Home
Back
Lumber Board Feet Formula:
| From: | To: |
Board feet is a specialized unit of measure for lumber in North America. It represents the volume of a one-foot length of a board one foot wide and one inch thick. This measurement is essential in the lumber industry for pricing and inventory management.
The calculator uses the board feet 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 feet calculation is crucial for lumber pricing, project estimation, material ordering, 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 total board feet.
Q1: Why divide by 12 in the formula?
A: We divide by 12 because one board foot equals 144 cubic inches (12" × 12" × 1"), and the formula (T×W×L) gives us cubic inches which we then convert to board feet.
Q2: How do I measure lumber dimensions?
A: Measure thickness and width in inches at their actual dimensions (not nominal dimensions). Length should be measured in feet.
Q3: What's the difference between nominal and actual dimensions?
A: Nominal dimensions are the name given to lumber (like 2×4), while actual dimensions are the true measurements after planing and drying (typically 1.5" × 3.5" for a 2×4).
Q4: Does this work for all wood types?
A: Yes, the board feet calculation works for all lumber types, though pricing may vary significantly between wood species and grades.
Q5: How is board feet used in pricing?
A: Lumber is typically priced per board foot, so calculating total board feet allows you to determine the total cost of lumber needed for a project.