| # | Species | Thick. (4/4…) | Width (in) | Length (ft) | Pcs | Board feet | $ / BF | Cost |
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| Totals · add waste allowance ____ % | ||||||||
Board feet = T (in) × W (in) × L (ft) ÷ 12
All in inches: T × W × L ÷ 144
Thickness is the rough size: 4/4 = 1, 5/4 = 1.25, 6/4 = 1.5, 8/4 = 2
Live edge: average the widths at both ends and the middle
| W″ | 4/4 | 5/4 | 6/4 | 8/4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 0.33 | 0.42 | 0.50 | 0.67 |
| 5 | 0.42 | 0.52 | 0.63 | 0.83 |
| 6 | 0.50 | 0.63 | 0.75 | 1.00 |
| 7 | 0.58 | 0.73 | 0.88 | 1.17 |
| 8 | 0.67 | 0.83 | 1.00 | 1.33 |
| 10 | 0.83 | 1.04 | 1.25 | 1.67 |
| 12 | 1.00 | 1.25 | 1.50 | 2.00 |
Multiply the board feet per foot by the board's length in feet. Free calculators at boardfootcalculator.net
How to use the worksheet
Print a copy before you go to the yard and clip it to a board or a piece of cardboard. As you pull each board from the rack, write the species, its rough thickness in quarters, the width measured at the narrowest useful point, the length in feet, and how many identical pieces you are taking. Work out the board feet on the spot with the table at the bottom: find the width and thickness, then multiply by the length. A 6 in wide 4/4 board is 0.50 board feet per foot, so an 8 ft board is 4.00 board feet.
Before you pay, total the board feet column and compare it with the dealer's tally. Small differences are normal, because many yards round each board's width and length to set increments; a large difference is worth a polite question. Add your usual waste allowance when you plan, not when you check the bill, so the two numbers stay comparable.
Board feet, square feet, and thin stock
The worksheet is for lumber 1 in and thicker, which is sold by the board foot. Thin stock such as 1/4 in and 1/2 in boards is often priced by the square foot of face area instead: width in inches × length in feet ÷ 12. If you are buying plywood or sheet goods, count sheets rather than board feet.
Prefer to calculate it for you?
The board foot calculator totals a mixed stack with prices per species, waste, and tax, and can share the list as a link. For a cut list, start with the rough lumber calculator, which turns finished parts into a buying target, and the board foot chart for common sizes at standard lengths.