🪵 Lumber Calculator
Calculate board feet for lumber
Example: 2x6 = 2 inches thick, 6 inches wide
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Lumber Dimensions
Input the length in feet, width in inches, and thickness in inches. For example, a 2×6 board that is 8 feet long would be: Length = 8 ft, Width = 6 inches, Thickness = 2 inches.
Specify Quantity
Enter the number of pieces you need. The calculator will calculate board feet per piece and total board feet for all pieces.
Calculate Board Feet
Click "Calculate Lumber" to see board feet (bd ft) per piece, total board feet, and cubic feet. Board feet is the standard unit for pricing lumber.
Order Lumber
Use the board feet result to order from lumber suppliers. Add 10-15% extra for waste, knots, and cuts. Lumber is typically priced per thousand board feet (MBF).
Formula
Board Feet = (Thickness × Width × Length) ÷ 12
Total Board Feet = Board Feet per Piece × Quantity
Cubic Feet = (Thickness × Width × Length × Quantity) ÷ 144
Example 1: 2×6 Board, 8 feet long, 10 pieces
Step 1: Convert dimensions: Thickness = 2", Width = 6", Length = 8'
Step 2: Calculate board feet per piece: (2 × 6 × 8) ÷ 12 = 96 ÷ 12 = 8 bd ft per piece
Step 3: Calculate total board feet: 8 × 10 = 80 bd ft
Step 4: Calculate cubic feet: (2 × 6 × 8 × 10) ÷ 144 = 960 ÷ 144 = 6.67 ft³
Example 2: 2×4 Board, 12 feet long, 20 pieces
Step 1: Convert dimensions: Thickness = 2", Width = 4", Length = 12'
Step 2: Calculate board feet per piece: (2 × 4 × 12) ÷ 12 = 96 ÷ 12 = 8 bd ft per piece
Step 3: Calculate total board feet: 8 × 20 = 160 bd ft
Step 4: Calculate cubic feet: (2 × 4 × 12 × 20) ÷ 144 = 1,920 ÷ 144 = 13.33 ft³
About Lumber Calculator
The Lumber Calculator is an essential tool for carpenters, contractors, builders, and DIY enthusiasts who need to accurately determine board feet and cubic feet for lumber projects. This calculator eliminates guesswork by providing precise board feet calculations (the standard unit for pricing lumber), helping you order the right amount of lumber without waste or shortages.
When to Use This Calculator
- Construction Projects: Calculate lumber needed for framing, decking, or structural projects
- Woodworking Projects: Determine board feet needed for furniture, cabinets, or woodworking
- Budget Planning: Estimate costs by calculating board feet and pricing per MBF (thousand board feet)
- Material Ordering: Order lumber from suppliers using board feet calculations
- Contractor Estimates: Quick reference for contractors bidding lumber projects
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Board Feet Calculation: Provides board feet (standard unit for lumber pricing) accurately
- ✅ Multiple Units: Shows board feet per piece, total board feet, and cubic feet
- ✅ Quantity Support: Calculates total board feet for multiple pieces at once
- ✅ Cost Planning: Helps budget accurately by determining exact material needs
- ✅ Time Savings: Instant calculations eliminate manual math and conversions
- ✅ Professional Results: Industry-standard formulas ensure contractor-quality estimates
Common Applications
Framing Projects: Contractors and builders planning wall framing, floor framing, or roof framing use this calculator to order the correct quantity of studs, joists, and beams. Board feet calculations help budget accurately and ensure sufficient materials are on-site.
Deck Construction: Homeowners and contractors planning deck projects use this tool to estimate lumber quantities needed for decking boards, joists, and railings, ensuring accurate material orders.
Woodworking: Woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts planning furniture or woodworking projects use this calculator to determine lumber quantities needed, helping budget accurately for materials.
Tips for Best Results
- Nominal vs. Actual: Lumber is sold by nominal size (2×6), but actual dimensions are smaller (1.5"×5.5"). Use actual dimensions for precise calculations.
- Add Waste: Always add 10-15% extra for waste, knots, cuts, and defects in lumber
- Board Feet Pricing: Lumber is priced per thousand board feet (MBF); 100 bd ft = 0.1 MBF
- Grade Selection: Higher grades (Select, #1) cost more but have fewer knots and defects
- Moisture Content: Order kiln-dried lumber for interior projects; pressure-treated for exterior
Frequently Asked Questions
How many board feet in a 2×6 board that is 8 feet long?
A 2×6 board that is 8 feet long equals 8 board feet. Calculation: (2" × 6" × 8') ÷ 12 = 96 ÷ 12 = 8 bd ft. Board feet is calculated using nominal dimensions (2×6), not actual dimensions (1.5"×5.5").
What's the difference between board feet and cubic feet?
Board feet is the standard unit for pricing lumber (12" × 12" × 1" thick = 1 bd ft). Cubic feet measures actual volume (length × width × height). Board feet is more useful for lumber pricing and ordering.
Do I use nominal or actual dimensions?
For board feet calculations, use nominal dimensions (2×6, 2×4, etc.) as lumber is priced by nominal size. For precise volume calculations, use actual dimensions (1.5"×5.5" for a 2×6).
How much does lumber cost per board foot?
Lumber prices vary by species, grade, and market conditions. Common framing lumber (SPF): $0.50-$1.50 per bd ft. Hardwood: $2-$10+ per bd ft. Prices are typically quoted per thousand board feet (MBF).
Should I order extra lumber?
Yes! Always add 10-15% extra for waste, knots, cuts, and defects. Lumber often has defects, so ordering extra ensures you have enough usable material to complete your project.
What lumber sizes are common?
Common sizes: 2×4 (studs), 2×6 (joists, rafters), 2×8 (beams), 2×10 (beams), 2×12 (beams). Lengths: 8', 10', 12', 14', 16', 20'. Widths and lengths can be custom-ordered from lumber yards.