Construction & Materials
Lumber Cost Calculator
Use this lumber cost calculator for quick linear-foot estimates before building a detailed cut list.
Estimated cost
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- Linear feet with waste
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- Raw linear feet
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What the lumber cost calculator solves
Use this lumber cost calculator for quick linear-foot estimates before building a detailed cut list.
Formula
How to use it
- Enter board count and stocked length.
- Enter price per linear foot.
- Add waste for cuts, defects, and layout changes.
How to read the answer
This is a linear-foot budget helper. Use board-foot pricing for rough lumber sold by volume.
Common mistakes and edge cases
- Nominal and actual board sizes differ.
- Cut lists can reduce or increase waste.
- Hardware, delivery, and tax are separate.
Worked examples
Basic lumber run
Estimated cost
$195.36
Longer boards
Estimated cost
$258.05
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as board-foot pricing?+
No. This calculator uses linear feet. Use the board foot calculator when lumber is sold by volume.
Why add waste?+
Cuts, defects, and layout changes can make the purchased length higher than the finished length.
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Last updated: May 15, 2026