Board Feet Calculator
Calculate board feet and lumber cost from thickness, width, and length.
Formula: Board Feet = (Thickness × Width × Length) ÷ 12
How to calculate board feet for lumber
Enter the board thickness in inches — 1 inch is standard for most hardwood, 1.5 inches for dimensional lumber like a 2×4.
Enter the width in inches and length in feet. For a 1×6×8 board, that's 1, 6, and 8.
Set the number of pieces you need. The calculator multiplies everything out and divides by 12 to get board feet.
Add a price per board foot to get a total material cost estimate. Hardwood dealers price by board foot; big-box stores typically price by the linear foot instead.
Common uses
- Ordering hardwood from a sawmill or specialty dealer
- Estimating material cost for a woodworking or furniture project
- Planning lumber quantities for finish carpentry or trim
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a board foot?
Do Home Depot and Lowe's sell lumber by the board foot?
How much waste should I account for in a lumber project?
Not sure whether to DIY this project?
Read our project-by-project guide on when to hire a contractor vs. do it yourself.
About this calculator
Enter the thickness, width, length, and number of pieces to get total board feet and estimated cost. Essential for any woodworking or framing project.
All results are estimates. Verify quantities with your local supplier and confirm measurements before purchasing materials. Requirements vary by region and project type.
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