What this calculator actually does
A board foot is a lumber-volume unit equal to 144 cubic inches. When thickness and width are in inches and length is in feet, the standard formula divides their product by 12. The calculator keeps the per-piece, raw-total and waste-adjusted totals separate so the ordering allowance is visible.
How to use this calculator
Enter the thickness and width used for the lumber tally, in inches.
Enter length in feet, quantity and any project-specific waste allowance.
Use the per-piece and total board feet to compare with the seller’s pricing basis.
Where people use it
- •Hardwood and rough-lumber purchasing
- •Comparing boards of different widths or lengths
- •Building a quick lumber volume tally
Example: four 2 × 8 boards at 12 ft
One nominal 2 × 8 × 12 ft board is 16 board feet. Four matching boards total 64 board feet before any waste allowance.
Assumptions and limits
- •Board-foot pricing may use nominal or rough dimensions depending on the seller; enter the dimensions used by the yard for pricing.
- •This calculates volume, not structural capacity, actual finished dimensions or a cut list.
Frequently asked questions
What is one board foot?+
One board foot is 144 cubic inches, equivalent to a piece 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide and 12 inches long.
Why divide by 12?+
With thickness and width in inches and length in feet, dividing by 12 converts the mixed dimensions to board feet.
Should I use nominal or actual lumber size?+
Use the dimension basis used for the purchase or tally. Many lumber sellers price board footage using nominal or rough dimensions, so check the supplier.
Semantic next steps
Continue the calculation
These links move to a different input, formula or project stage rather than a keyword variation of this page.
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MAXScanner keeps the formula and assumptions beside the result so you can verify the number before using it in a drawing, estimate, specification, worksheet or document. Where a supplier, manufacturer, drawing or applicable standard owns a requirement, that source remains authoritative.