Board Feet Calculator
Calculate board feet, total volume and lumber cost for any board — free.
Enter thickness, width, length and quantity for each board. The calculator converts to board feet using the standard formula (T × W × L ÷ 144) and totals your lumber list, with optional cost per board foot.
Board Feet Calculator
| # | Label | Thickness | Width | Length | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
1 board foot = 144 cubic inches (12in × 12in × 1in). Rough-sawn lumber is usually sold by board feet; nominal dimensions apply.
Log scale (standing timber)
FAQ
What is a board foot?
A board foot (bf) is a volume unit for lumber equal to 144 cubic inches — a board 1 inch thick and 12 inches square. Total board feet are calculated as thickness × width × length ÷ 144, with all dimensions in inches.
Do I use nominal or actual dimensions?
Board feet are calculated from nominal (rough) dimensions — that is how lumber is bought and sold. A 2×4 actually measures 1.5in × 3.5in dressed, but it is still counted as a full 2×4 for pricing.
How do I calculate board feet in metric units?
Enter dimensions in mm, cm or m — the calculator converts them to inches first, then applies the board foot formula. 1 board foot ≈ 2.359 liters ≈ 0.00236 m³.