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Board Foot Formula:
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A board foot is a unit of measurement for lumber volume. One board foot equals 144 cubic inches, typically represented as a piece of wood 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long. This calculation is essential in the lumber industry for pricing and inventory management.
The calculator uses the board foot formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the volume of lumber in board feet by multiplying the three dimensions and dividing by 12 to convert to the standard board foot measurement.
Details: Accurate board foot calculation is crucial for lumber pricing, project planning, material estimation, and inventory management in woodworking and construction industries.
Tips: Enter thickness and width in inches, length in feet. All values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the board footage of your lumber piece.
Q1: Why divide by 12 in the formula?
A: We divide by 12 because one board foot equals 144 cubic inches (12 inches × 12 inches), and the formula calculates volume in cubic inches before converting to board feet.
Q2: Can I use this for metric measurements?
A: This calculator uses imperial measurements. For metric, you would need to convert to inches and feet first or use a different calculation method.
Q3: Does this work for irregularly shaped lumber?
A: No, this formula is for rectangular lumber pieces. Irregular shapes require different calculation methods.
Q4: How accurate is board foot measurement for pricing?
A: Board foot measurement is the standard for lumber pricing, though actual yield may vary based on wood quality, cutting method, and waste.
Q5: What's the difference between board feet and linear feet?
A: Board feet measure volume, while linear feet measure length. Board feet account for all three dimensions of the lumber.