Board Foot Calculator

Board Foot Calculator

What is a Board Foot?

A board foot is a unit of measurement used to quantify the volume of lumber in the United States and Canada. It represents the volume of a one-foot length of a board one foot wide and one inch thick. Board feet are commonly used by sawmills, lumberyards, and woodworkers to measure and price lumber.

Note: In countries using the metric system, lumber is typically measured in cubic meters or cubic centimeters rather than board feet.

How to Calculate Board Feet

Calculating board feet is straightforward once you understand the formula:

The Board Foot Formula

The standard formula for calculating board feet is:

Board Feet = (Length (ft) × Width (in) × Thickness (in)) ÷ 12

Alternatively, if all measurements are in inches:

Board Feet = (Length (in) × Width (in) × Thickness (in)) ÷ 144

Step-by-Step Calculation

1. Measure the length of the board in feet (or inches)
2. Measure the width of the board in inches
3. Measure the thickness of the board in inches
4. Multiply these three dimensions together
5. Divide by 12 if using feet for length, or by 144 if using inches for all dimensions

Example Calculation

Let's say you have a board that's 8 feet long, 6 inches wide, and 1 inch thick:

(8 ft × 6 in × 1 in) ÷ 12 = 4 board feet

Why Board Foot Measurement is Important

Understanding board feet is crucial for several reasons:

• Accurate Pricing: Lumber is often sold by the board foot, so knowing how to calculate it helps ensure you're paying a fair price.
• Project Planning: Calculating board feet helps you estimate how much lumber you'll need for a project.
• Waste Reduction: By accurately calculating your needs, you can minimize waste and save money.
• Standardization: Board feet provide a consistent way to compare different sizes and types of lumber.

Common Applications of Board Foot Calculations

Board foot measurements are used in various woodworking and construction scenarios:

Furniture Making

Cabinet makers and furniture builders use board feet to estimate material needs for tables, chairs, cabinets, and other pieces.

Home Construction

Builders calculate board feet for framing lumber, decking, trim work, and other structural elements.

Flooring Installation

Hardwood flooring is often sold by the board foot, requiring accurate calculations for proper ordering.

Sawmill Operations

Sawmills use board feet to measure their production and inventory of sawn lumber.

Tips for Accurate Board Foot Calculations

• Always measure lumber after it has been planed to its final dimensions
• Account for waste (typically add 10-20% to your calculations)
• Remember that nominal sizes (like 2×4) are different from actual sizes
• For irregular boards, take multiple measurements and use an average
• When purchasing lumber, verify whether the seller uses nominal or actual dimensions in their calculations