Board Foot and Lumber Calculator
Free carpentry tool

Board Foot and Lumber Calculator

Enter the thickness, width, length and number of boards to see board feet, with an allowance for waste.

These tools give planning-level estimates from typical values. They are not quotes, designs or engineering, and results depend on your actual materials, framing, access, local rules and conditions. Only a site visit can confirm what a project needs, and we give you a written scope and price before any work begins.

How it works

Four quick steps.

  1. 01

    Enter the board size

    Thickness, width and length of one board.

  2. 02

    Enter the quantity

    How many boards you need.

  3. 03

    Add a waste allowance

    Cuts and defects need extra lumber.

  4. 04

    Read the board feet

    The total to order or price.

Tips

  • Hardwood is sold by the board foot, which is one inch thick by twelve inches square.
  • Rough lumber is measured before it is surfaced, so the finished board is thinner.
  • Order ten to twenty percent extra for waste and matching grain.
Questions

About this tool.

What is a board foot?

A board foot is a volume of wood equal to one inch thick, twelve inches wide and twelve inches long.

Why add waste?

Cuts, defects, knots and mistakes use lumber. A waste allowance keeps you from running short.

Is this the price?

No. Multiply board feet by the price per board foot for the species you choose.

Free estimate

Ready to start your carpentry project?

Call us and we will walk the space, talk through ideas and give you a clear plan and a written scope.

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