How the Board Foot Calculator Works
A board foot is a lumber volume unit equal to a board 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 1 inch thick. Enter dimensions in inches for thickness and width and in feet for length, then enter the number of pieces.
Formula and method
Board feet per piece = thickness (in) × width (in) × length (ft) ÷ 12. Total board feet = board feet per piece × number of pieces.
Tips for better estimates
Check whether a lumber quote uses nominal or actual surfaced dimensions and confirm how the supplier rounds board-foot quantities. Enter zero for price when you only need volume.
Important limitations
Board-foot totals are volume estimates, not a measure of usable finished yield. Defects, kerf, planing, grading, and supplier pricing conventions can affect the amount you buy and pay.