Board Foot Calculator
To calculate board feet, multiply a board's thickness in inches by its width in inches by its length in feet, divide by 12, then multiply by the quantity. This calculator totals board feet and estimated cost for a whole stack of lumber from its nominal dimensions.
- Board feet
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How to calculate board feet
- Take the board’s nominal thickness and width in inches, and its length in feet.
- Multiply thickness × width × length.
- Divide by 12 to get the board feet for one board.
- Multiply by the quantity of boards for the total.
| Nominal size | Length | Board feet |
|---|---|---|
| 1×4 | 8 ft | 2.67 |
| 1×6 | 8 ft | 4 |
| 2×4 | 8 ft | 5.33 |
| 2×6 | 8 ft | 8 |
| 2×8 | 8 ft | 10.67 |
| 2×12 | 8 ft | 16 |
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Thickness (in) | Nominal board thickness |
| Width (in) | Nominal board width |
| Length (ft) | Board length |
| Board feet | (Thickness × Width × Length) / 12 × Quantity |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate board feet?
Multiply the thickness in inches by the width in inches by the length in feet, then divide by 12, and multiply by the quantity of boards. A single 1x6x8 board works out to (1 × 6 × 8) / 12 = 4 board feet.
How many board feet is a 2x4x8?
A 2x4x8 board is (2 × 4 × 8) / 12 = 5.33 board feet, using nominal (not actual) dimensions. Lumber is priced and measured using nominal sizes even though actual dimensions are slightly smaller.
Is a board foot the same as a linear foot?
No — a linear foot only measures length, while a board foot measures volume (thickness × width × length). A 1-inch-thick, 12-inch-wide board that is 1 foot long equals exactly 1 board foot, but a narrower or thinner board of the same length is less than 1 board foot.
Why is lumber priced by the board foot?
Board foot pricing accounts for both the size and volume of lumber, which matters most for hardwoods and rough-sawn boards sold in varying widths and thicknesses. Standard dimensional softwood lumber (like 2x4s) is usually priced per linear foot instead, since its dimensions are fixed.
How much does a board foot of lumber cost?
Pricing varies widely by species, from a few dollars per board foot for common softwoods to $15-20+ for premium hardwoods. Enter your local price per board foot above to estimate the total cost of your project.
Sources & references
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Last updated: July 2026