Calculate total board feet for any lumber order based on thickness, width, length, and quantity. Because lumber is priced by volume, not length, board footage is what your yard quote is actually based on — this tool gives you that number instantly.

Lumber Calculator

Calculate board footage for any lumber order, with a visual stack.

$

10 boards

Total Board Feet35 bd ft
Board Feet / Board3.5 bd ft

How This Calculator Works

Lumber is priced and ordered in board feet — a volume measure, not a length count. Board footage captures the true amount of wood in a board, which is why a thicker or wider board costs more per linear foot than a 2×4. Note that lumber is sold at nominal sizes: a "2×4" is actually 1.5 × 3.5 inches after milling and drying. Use nominal dimensions to match lumber-yard quotes, or actual dimensions when comparing to milled hardwood. Add a 5–10% waste buffer for framing, 15% for premium hardwoods where you'll be selective.

The Mathematical Formula & Logic

Board Feet (one board) = (Thickness in × Width in × Length ft) ÷ 12.

Total board feet = Board feet × Quantity.

Estimated cost = Total board feet × Cost per board foot.

Worked Step-by-Step Example

Ten 2×4 boards (nominal 1.5 × 3.5 in) that are 8 ft long:

Board feet per board = (1.5 × 3.5 × 8) / 12 = 3.5 bd ft. Total = 3.5 × 10 = 35 bd ft. At $0.80 per board foot, cost = 35 × $0.80 = $28.00.

Frequently Asked Questions

A board foot is a volume equal to 144 cubic inches (12 × 12 × 1 in). Lumber yards use it because a 2×12 contains far more wood than a 2×4 of the same length. Linear feet only measure length and ignore the cross-section, so it can't price raw material accurately.

Lumber is milled at its nominal size then dried and planed smooth, removing about 3/8 in per dimension. A 2×4 becomes 1.5 × 3.5 in, a 2×6 becomes 1.5 × 5.5 in. Most yards quote board footage using nominal sizes, so enter nominal dimensions to match a supplier quote.

A 5–10% buffer covers defects, warping, and miscuts for most framing. For premium hardwoods where you will discard boards for grain or color, budget 15%. Running short mid-project, especially with specialty species, often means a costly second order and delays.

Disclaimer: CompelKit tools and calculators are provided for educational and estimation purposes only and do not constitute certified legal, financial, or tax advice.

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