Construction & Materials
Board Foot Calculator
Use the board foot calculator for rough lumber, hardwood, slabs, and woodworking material estimates.
Total board feet
—
- Each piece
- —
- Estimated cost
- —
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What the board foot calculator solves
Use the board foot calculator for rough lumber, hardwood, slabs, and woodworking material estimates.
Formula
How to use it
- Enter actual thickness and width in inches.
- Enter length in feet.
- Multiply by quantity and cost per board foot if needed.
How to read the answer
Board feet measure lumber volume, not surface area.
Common mistakes and edge cases
- Use actual dimensions when pricing surfaced lumber.
- Waste and defects can reduce usable yield.
- Linear feet and board feet are not the same.
Worked examples
Four rough boards
Total board feet
21.33
Thicker stock
Total board feet
33.33
Frequently asked questions
Why divide by 12?+
One board foot is a volume 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long.
Can I use nominal dimensions?+
For pricing rough lumber, use the dimensions the seller uses. For project yield, actual dimensions are often more useful.
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Last updated: May 15, 2026