Board Foot Calculator
Calculate board feet for lumber projects with pricing estimates
Enter Lumber Dimensions
Quick Answer
Board feet = (Thickness in inches × Width in inches × Length in feet) ÷ 12. Example: A 2×6×8 board = (2 × 6 × 8) ÷ 12 = 8 board feet.
Lumber is priced by the board foot, not by the piece. Understanding board feet helps you compare prices, estimate project costs, and order the right amount of wood. This calculator handles the math and provides cost estimates based on wood type.
Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian
15+ years experience
PhD from Yale University. Published mathematical historian ensuring precision in all calculations.
Education
PhD in Mathematical History - Yale University
How to Calculate Board Feet
Formula: Board Feet = (Thickness" × Width" × Length') ÷ 12
Examples:
- • 1×6×8: (1 × 6 × 8) ÷ 12 = 4 board feet
- • 2×4×10: (2 × 4 × 10) ÷ 12 = 6.67 board feet
- • 2×6×12: (2 × 6 × 12) ÷ 12 = 12 board feet
Remember: Use actual thickness and width, not nominal sizes. A nominal 2×4 is actually 1.5" × 3.5".
Board Feet per Linear Foot Chart
| Lumber Size | Board Feet per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| 1×2 | 0.167 bf/ft |
| 1×4 | 0.333 bf/ft |
| 1×6 | 0.5 bf/ft |
| 1×8 | 0.667 bf/ft |
| 1×10 | 0.833 bf/ft |
| 1×12 | 1.0 bf/ft |
| 2×4 | 0.667 bf/ft |
| 2×6 | 1.0 bf/ft |
| 2×8 | 1.333 bf/ft |
| 2×10 | 1.667 bf/ft |
| 2×12 | 2.0 bf/ft |
Lumber Pricing by Wood Type
| Wood Type | Price per BF | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Pine | $2-4 | Softwood, easy to work, economical |
| Oak | $5-8 | Hardwood, durable, furniture grade |
| Maple | $6-10 | Hardwood, smooth grain, flooring |
| Cherry | $7-12 | Hardwood, rich color, premium |
| Walnut | $10-15 | Hardwood, dark, luxury furniture |
| Cedar | $3-6 | Softwood, rot-resistant, outdoor |
| Poplar | $3-5 | Hardwood, paint-grade, economical |
Nominal vs. Actual Lumber Dimensions
| Nominal Size | Actual Size |
|---|---|
| 1×2 | 0.75" × 1.5" |
| 1×4 | 0.75" × 3.5" |
| 1×6 | 0.75" × 5.5" |
| 2×4 | 1.5" × 3.5" |
| 2×6 | 1.5" × 5.5" |
| 2×8 | 1.5" × 7.25" |
| 2×10 | 1.5" × 9.25" |
| 2×12 | 1.5" × 11.25" |
| 4×4 | 3.5" × 3.5" |
Pro Tips for Buying Lumber
- •Always calculate using actual dimensions, not nominal
- •Buy 10-15% extra for waste and mistakes
- •Check moisture content (should be under 19% for indoor use)
- •Inspect for warping, knots, and splits before buying
- •Hardwoods are priced by board foot; softwoods often by piece
- •Compare $/board foot across suppliers, not just piece price
Frequently Asked Questions
How many board feet in a 2x4x8?
Using actual dimensions: (1.5 × 3.5 × 8) ÷ 12 = 3.5 board feet. Using nominal: (2 × 4 × 8) ÷ 12 = 5.33 board feet.
Why is lumber priced by board foot instead of by piece?
Board foot standardizes pricing across different sizes. A 2×12 has 3× more wood than a 2×4, so it costs more per linear foot.
Do I use nominal or actual dimensions for board feet?
Technically actual dimensions, but lumber yards often use nominal for simplicity. Ask your supplier which they use.
How much does a board foot cost?
Varies by wood type: Pine $2-4, Oak $5-8, Maple $6-10, Cherry $7-12, Walnut $10-15 per board foot.
How many 2x4x8 studs in a board foot?
One 2×4×8 stud = 5.33 board feet (nominal). So you get 0.19 studs per board foot, or 5.3 board feet per stud.
What's the difference between linear feet and board feet?
Linear feet measures length only. Board feet measures volume (length × width × thickness). 10 linear feet of 2×4 ≠ 10 linear feet of 2×12.
How do I calculate board feet for multiple pieces?
Calculate board feet for one piece, then multiply by quantity. Example: 10 pieces of 1×6×8 = 4 bf × 10 = 40 board feet.
Can I convert board feet back to pieces?
Yes. Divide total board feet by board feet per piece. Example: 40 bf ÷ 4 bf/piece = 10 pieces of 1×6×8.
Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian | PhD from Yale
Dr. Lawrence is a published mathematical historian with a PhD from Yale University. She ensures mathematical precision and accuracy in all our calculations, conversions, and academic score calculators. Her expertise spans computational mathematics and educational assessment.
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