Table of Contents
Board Foot Calculator
Calculate board feet using the standard formula: Length(ft) × Width(in) × Thickness(in) ÷ 12
Important: Length in feet, width and thickness in inches. For nominal lumber sizes, use actual dimensions.
Board Feet
What is a Board Foot?
A Board Foot is a unit of volume measurement for lumber widely used in North America. One board foot equals the volume of a piece of wood measuring 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long (144 cubic inches).
This unit is primarily used in commercial transactions for hardwood and softwood, helping buyers and sellers accurately calculate the quantity and price of lumber. Regardless of the actual shape of the lumber, if the total volume is the same, the board foot count will be the same.
The standard formula is: Length(ft) × Width(in) × Thickness(in) ÷ 12 = Board Feet.
How to Calculate Board Feet
There are several methods to calculate Board Feet, depending on the measurement units you're using and the type of lumber. Here are the most common calculation methods:
Basic Formula
Board Feet = Length(ft) × Width(in) × Thickness(in) ÷ 12
Common Size Reference Table
| Dimensions (inches) | Board Feet |
|---|---|
| 1 × 4 × 8 | 2.67 |
| 1 × 6 × 8 | 4.00 |
| 1 × 8 × 8 | 5.33 |
| 1 × 10 × 8 | 6.67 |
| 1 × 12 × 8 | 8.00 |
| 2 × 4 × 8 | 5.33 |
| 2 × 6 × 8 | 8.00 |
| 2 × 8 × 8 | 10.67 |
| 2 × 10 × 8 | 13.33 |
| 2 × 12 × 8 | 16.00 |
Professional Board Foot Calculation Tools
We offer various professional Board Foot calculation tools to meet different lumber types and calculation needs. Choose the calculator that suits your requirements:
Board Foot BLOCK TALLY Calculator
Suitable for calculating the volume of wood blocks and large lumber, supporting batch calculations for multiple blocks.
Use This CalculatorDoyle Log Scale Calculator
Calculate board feet for logs using the Doyle scale, suitable for logs and large timber.
Use This CalculatorBoard Feet Calculator By Inch
Perform precise calculations using inches as the basic unit, perfect for fine woodworking and furniture making.
Use This CalculatorScribner Log Rule Calculator
Calculate board feet for logs using the Scribner rule, widely used in the western United States.
Use This CalculatorInternational 1/4-Inch Rule Calculator
Calculate board feet using the International 1/4-inch rule, suitable for international lumber trade.
Use This CalculatorLumber Price Calculator
Calculate the cost of lumber based on board feet and price per board foot, helping with project budgeting.
Use This CalculatorCommon Uses & Applications
Construction
In the construction industry, board foot calculations are used to estimate the amount of lumber needed for framing, flooring, walls, and roofing, helping to accurately budget and reduce waste.
Furniture Making
Furniture makers use board foot calculations to determine the amount of lumber needed for a project, especially when using high-value hardwoods where precise calculations can significantly reduce costs.
Lumber Trade
In the lumber trade, board feet are the standard unit of measurement used to determine lumber prices and quantities, ensuring fairness and consistency in transactions.