Board Feet Calculator
Calculate board feet of lumber from length, width, and thickness.
Supports inches and centimeters.
Board feet is the standard unit for measuring lumber volume in North America. One board foot equals a piece of wood 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 1 inch thick (144 cubic inches).
Formula (inches):
Board Feet = (Length × Width × Thickness) / 144
Formula (feet and inches):
Board Feet = (Length ft × Width in × Thickness in) / 12
Formula (metric):
Board Feet = (Length cm × Width cm × Thickness cm) / 2,359.74
Common lumber sizes and board feet per linear foot:
- 1×4: 0.33 BF/ft
- 1×6: 0.50 BF/ft
- 1×12: 1.00 BF/ft
- 2×4: 0.67 BF/ft
- 2×6: 1.00 BF/ft
- 2×8: 1.33 BF/ft
- 2×10: 1.67 BF/ft
- 2×12: 2.00 BF/ft
Note: Nominal lumber sizes (e.g., 2×4) differ from actual dimensions (1.5×3.5 inches). This calculator uses the dimensions you enter, so enter actual dimensions for precise results or nominal for estimates.
Pricing tip: Lumber is commonly priced per board foot for hardwoods. Softwoods are often sold per linear foot or per piece.