Fast Calculator Online

Board Foot Calculator

Take the guesswork out of buying lumber. Quickly convert board dimensions into total board feet (BF). Essential for pricing hardwood projects and ordering rough-sawn timber.

in
in
ft
Total Board Feet5.33 BF

How It Works

Our calculator uses the standard board foot formula: Board Feet = (Thickness × Width × Length) ÷ 12, where thickness and width are in inches and length is in feet. For multiple boards, the result is multiplied by the quantity field.

When to Use This

Use this before purchasing lumber at a hardwood dealer or home improvement store. Board foot pricing is standard for rough-sawn hardwoods. This tool prevents costly under-ordering or waste from over-ordering.

How it Works

  1. 1

    Measure Thickness & Width

    Enter the thickness and width of the board in inches. Use nominal sizes for softwoods or actual dimensions for rough hardwood.

  2. 2

    Measure Length

    Enter the length of the board in feet.

  3. 3

    Set Quantity

    If you are buying multiple identical boards, enter the total number in the quantity field to get your bulk volume.

Common Lumber Sizes and Board Feet Yields
Nominal Size (in)Length (ft)Total Board Feet
1" × 6"8'4 BF
1" × 12"8'8 BF
2" × 4"8'5.33 BF
2" × 6"10'10 BF
4" × 4"8'10.67 BF

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a board foot?
A board foot is a specialized unit of volume used for lumber in North America. It equals the volume of a 1-inch thick, 12-inch wide, and 1-foot long piece of wood (144 cubic inches).
How do you calculate board feet?
Multiply the Thickness (inches) by the Width (inches) by the Length (feet), and then divide by 12.
Why is hardwoods sold by the board foot?
Because rough-sawn hardwood boards come in random widths and lengths, purchasing by volume (board feet) ensures fair pricing compared to buying standardized linear feet.