Use the Board Foot Calculator to measure the volume of lumber and estimate its cost. Enter the board length, width, thickness, quantity, and price per board foot to plan woodworking, construction, cabinetry, and lumber purchases.
What Is a Board Foot?
A board foot is a lumber-volume measurement equal to a piece of wood that is:
- 12 inches long
- 12 inches wide
- 1 inch thick
This equals 144 cubic inches of wood. Board feet are commonly used to price hardwood, rough lumber, and specialty wood products.
How to Use the Board Foot Calculator
- Enter the board length.
- Enter the board width.
- Enter the board thickness.
- Enter the number of matching boards.
- Add the price per board foot to estimate the total cost.
Use the actual measurements for the most accurate volume calculation. Lumber sold by nominal dimensions may be smaller after surfacing or planing.
Board Foot Formula
Board Feet=144Length in Inches×Width in Inches×Thickness in Inches
For multiple boards:
Total Board Feet=Board Feet per Board×Number of Boards
Board Foot Cost Formula
Total Cost=Total Board Feet×Price per Board Foot
Example Calculation
Suppose you have:
- Length: 96 in
- Width: 12 in
- Thickness: 2 in
- Quantity: 5 boards
- Price: $4 per board foot
Board Feet per Board=14496×12×2=16
Total Board Feet=16×5=80
Total Cost=80×$4=$320
You need 80 board feet of lumber, with an estimated cost of $320.
Why Calculate Board Feet?
Calculating board feet helps you:
- Compare lumber prices
- Estimate project material costs
- Buy the correct amount of wood
- Plan woodworking and cabinetry projects
- Reduce material waste
- Track lumber inventory
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a board foot the same as a linear foot?
No. A linear foot measures length only. A board foot measures volume using length, width, and thickness.
Should I use nominal or actual lumber dimensions?
Use the dimensions required by your supplier or project. For physical volume, actual dimensions are most accurate. Nominal dimensions may differ after the board is surfaced or planed.
Can I use this calculator for hardwood and softwood?
Yes. The board-foot calculation works for any lumber species. Price per board foot may vary by wood type, grade, moisture content, and supplier.
Does the calculator include waste?
No. Add extra lumber for cuts, defects, grain matching, project complexity, and future repairs.
Can I calculate one board only?
Yes. Enter a quantity of 1 to calculate the board footage and estimated cost for a single piece.
Does board footage calculate lumber weight?
No. Board feet measure wood volume. Lumber weight depends on wood species, moisture content, and density.
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