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Board Feet Calculator

Convert a lumber list into board feet, physical cubic meters and a cost using your entered rate.

Your numbers

Make it your own
Updates as you type
Lumber board feet
100board ft

Calculated from your inputs · rounded for display

Cubic meters0.23597372m³
Entered lumber cost$400.00

Use either actual dimensions for physical volume or the supplier’s billing dimensions for a quote, and label your choice. Nominal and actual lumber dimensions differ.

Your calculation, step by step

No black boxes
  1. Board feet = thickness (in) × width (in) × length (ft) × count / 12.
  2. = 2 × 6 × 10 × 10 / 12.

What if things were different?

Save up to three scenarios, then change your inputs to compare the possibilities.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter your own values in the labeled fields. Check the units and assumptions before comparing results. Only the fields needed for your selected calculation mode are shown.
  2. Your answer updates automatically. Review the calculation steps to see exactly how it was calculated.
  3. Copy, share, save, or download your result. Saved inputs stay on this device.

How the calculation works

Board feet = thickness(in) × width(in) × length(ft) × quantity / 12

One board foot is 144 cubic inches. Actual dimensions give physical volume; suppliers sometimes bill using nominal or rough dimensions. Enter the dimensions appropriate to your purpose and confirm how your supplier quotes the rate. Review the units, period and assumptions before comparing scenarios. Displayed values are rounded, while the underlying calculation retains its available precision.

A worked example

Ten pieces measuring 2 in × 6 in × 10 ft contain 100 board feet. At $4 per board foot, the cost is $400.

Reading your result

Use the main result together with its units and supporting figures. Display values are rounded; calculations keep their underlying precision. A change in inputs or assumptions can change the answer. Compare the step-by-step working with your intended use before relying on an estimate.

Frequently asked questions

What assumptions does this calculation use?

One board foot is 144 cubic inches. Actual dimensions give physical volume; suppliers sometimes bill using nominal or rough dimensions. Enter the dimensions appropriate to your purpose and confirm how your supplier quotes the rate.

Can I save or check a scenario?

The result includes the working and supporting values. Save and Restore keep inputs on this device; Copy, Download and Print export the result. Sharing a scenario explicitly includes the inputs in its link.

Sources & methodology

This calculator uses the mathematical identity and assumptions stated above. No current rates, prices, or external data are loaded. Conversion tools use international unit definitions.

Formula review: October 24, 2026. Read our methodology.