Board Feet Calculator — Lumber Volume & Cost Estimator
Use board-foot math for hardwood, timbers, specialty framing, and price checks. You can also reverse the calculation to see how many boards you need to hit a target quantity.
Formula: (thickness × width × length) ÷ 12 = board feet per board.
Common lumber sizes
| Nominal size | Board feet / linear foot |
|---|---|
| 2×4 | 0.67 |
| 2×6 | 1.00 |
| 2×8 | 1.33 |
| 2×10 | 1.67 |
| 2×12 | 2.00 |
| 4×4 | 1.33 |
| 6×6 | 3.00 |
Species weight factors
| Species | Approx. lb / bd ft |
|---|---|
| Pine | 2.5 |
| Oak | 3.9 |
| Cedar | 2.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a board foot?
A board foot is a volume equal to 1 inch thick × 12 inches wide × 12 inches long. Hardwood suppliers commonly use it to price material.
Can I reverse the calculator to get board count?
Yes. Enter the total board feet you need and the calculator estimates how many boards at the chosen dimensions will cover it.
Does this calculator include actual lumber sizing?
No. It uses the dimensions you enter. If your supplier sells surfaced material, verify actual thickness and width before ordering.
Keep the project moving
Use the free calculator for fast takeoffs, then plug the result into a reusable field template.
Need templates? Browse our professional template store — contracts, checklists, and planners from $17.