Home › Free tools › Board Foot Calculator
Free calculatorNo signupShort answer: Board feet = thickness in inches × width in inches × length in feet ÷ 12. A 2×6 that is 10 feet long is 2 × 6 × 10 ÷ 12 = 10 board feet. Use nominal sizes for softwood (2×6, not 1.5×5.5) and quarter sizes for hardwood (4/4 = 1 inch), then add 15–20% for defects and offcuts.
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Board feet = thickness (in) × width (in) × length (ft) ÷ 12
or, with all three in inches: thickness × width × length ÷ 144
Total = board feet per piece × quantity × (1 + waste)
One board foot is 144 cubic inches, for example a piece 1 in × 12 in × 12 in. Softwood is figured on nominal size. Hardwood is sold by rough thickness in quarters: 4/4 = 1 in, 5/4 = 1.25 in, 8/4 = 2 in. For furniture and hardwood projects, plan 15–20% waste or more for defects, grain matching and offcuts.
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No. A linear foot is length only. A board foot is volume: 144 cubic inches. A 1×12 board has 1 board foot per linear foot, while a 1×6 has half a board foot per linear foot.
Use nominal dimensions for softwood lumber priced by the board foot, and the rough thickness for hardwood (4/4, 8/4). Lumberyards that sell by the piece or linear foot don't need board feet at all.
15–20% is a common starting point, and more for figured wood or long, clear parts.