How to use
Calculate total board feet and cubic feet from board thickness and width in inches, length in feet and board count.
- Enter Thickness (in).
- Enter Width (in).
- Enter Length (ft).
- Enter Board count.
- Calculate, then review the assumptions before purchasing.
How it is calculated
Example
Twenty boards measuring 2×6 inches and 8 feet long total 160 board feet, or about 13.33 cubic feet.
Important notes
The board-foot formula can use nominal or actual dimensions depending on what you intend to measure; do not mix them. It measures volume and does not estimate price or cutting loss.
Worked examples and interpreting results
Twenty boards measuring 2×6 inches and 8 feet long total 160 board feet, or about 13.33 cubic feet.
| Case | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Board feet | 2 × 6 × 8 ÷ 12 × 20 | 160 |
| Cubic feet | 160 ÷ 12 | 13.333333 |
How to check the result
The board-foot formula can use nominal or actual dimensions depending on what you intend to measure; do not mix them. It measures volume and does not estimate price or cutting loss.
Frequently asked questions
What is a board foot?
It is a lumber volume unit equal to a board 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide and 1 foot long, or 144 cubic inches.
Should I include waste?
Include an allowance when cuts, breakage or layout losses are expected. Use a percentage that fits your project rather than assuming one fixed rate.
Do the units need to match?
Yes. The calculator assumes the units stated beside each field, so convert measurements first when your source uses different units.