Question 1

How do you calculate board feet?

Accepted Answer

Board Feet = Thickness (inches) x Width (inches) x Length (feet) / 12. For example, a board that is 2 inches thick, 8 inches wide, and 10 feet long = (2 x 8 x 10) / 12 = 13.33 board feet.

Question 2

What is a board foot?

Accepted Answer

A board foot is a unit of volume equal to 144 cubic inches: 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches (1 foot) long. It is the standard unit for buying and selling hardwood lumber in North America. Softwood (construction lumber) is typically sold by the linear foot instead.

Question 3

Is board feet calculated using nominal or actual dimensions?

Accepted Answer

For rough (unfinished) hardwood lumber, use the rough thickness: 4/4 = 1 inch, 5/4 = 1.25 inches, 6/4 = 1.5 inches, 8/4 = 2 inches. Width is the actual measured width. For surfaced (S2S or S4S) lumber, use the actual measured dimensions.

Question 4

How many board feet are in common lumber sizes?

Accepted Answer

Per linear foot: 1x4 = 0.33 BF, 1x6 = 0.5 BF, 1x8 = 0.67 BF, 1x12 = 1 BF, 2x4 = 0.67 BF, 2x6 = 1 BF, 2x8 = 1.33 BF, 2x10 = 1.67 BF, 2x12 = 2 BF. Multiply by length in feet for total board feet.

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