Board Foot Calculator — Lumber Volume & Cost
Calculate board feet per piece and total lumber volume with quantity, waste allowance, and price.
One board foot is a lumber volume of 144 cubic inches. Multiply thickness × width × length in inches, divide by 144, then multiply by quantity and add cutting waste.
4 BF per board · 80 total linear ft.
- Lumber46 board feet
Ask the lumberyard whether it tallies nominal, rough, or surfaced dimensions and how it rounds. Board feet measure volume, not linear or square coverage.
Step by step
- 1
Enter actual or quoted thickness and width carefully; nominal lumber dimensions can differ from dressed dimensions.
- 2
Calculate board feet per piece, multiply by quantity, and add waste for defects and cut layout.
- 3
Apply the supplier’s price basis—per board foot or per piece—and verify tally rules before purchase.
Check the estimate before you buy
Calculate board-foot lumber volume per piece and for a full batch, then add milling or cut allowance and optional price per board foot.
One board measuring 1 in thick × 6 in wide × 8 ft long contains 4 board feet. Ten identical boards contain 40 board feet before a 15% allowance, or 46 board feet to plan.
How the calculation works
Multiply thickness in inches by width in inches by length in feet, divide by 12, then multiply by quantity. Allowance and price are applied to the batch total.
Board Foot Calculator — Lumber Volume & Cost FAQ
What is one board foot?
One board foot is 144 cubic inches of wood—the volume of a board 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long.
Is a board foot the same as a linear foot?
No. A board foot measures volume, while a linear foot measures length only.
Should I enter nominal or actual dimensions?
Follow the lumberyard's tally convention. Rough hardwood and dimensional softwood may be priced differently.
How is lumber cost calculated?
Multiply the board feet you plan to buy by the supplier's price per board foot.
Reference: Virginia Department of Forestry board-foot definition. Results are practical estimates; complete labels, package directions, product specifications, and qualified professional advice take priority.