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Board feet calculator

Enter the actual thickness, width and length of your boards and how many you need. The calculator returns board feet per board, the order total, and the total with your waste allowance. Switch between metric and imperial at any time. Your choice is remembered on this device. All results are estimates only.

Calculator

Formula: board feet per board = thickness (in) x width (in) x length (ft) / 12. Order total = board feet per board x number of boards. Total with waste = order total x (1 + waste / 100). Board feet to order rounds up with an epsilon safe ceiling, so an exact total never gains a phantom board foot. Volume conversion stated: 1 board foot = 0.00236 cubic metres.

Worked example: Boards 2 in thick, 6 in wide, 8 ft long, quantity 10, waste 10 percent. Board feet per board = 2 x 6 x 8 / 12 = 8.00 board feet. Order total = 8 x 10 = 80 board feet. Total with waste = 80 x 1.10 = 88 board feet, so order 88 board feet. The metric defaults, 50.8 mm by 152.4 mm by 2.4384 m, are the exact equivalents of 2 in by 6 in by 8 ft, so the defaults reproduce this example in both systems.
Estimates only. Lumber grading, defects, and how your yard bills nominal versus actual sizes change real needs. Verify quantities with your supplier before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

What is a board foot?

One board foot is 144 cubic inches of wood: a board 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide and 12 inches long, or any piece with the same volume. Lumber is priced and sold by the board foot in many Canadian yards.

Should I enter nominal or actual board sizes?

Enter the actual dimensions of the boards you are buying if you want the true volume. A nominal 2 x 6 is actually about 1.5 inches by 5.5 inches, so nominal sizes overstate board feet. Many yards bill rough lumber on nominal size, so check how your yard bills before ordering.

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