Board Foot Calculator: Your Lumber Measurement Solution
Effortlessly calculate board feet for any woodworking project with our board foot calculator. Input length, width, and thickness to get instant, accurate results—perfect for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Board Calculator
Calculate lumber volumes and costs to help you estimate your project budget
Board Calculator Information
What are Board Feet?
A board foot is a unit of volume for measuring lumber in the United States and Canada. One board foot equals:
- 1 foot × 1 foot × 1 inch (144 cubic inches)
- 1/12 cubic foot
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Formula for Board Feet
The formula to calculate board feet is:
Board Feet = Thickness (inches) x Width (inches) x Length (feet) x Quantity / 12
For example, a board that is 1 inch thick, 8 inches wide, and 12 feet long contains 8 board feet.
How to Use Our Calculator
Our calculator makes it easy to determine both board feet and cost:
- Enter the number of pieces
- Specify dimensions (thickness, width, length)
- Choose appropriate units
- Enter the price per board foot
- Get instant results
Common Wood Types and Their Properties
| Wood Type | Hardness (Janka) | Workability | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak | 1,290 | Moderate | Furniture, Flooring |
| Maple | 1,450 | Difficult | Cabinets, Flooring |
| Pine | 420-870 | Easy | Construction, Crafts |
| Cherry | 950 | Easy | Furniture, Cabinets |
| Walnut | 1,010 | Moderate | Furniture, Gunstocks |
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Density and Weight Calculation
The weight of lumber can be approximated using the formula:
Weight (lbs) = Volume (ft³) x Density (lbs/ft³)
Different wood species have different densities. For example:
- Oak: ~45-50 lbs/ft³
- Pine: ~25-35 lbs/ft³
Tips for Buying Lumber
- Understand Grades: Higher grades mean fewer defects
- Check for Warp: Look down the length of boards for bowing or twisting
- Consider Moisture Content: Kiln-dried lumber is more stable
- Buy Extra: Allow for waste and mistakes (typically add 10-15%)
- Calculate Costs Carefully: Using our calculator helps prevent budget surprises
Our Calculators
Powerful tools to help with your measurements and calculations
What Users Say About Board Calculator
Hear from DIYers, contractors, and lumber pros who use our Board Calculator to simplify their projects.
James P.
Homeowner & DIYer
The board calculator was a lifesaver for my shed project. I got the exact board feet in seconds and didn't waste a single plank!
Laura K.
Carpenter
I use the board calculator for every job. It's so reliable that my lumber orders are spot-on, and my clients love the precision.
Chris M.
Hobbyist Woodworker
This board calculator took the stress out of planning my bookshelf build. Super easy, even for someone just starting out.
Tom H.
Lumber Yard Manager
As a lumber yard manager, I recommend the board calculator to my team. It speeds up inventory checks and reduces mistakes.
Rachel S.
DIY Enthusiast
I was skeptical at first, but the board calculator nailed it for my fence project. Saved me money and trips to the store!
Ethan W.
Furniture Maker
The board calculator is my go-to for pricing custom furniture. Accurate results every time, and my customers appreciate the transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Board Calculator
Have another question? Contact us on Discord or by email.
What exactly is the Board Calculator and how does it work?
The Board Calculator is a free online tool designed to calculate lumber volume in board feet. Simply input the length (in feet), width, and thickness (in inches), and it uses the formula (length × width × thickness) ÷ 12 to give you an instant result.
Do I need woodworking experience to use the Board Calculator?
No experience is needed! The Board Calculator is user-friendly and perfect for beginners and pros alike. Just measure your lumber and enter the values—our tool handles the rest with clear instructions.
What types of projects can I use the Board Calculator for?
The Board Calculator works for any lumber-based project, including decks, furniture, shelves, fences, and more. It's versatile enough to handle DIY builds or professional construction jobs.
How long does it take to calculate lumber with the Board Calculator?
With the Board Calculator, you get results in seconds. Enter your measurements, hit calculate, and you'll have an accurate board feet total instantly—no manual math required.
What measurements does the Board Calculator require?
The Board Calculator needs three inputs: length in feet, and width and thickness in inches. It's designed for sawn lumber and uses these standard units to compute board feet accurately.
Can I use the Board Calculator for irregularly shaped lumber?
Yes! For irregular pieces, break them into uniform sections, calculate each part with the Board Calculator, and add the results together. It's flexible for all lumber types.