Calculate board feet, linear feet, and cost for lumber projects. Supports common dimensional lumber sizes.
Board feet = (Thickness in inches × Width in inches × Length in feet) ÷ 12. A single 2×6 at 8 ft = (1.5 × 5.5 × 8) ÷ 12 = 5.5 BF. Multiply by quantity for total project volume.
Linear feet measures length only—use it for trim and decking. Use board feet for hardwood and specialty lumber priced by volume.
Nominal sizes (2×4) refer to the rough-sawn dimension before drying and planing. The finished (actual) size is smaller — a 2×4 is really 1.5×3.5 inches.
One board foot equals a piece 1 inch thick × 12 inches wide × 12 inches long (144 cubic inches). It is the standard unit for pricing hardwood and specialty lumber.