---
title: "Board Feet Calculator"
description: "Calculate board feet, total volume and lumber cost for any board — free."
image: "https://nestingcalc.com/og-default.png"
url: "https://nestingcalc.com/board-feet-calculator/"
locale: "en"
---

# 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.

Interactive calculator (open in browser): [https://nestingcalc.com/board-feet-calculator/](https://nestingcalc.com/board-feet-calculator/)

## 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.

How much does a board foot weigh?

It depends on species: 1 board foot of kiln-dried pine weighs about 1.2 kg (2.6 lb), red oak about 1.77 kg (3.9 lb). Select a species above and the calculator multiplies your total board feet by the species density (kg/m³ × 0.0023597 m³ per bf).

How do I convert board feet to kilograms or pounds?

Convert board feet to volume first: 1 bf = 144 in³ = 0.0023597 m³. Then weight = volume × density. Example: 100 bf of pine (500 kg/m³) → 100 × 0.0023597 × 500 = 118 kg ≈ 260 lb. The calculator does this automatically and shows both units.

Does moisture content change the weight?

Yes — significantly. Densities here refer to kiln-dried wood at ~12% moisture content. Freshly cut (green) lumber can carry 50–100% extra water; the Fresh setting adds 50% as a practical middle value.

## Related calculators

-   [Lumber Weight Calculator (kg/m³)](https://nestingcalc.com/lumber-weight-calculator/)

    Weight of any board by species and size, dry or green — density table for 18 species included. Free.

-   [Timber Unit Converter (m³, BF, MBF, Hoppus)](https://nestingcalc.com/timber-unit-converter/)

    Convert between cubic metres, board feet, Hoppus units and prices — free.

-   [Log Volume Calculator (Huber, Smalian, Newton)](https://nestingcalc.com/log-volume-calculator/)

    Estimate the cubic volume of a log with Huber, Smalian or Newton — free.

-   [Rough Sizing Calculator](https://nestingcalc.com/rough-sizing-calculator/)

    Convert between finished (planed) and rough-sawn dimensions — before kiln drying.

## Related guides

-   [How to Calculate Board Feet (and Log Scaling Rules)](https://nestingcalc.com/guides/how-to-calculate-board-feet/)

    The board foot is how lumber is bought and sold. The formula takes a minute; the scaling rules and pricing traps take a bit more.

-   [Wood Density Table: What Every Species Weighs (kg/m³ and lb/ft³)](https://nestingcalc.com/guides/wood-species-weight-comparison/)

    Density of 18 woods and panels, air-dry, with pounds per cubic foot and kilograms per board foot — the table behind every weight the calculators return.

-   [The Material Order Checklist: Before You Buy Steel, Wood or Tile](https://nestingcalc.com/guides/material-order-checklist/)

    Ten minutes of checking before the order saves a second trip to the supplier.

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