwood (using nominal "quarters" sizing), with built-in pricing calculations for accurate cost estimates.
Perfect for woodworkers pricing custom furniture projects, contractors estimating framing lumber needs, sawmill operators measuring production, and DIYers planning their next woodworking project. Enter your lumber dimensions, quantity, and optional price per board foot to get instant totals with waste factor calculations.
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How to Use the Board Feet Calculator
- 1Select lumber type: Dimensional (softwood, uses actual sizes) or Rough (hardwood, uses nominal sizes).
- 2Choose from common preset dimensions or enter custom measurements for thickness and width.
- 3Enter the board length in feet (and inches if applicable).
- 4Enter the quantity of boards you need to calculate.
- 5Optionally add the price per board foot for cost calculations.
- 6Apply a waste factor (10-20%) for more accurate project estimates.
- 7Review total board feet, cost breakdown, and per-piece calculations.
- 8Print or save your estimate for ordering lumber from your supplier.
Formula
Board Feet = (Thickness × Width × Length) ÷ 144When all measurements are in inches, divide by 144. When length is in feet: BF = (T × W × L) ÷ 12. One board foot equals 144 cubic inches, or the equivalent of a 1" × 12" × 12" board. For rough hardwood, use nominal (stated) thickness; for dimensional softwood, you can use either actual or nominal dimensions depending on your supplier's pricing method.
Dimensional vs Rough Lumber: Key Differences
Understanding the difference is essential for accurate calculations:
Dimensional Lumber (Softwood): Sold at home improvement centers—typically pine, spruce, fir, or cedar. Uses actual (dressed) dimensions after drying and planing:
| Nominal Size | Actual Size | Board Feet/8' |
|---|---|---|
| 1×4 | 3/4" × 3-1/2" | 2.33 |
| 1×6 | 3/4" × 5-1/2" | 3.67 |
| 1×8 | 3/4" × 7-1/4" | 4.83 |
| 1×10 | 3/4" × 9-1/4" | 6.17 |
| 1×12 | 3/4" × 11-1/4" | 7.50 |
| 2×4 | 1-1/2" × 3-1/2" | 4.67 |
| 2×6 | 1-1/2" × 5-1/2" | 7.33 |
| 2×8 | 1-1/2" × 7-1/4" | 9.67 |
| 2×10 | 1-1/2" × 9-1/4" | 12.33 |
| 2×12 | 1-1/2" × 11-1/4" | 15.00 |
| 4×4 | 3-1/2" × 3-1/2" | 8.17 |
Rough/S2S Hardwood: Sold at lumber yards and hardwood dealers—oak, walnut, maple, cherry, etc. Uses the "quarters" system for thickness:
| Quarters | Rough Thickness | S2S Thickness | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" | Cabinet doors, trim |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Deck boards, counters |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Table tops, shelves |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Furniture legs, thick tops |
| 10/4 | 2-1/2" | 2-1/4" | Heavy furniture, turning |
| 12/4 | 3" | 2-3/4" | Large turnings, thick stock |
| 16/4 | 4" | 3-1/2" | Specialty projects |
Board Feet Calculation Examples
Example 1: 2×6 Dimensional at 8 feet Using actual dimensions (1.5" × 5.5"): BF = (1.5 × 5.5 × 8) ÷ 12 = 5.5 board feet
Example 2: 8/4 Walnut, 6" wide, 10' long Using nominal dimensions (2" × 6"): BF = (2 × 6 × 10) ÷ 12 = 10 board feet
Example 3: 4/4 Cherry, 8" wide, 6' long BF = (1 × 8 × 6) ÷ 12 = 4 board feet
Example 4: Multiple Boards 10 pieces of 4/4 red oak, 6" wide, 8' long: Per board: (1 × 6 × 8) ÷ 12 = 4 BF Total: 4 × 10 = 40 board feet
Pricing Example: 40 board feet of #1 Common red oak at $5.50/BF: Material cost: 40 × $5.50 = $220.00 Plus 15% waste factor: 46 BF × $5.50 = $253.00 total
Quick Reference Table:
| Board Size | 6' Length | 8' Length | 10' Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 × 4" | 2.0 BF | 2.67 BF | 3.33 BF |
| 4/4 × 6" | 3.0 BF | 4.0 BF | 5.0 BF |
| 4/4 × 8" | 4.0 BF | 5.33 BF | 6.67 BF |
| 8/4 × 6" | 6.0 BF | 8.0 BF | 10.0 BF |
| 8/4 × 8" | 8.0 BF | 10.67 BF | 13.33 BF |
NHLA Hardwood Grading System
The National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) sets standards for hardwood grading:
FAS (First and Seconds) - Highest Grade:
- Minimum board size: 6" wide × 8' long
- 83-100% clear on both faces
- Best for: Fine furniture, visible woodwork
- Price premium: 40-60% over #1 Common
FAS One Face (F1F):
- FAS quality on one face only
- Back may have more defects
- Good for: Projects where one side shows
- Price: 10-20% less than FAS
Select:
- Minimum board size: 4" wide × 6' long
- 83%+ clear on better face
- Good for: Cabinets, furniture parts
- Price: 15-25% less than FAS
#1 Common:
- Minimum board size: 3" wide × 4' long
- 66-83% clear cuttings
- Best for: Kitchen cabinets, small parts
- Most popular grade for furniture makers
#2 Common:
- Minimum board size: 3" wide × 4' long
- 50-66% clear cuttings
- Good for: Utility pieces, painted work
- Significant cost savings
#3 Common:
- 33-50% clear cuttings
- Good for: Flooring, pallets
- Lowest furniture grade
Grading Affects Price Dramatically:
| Species | #2 Common | #1 Common | Select | FAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Oak | $3-4/BF | $5-6/BF | $6-8/BF | $8-10/BF |
| Hard Maple | $4-5/BF | $6-7/BF | $8-10/BF | $10-13/BF |
| Cherry | $5-7/BF | $7-9/BF | $10-12/BF | $12-16/BF |
| Walnut | $7-10/BF | $10-14/BF | $14-18/BF | $18-25/BF |
2026 Lumber Pricing Guide
Current market prices for common lumber species (prices vary by region):
Domestic Hardwoods (per Board Foot, #1 Common):
| Species | 4/4 | 8/4 | 12/4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Oak | $5-7 | $6-9 | $8-12 |
| White Oak | $6-8 | $8-11 | $10-14 |
| Hard Maple | $6-8 | $8-11 | $10-13 |
| Soft Maple | $4-6 | $6-8 | $7-10 |
| Cherry | $7-10 | $9-13 | $12-16 |
| Walnut | $10-15 | $14-20 | $18-28 |
| Ash | $4-6 | $6-9 | $8-11 |
| Poplar | $3-4 | $4-6 | $5-7 |
| Hickory | $5-7 | $7-10 | $9-13 |
Exotic Hardwoods (per Board Foot):
| Species | 4/4 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sapele | $8-12 | Mahogany alternative |
| Genuine Mahogany | $15-25 | Premium furniture |
| Purpleheart | $12-18 | Striking purple color |
| Padauk | $10-15 | Bright orange-red |
| Wenge | $15-22 | Dark, dramatic |
| Bubinga | $12-18 | African rosewood |
| Zebrawood | $14-20 | Distinctive striping |
| Bloodwood | $18-25 | Deep red color |
Dimensional Softwood (per Linear Foot, 2026):
| Size | Standard | Select/Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 2×4×8' | $4-6 ea | $6-9 ea |
| 2×6×8' | $6-9 ea | $9-13 ea |
| 2×8×12' | $12-18 ea | $18-25 ea |
| 2×10×16' | $22-30 ea | $30-40 ea |
| 2×12×16' | $30-40 ea | $45-60 ea |
Note: Prices affected by Canadian lumber tariffs (currently ~35%) and regional availability.
Waste Factors and Project Planning
Always add extra for waste—running short mid-project is costly and frustrating:
Recommended Waste Factors:
| Project Type | Waste Factor | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Straight cuts only | 10% | Minimal waste from length cuts |
| Moderate complexity | 15% | Some angled cuts, matching |
| Complex joinery | 20% | Significant waste from fitting |
| Rough lumber with defects | 20-25% | Cutting around knots, checks |
| Pattern matching (veneers) | 30%+ | Grain alignment requirements |
Common Causes of Waste:
- Cutting around defects (knots, checks, wane)
- Grain matching for visible surfaces
- Dimensioning to final thickness
- Cross-cutting to rough lengths
- Mistakes during machining
- Wood movement after milling
Planning Tips:
- Measure twice, cut once - The oldest rule for good reason
- Make a cut list - Document every piece needed with dimensions
- Add 1/2"-1" to length - For final trimming and squaring
- Add 1/4" to width - For jointing and final dimension
- Order from one lot - Ensures color/grain consistency
Cost Impact Example:
| Project | Base BF | 15% Waste | 25% Waste | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 BF | $400 | $460 | $500 | $40 |
| 100 BF | $800 | $920 | $1,000 | $80 |
| 200 BF | $1,600 | $1,840 | $2,000 | $160 |
Based on $8/BF average price
Buying Lumber: Tips from the Pros
Maximize value when purchasing lumber:
At the Lumber Yard:
-
Inspect every board - Look for:
- Cupping, bowing, or twist
- Checking (end cracks)
- Sticker stain
- Insect damage
- Moisture content (ask for reading)
-
Understanding S2S vs. Rough:
- Rough: Straight from sawmill, requires planing
- S2S: Surfaced two sides, ready to joint/plane
- S4S: Surfaced four sides, dimensional (premium price)
- RGH: Rough on all surfaces
-
Random Width and Length (RWL):
- Cheaper than specified dimensions
- More efficient use of logs
- Requires planning your cut list around available sizes
Buying Direct from Sawmills:
| Advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|
| 30-50% lower prices | Often cash only |
| Can request specific cuts | May need trailer |
| Fresher lumber available | Requires drying time |
| Custom milling options | Limited species selection |
| Meet the miller | Quality varies |
Online Lumber Sources:
- Pros: Wide species selection, exotic availability
- Cons: Can't inspect before buying, shipping costs
- Tip: Order samples first for color/grain matching
Moisture Content Matters:
| MC Level | Status | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8% | Kiln dried (KD) | Indoor furniture |
| 8-12% | Air dried | Exterior projects |
| 15-20% | Green | Must dry before use |
| 25%+ | Freshly sawn | Long drying needed |
Storage After Purchase:
- Stack flat with stickers (spacers) every 16-24"
- Keep in conditioned space for indoor projects
- Allow 1 week per inch of thickness to acclimate
Converting Between Measurement Systems
Useful conversions for lumber calculations:
Board Feet to Other Units:
| From | To | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Board Feet | Cubic Feet | BF ÷ 12 |
| Board Feet | Cubic Inches | BF × 144 |
| Board Feet | Cubic Meters | BF × 0.00236 |
| Board Feet | Liters | BF × 2.36 |
Example Conversions:
- 100 BF = 8.33 cubic feet
- 100 BF = 14,400 cubic inches
- 100 BF = 0.236 cubic meters
Weight Estimates (Green/Dried):
| Species | Lbs per BF (Dry) | Lbs per BF (Green) |
|---|---|---|
| White Oak | 4.0 | 5.5 |
| Red Oak | 3.7 | 5.0 |
| Hard Maple | 3.8 | 4.8 |
| Cherry | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Walnut | 3.2 | 4.5 |
| Poplar | 2.5 | 3.5 |
| Pine | 2.2 | 3.8 |
Truck Load Estimating:
- Standard pickup: 500-1,000 BF max
- Full-size pickup: 1,000-2,000 BF max
- Flatbed trailer: 3,000-5,000 BF typical
- Lumber truck: 10,000+ BF
Quick Mental Math:
- 1" × 12" × 1' = 1 BF exactly
- 2" × 6" × 10' = 10 BF exactly
- 8/4 × 6" × 8' = 8 BF exactly
Sustainable and Certified Lumber
Making environmentally responsible lumber choices:
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certification:
- Most recognized sustainability certification
- Chain-of-custody tracking from forest to product
- Premium of 10-30% over non-certified
- Available in most common species
SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative):
- North American focus
- Widely used in commercial construction
- Less premium than FSC
- Strong in softwood species
PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification):
- Global umbrella organization
- Recognizes national certification schemes
- Common in European lumber
Reclaimed Lumber:
| Advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Unique character, patina | Higher preparation time |
| Often old-growth quality | May contain hidden metal |
| Environmental benefit | Limited availability |
| Great story for projects | Variable dimensions |
| Premium pricing possible | Requires careful inspection |
Domestic vs. Imported Considerations:
- Domestic species reduce transportation impact
- Some exotics face sustainability concerns
- CITES restrictions on certain species
- Consider domestic alternatives:
- Cherry instead of imported mahogany
- Black walnut instead of tropical hardwoods
- White oak for marine applications
Urban Wood / Salvage:
- Trees removed from urban areas
- Often large, mature specimens
- Unique species sometimes available
- Growing market with local mills
Pro Tips
- 💡When buying hardwood, board width and length vary randomly—measure each board for accurate board feet totals, or ask the supplier for a tally sheet.
- 💡S2S (surfaced two sides) lumber is thinner than the nominal rough size—plan your final thickness carefully and allow for additional planing.
- 💡Random width/length (RWL) hardwood is often 15-25% cheaper than specified dimensions, but requires flexible project planning.
- 💡Ask about wholesale or contractor pricing for purchases over 100 board feet—many suppliers offer 10-20% discounts.
- 💡Kiln-dried (KD) lumber costs $1-3 more per board foot but is essential for indoor furniture to prevent warping and cracking.
- 💡Buy from the same lot/bundle to ensure color and grain consistency across your project—mixing lots can result in visible differences.
- 💡Let lumber acclimate in your shop for 1-2 weeks before milling to final dimensions—this reduces movement after construction.
- 💡Order 15-20% extra when working with rough lumber or doing complex joinery—running short mid-project is expensive and delays work.
- 💡Check moisture content with a meter before purchasing—8% or less is ideal for indoor furniture.
- 💡For exotic species, request samples first—color photos rarely capture true appearance, and the $5-20 investment can save expensive mistakes.
- 💡Build a relationship with a local sawmill for the best prices and access to specialty cuts or unusual species.
- 💡Consider the "net yield" after dimensioning—a rough 4/4 board becomes approximately 13/16" thick after surfacing, not a full inch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Using actual dimensions (1.5" × 3.5" × 8'): BF = (1.5 × 3.5 × 8) ÷ 12 = 3.5 board feet. Using nominal dimensions (2" × 4" × 8'): BF = (2 × 4 × 8) ÷ 12 = 5.33 board feet. Most lumber yards price dimensional lumber per piece rather than per board foot, but knowing the board feet helps compare value.
