Board Foot Calculator

Accurate lumber volume. Calculate the total board feet of your lumber and estimate your total material cost instantly.

Check your local hardwood dealer for current rates (e.g., Walnut, Oak).
Total Board Feet (BF)
4.0
Total Cost: $22.00

Formula: (T" x W" x L') / 12

What is a Board Foot?

I genuinely believe that "Board Foot" is the most logical way to buy wood. Unlike buying lumber by the piece (like at a big-box store), buying by the board foot ensures you are paying for the actual volume of wood you get. One board foot is defined as a piece of wood 12" wide, 12" long, and 1" thick.

Nominal vs Actual: In the woodworking world, a "4/4" board (pronounced four-quarter) is nominally 1 inch thick. However, after it's been surfaced (S2S), it will actually be closer to 13/16" or 3/4". Always calculate your board feet based on the *nominal* thickness you are buying!

Board Foot Tips:

  • Wastage: Always buy 15-20% more wood than your project requires to account for knots, cracks, and grain matching.
  • Hardwood vs Softwood: Hardwoods are almost always sold by the board foot, while softwoods (pine, cedar) are often sold by linear foot or by the piece.
  • Thickness Scale: 4/4 = 1", 5/4 = 1.25", 8/4 = 2", and so on.