Board Foot Calculator - Lumber BF Measurement
Quickly calculate board feet (BF) for any lumber or woodworking project. Enter thickness in inches, width in inches, length in feet, and the number of pieces to get the total board footage instantly.
Enter thickness, width, length, and quantity to see board feet.
How it works
What is a board foot?
A board foot is a unit of volume used to measure rough lumber. One board foot equals 144 cubic inches, the volume of a board 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long.
Lumber yards price hardwood by the board foot, so knowing how to calculate it helps you compare prices and order the right amount.
The board foot formula
Board feet = (thickness in inches × width in inches × length in feet ÷ 12) × quantity. The division by 12 converts the mixed inch-and-foot dimensions into board feet.
For example, a 2 in × 6 in × 8 ft board equals (2 × 6 × 8 ÷ 12) = 8 BF per piece.
Frequently asked questions
›What does BF stand for?
BF stands for board feet, a volume unit equal to 144 cubic inches of lumber.
›Why divide by 12?
Because length is in feet while thickness and width are in inches, dividing by 12 converts the result to board feet.
›Does board foot measure actual size?
It uses nominal dimensions for rough lumber. Surfaced boards may be slightly smaller than the nominal size.
›How do I price lumber by board foot?
Multiply the total board feet by the price per board foot quoted by your supplier.
›Can I calculate multiple boards at once?
Yes. Enter the quantity field with the number of identical pieces to get the combined board footage.
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