Board Foot Calculator
Figure out how many board feet your lumber order comes to, and what it will cost, from simple thickness, width, and length measurements.
What Is a Board Foot?
A board foot is the standard unit for measuring lumber volume in the United States. One board foot equals a piece of wood 12 inches wide, 12 inches long, and 1 inch thick (144 cubic inches). It lets buyers and sellers compare lumber of different dimensions on equal footing, regardless of the actual thickness or width of the boards.
How the Calculation Works
The formula is: board feet = (thickness in inches x width in inches x length in feet) / 12. This calculator applies that formula to a single board, then multiplies by the number of boards you enter to get your total order size, and multiplies again by your price per board foot to estimate total cost.
Tips for Ordering Lumber
- Nominal lumber sizes (like a “2×4”) are usually larger than their actual finished dimensions, so measure actual thickness and width when precision matters.
- Always round up slightly on quantity to allow for cutting waste and defects.
- Prices per board foot vary widely by species, grade, and region, so check with your supplier for current rates.
Note: This tool is for general estimating and planning purposes only. Confirm final quantities and costs with your lumber supplier before purchasing.