Estimating how much lumber you need is much easier when you understand board feet. This measurement shows the actual volume of wood in a board, which helps you plan materials and compare prices.

The calculator on this page handles the math for you, but it helps to know how the measurement works and why it is used.

What a Board Foot Means

A board foot is a basic way to measure lumber volume in the United States and Canada. It represents the amount of wood in a board that is one inch thick, twelve inches wide, and twelve inches long. That combination works out to one hundred forty four cubic inches.

Because boards come in many shapes and sizes, using board feet makes it easier to compare different pieces of wood. A long, narrow board might contain the same amount of wood as a short, wide one, and the board foot measurement makes that clear.

How Board Feet Are Calculated

The formula itself is simple. Measure the thickness, width, and length in inches, multiply them together, and divide by one hundred forty four. That gives you the board footage for one piece.

If you have several identical boards, multiply the result by the number of pieces.

The calculator performs these steps instantly. Enter the quantity, thickness, width, and length, and your total appears with no extra work.

Why Board Feet Matter

Understanding board feet is useful for anyone who buys or works with lumber. Here are a few reasons it matters.

• You get a consistent way to compare prices. Most hardwoods, such as walnut, cherry, maple, and oak, are priced per board foot. Knowing the volume helps you evaluate whether you are getting a fair deal.
• It makes planning easier. Many woodworking plans, cabinet projects, and construction guides list materials in board feet. When you know the total amount of wood required, you can choose the sizes that work best for your project.
• It helps prevent shortages. Ordering lumber based only on length or count often leads to running out mid project. Calculating board feet ahead of time gives you a clearer picture of how much wood you will actually use.
• It improves estimate accuracy. Builders and contractors often use board foot calculations when preparing quotes and material lists.

Examples That Show How the Formula Works

Here are a few realistic scenarios you might run into.

Example 1

• Thickness: 1 inch
• Width: 8 inches
• Length: 96 inches
• Board Feet = (1 × 8 × 96) ÷ 144
• Total: 5.33 board feet

Example 2

• Thickness: 2 inches
• Width: 10 inches
• Length: 48 inches
• Board Feet = (2 × 10 × 48) ÷ 144
• Total: 6.67 board feet

Example 3

• Quantity: 5 boards
• Each board is 1 inch thick, 6 inches wide, and 96 inches long
• Board Feet per board = (1 × 6 × 96) ÷ 144
• Total: 20 board feet

The calculator handles all of these automatically when you enter the numbers.

Adding Cost to the Calculation

Lumber yards often price hardwood lumber by the board foot. Once you know the total board footage, estimating cost becomes simple. Multiply the number of board feet by the price per board foot to get the total.

The calculator includes a cost field that performs this step for you. Enter the price, and it shows the full amount you can expect to pay.

Tips for Accurate Board Foot Estimates

A few small habits help you get more reliable results.

• Use actual measurements. Nominal sizes, such as two by four, are not the true dimensions. Always measure thickness and width before calculating.
• Add a little extra. Woodworkers often buy ten to twenty percent more lumber to account for knots, trimming, and unexpected cuts.
• Be careful with units. Mixing feet and inches is one of the most common mistakes. Convert everything to inches before entering your numbers.
• Remember that long, clear boards often cost more per board foot. Length and grade can both influence the final price, so check those details when comparing materials.

Why This Calculator Helps

The math behind board footage is not complicated, but it becomes repetitive when you are working with several sizes at once. A calculator removes that friction.

It gives you fast board foot totals, makes cost estimates easier, and helps you plan your project with confidence.

Try the Calculator

Enter your board count along with the thickness, width, and length. Add the price per board foot if you want an instant cost estimate.

The tool gives you a clear answer so you can move on with your project.