Board Foot Calculator
Calculate board feet for lumber pricing and quantity estimation.
Board Foot Calculator
About This Tool
The Board Foot Calculator is essential for purchasing lumber and estimating material costs. A board foot is the standard unit of measurement for lumber volume in North America, representing a piece of wood 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long.
Understanding Board Feet
Board feet (BF) = (Thickness in inches × Width in inches × Length in feet) ÷ 12
Quick Reference Examples
- 1" × 12" × 12": 1 board foot
- 2" × 6" × 8': 8 board feet
- 1" × 8" × 10': 6.67 board feet
- 2" × 4" × 8': 5.33 board feet
Lumber Pricing and Costs
Hardwood Pricing (per board foot)
- Oak: $3-$8 per BF (depending on grade)
- Maple: $4-$10 per BF
- Cherry: $6-$15 per BF
- Walnut: $8-$25 per BF
- Mahogany: $6-$18 per BF
Softwood Pricing
- Pine: $1-$4 per BF
- Cedar: $2-$6 per BF
- Fir: $1-$3 per BF
Lumber Grades and Quality
Hardwood Grades (NHLA Standards)
- FAS (Firsts and Seconds): Highest grade, 83% clear wood
- Select: One face FAS, other face #1 Common
- #1 Common: 66% clear wood, good for shorter pieces
- #2 Common: 50% clear wood, economical choice
Project Planning Tips
- Add 10-20% extra for waste, mistakes, and future repairs
- Consider grain direction and wood movement in your calculations
- Factor in the rough vs. finished dimensions when purchasing
- Account for defects that may require additional material
- Plan your cuts to maximize yield from each board
Rough vs. Finished Lumber
Understanding the difference between rough and finished lumber sizes is crucial:
Common Size Conversions
- 4/4 rough → 3/4" finished: Standard thickness
- 5/4 rough → 1" finished: Thicker stock
- 6/4 rough → 1-1/4" finished: Table tops
- 8/4 rough → 1-3/4" finished: Heavy construction
Related Woodworking Calculators
- Plywood Calculator - Calculate sheet materials
- Lumber Volume Calculator - Determine wood volumes
- Wood Movement Calculator - Plan for seasonal changes
- Moisture Content Calculator - Check wood dryness
How to Use
Enter the thickness (in inches), width (in inches), length (in feet), and quantity of boards. The calculator will determine the total board feet and estimated cost if you enter a price per board foot. Use actual dimensions for accurate calculations.
Tips & Tricks
Always verify lumber dimensions at purchase as they can vary. Buy from reputable suppliers who accurately measure and price lumber. Consider buying slightly thicker stock for projects requiring precise final dimensions. Keep a waste factor of 15-20% for complex projects. Seasonal lumber prices fluctuate - buy during off-peak times for better prices.
Safety Notes
Lumber can have sharp edges, splinters, and may contain nails or metal. Wear appropriate safety gear including safety glasses and gloves. Be cautious of chemically treated lumber - use proper ventilation. Some exotic woods can cause allergic reactions. Always lift lumber with proper technique or get assistance for heavy pieces.