Board Feet Calculator
Board feet is the standard unit for selling hardwood lumber. One board foot = 1 inch thick × 12 inches wide × 12 inches long (144 cubic inches). Use this calculator to convert your lumber dimensions to board feet, compare with linear feet, and estimate material cost.
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How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter your measurements in the fields above. Use the units shown next to each field (ft, in, etc.).
- 2Click Calculate to get your material estimate instantly.
- 3Review the highlighted result — it shows the key quantity you need to order.
- 4Use Copy Results to save your estimate, or bookmark the URL — your inputs are encoded in the link.
Pro tip: Always add 10% to your material order to account for waste, cuts, and defects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a board foot?
One board foot equals 144 cubic inches of wood — typically a piece 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long. It's the standard unit for buying and selling hardwood lumber. Softwood framing lumber is usually sold by linear foot.
How do I calculate board feet from lumber dimensions?
Use the formula: Board Feet = (Thickness in inches × Width in inches × Length in feet) ÷ 12. For example, a 2×6×8ft board: (2 × 6 × 8) ÷ 12 = 8 board feet.