Board Foot Calculator
| Board | Length (L): | Width (W): | Depth (D): | Qty | Price (optional) |
Board Feet | Total cost ($) |
|---|
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Introduction to Board Feet
A board foot is a way to measure lumber volume.
It equals a piece of wood 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 1 inch thick.
This measurement is important for pricing and buying lumber.
Instead of guessing, you can use a board foot calculator to get exact results.
Knowing how to measure wood in board feet helps save money and prevents waste.
Board Foot Formula
The board foot formula is simple:
Board Feet = (Thickness × Width × Length) ÷ 144
Thickness is in inches.
Width is in inches.
Length is in inches.
Common Lumber Sizes and Their Board Foot Calculations
| Thickness (in) | Width (in) | Length (ft) | Size Notation (T×W×L) | Board Feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 8 | 1×4×8 | 2.67 |
| 1 | 6 | 8 | 1×6×8 | 4.00 |
| 1 | 8 | 8 | 1×8×8 | 5.33 |
| 1 | 10 | 8 | 1×10×8 | 6.67 |
| 1 | 12 | 8 | 1×12×8 | 8.00 |
| 2 | 4 | 8 | 2×4×8 | 5.33 |
| 2 | 6 | 8 | 2×6×8 | 8.00 |
| 2 | 8 | 8 | 2×8×8 | 10.67 |
| 2 | 10 | 8 | 2×10×8 | 13.33 |
| 2 | 12 | 8 | 2×12×8 | 16.00 |
| 1 | 4 | 10 | 1×4×10 | 3.33 |
| 1 | 6 | 10 | 1×6×10 | 5.00 |
| 1 | 8 | 10 | 1×8×10 | 6.67 |
| 1 | 12 | 12 | 1×12×12 | 12.00 |
| 2 | 6 | 10 | 2×6×10 | 10.00 |
| 2 | 8 | 12 | 2×8×12 | 16.00 |
| 2 | 10 | 12 | 2×10×12 | 20.00 |
| 2 | 12 | 12 | 2×12×12 | 24.00 |
This formula works for any piece of lumber.
How to Calculate Board Feet
You can measure in inches or feet.
Using Length in Inches
Measure thickness in inches.
Measure width in inches.
Measure length in inches.
Multiply them together.
Divide by 144.
Using Length in Feet
Measure thickness in inches.
Measure width in inches.
Measure length in feet.
Multiply thickness × width × length.
Divide by 12.
Conversion Chart (Inches to Feet)
| Inches | Feet |
|---|---|
| 12 | 1 |
| 24 | 2 |
| 36 | 3 |
| 48 | 4 |
| 60 | 5 |
This chart helps when switching between inches and feet.
Board Foot Calculator (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Instead of solving formulas, use a board footage calculator:
Enter thickness in inches.
Enter width in inches.
Enter length in inches or feet.
Click calculate.
Get instant board feet.
Sample Board Feet Chart (Quick Values)
| Thickness (in) | Width (in) | Length (ft) | Board Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 8 | 4 BF |
| 2 | 8 | 10 | 13.3 BF |
| 2 | 12 | 12 | 24 BF |
| 3 | 6 | 16 | 24 BF |
This chart shows quick values without using math.
Tips for Accurate Board Foot Calculation
Many people make mistakes when estimating board feet.
Follow these tips to avoid errors:
Always measure thickness, width, and length correctly.
Keep units consistent (all in inches or feet).
Round decimals to two places for accuracy.
Use a bd ft calculator for large lumber orders.
Quick Reference Board Feet Chart
| Size (inches) | Length (ft) | Board Feet |
|---|---|---|
| 2 × 4 | 8 | 5.3 BF |
| 2 × 6 | 10 | 10 BF |
| 2 × 8 | 12 | 16 BF |
| 4 × 4 | 16 | 21.3 BF |
FAQs on Board Foot Calculation
Q1: How do you calculate board feet?
Use the formula: (Thickness × Width × Length) ÷ 144.
Q2: What is the easiest way to measure board feet?
Use a board foot calculator for instant results.
Q3: Is board feet the same as square feet?
No. Board feet measure volume, while square feet measure area.
Q4: Why should I estimate board feet?
It helps in pricing lumber and prevents buying the wrong amount.
Conclusion
A board foot calculator saves time and ensures accuracy.
It helps woodworkers, carpenters, and buyers avoid mistakes.
Use the formula when needed. But for quick answers, rely on a board footage calculator.
It is the easiest way to figure out board feet with confidence.