Decking, Fencing & Timber calculator
Board Foot Calculator
Calculate board feet from timber thickness, width, length and quantity.
Calculate board feet from timber thickness, width, length and quantity. Use finished project dimensions and product-specific data where available rather than generic defaults. The most sensitive assumption here is nominal versus actual dimensions. Board-foot calculations use dimensions as entered. If timber is sold using nominal sizes, confirm whether pricing is based on nominal or surfaced dimensions.
What you need to enter
The Board Foot Calculator uses the following project information to calculate the result.
- Thickness
- Width
- Length
- Quantity
Calculator result
Timber volume / board feet
How the Board Foot Calculator works
To produce timber volume / board feet, the Board Foot Calculator applies converts dimensional lumber volume to requested units. The engine is configured for board feet from lumber thickness, width, length and quantity, not as a generic text estimate. Check nominal versus actual dimensions, since an incorrect value there can materially change the result.
Board Foot Calculator worked example
Board Foot Calculator example: ten boards each 1 inch thick, 6 inches wide and 8 feet long equal 40 board feet using thickness × width × length × quantity ÷ 12. Confirm whether the entered dimensions are nominal or surfaced. The worked figure becomes more useful when nominal versus actual dimensions is taken from the real product or site rather than a generic default.
Important calculation assumptions
For board feet from lumber thickness, width, length and quantity, board-foot calculations use dimensions as entered. If timber is sold using nominal sizes, confirm whether pricing is based on nominal or surfaced dimensions.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up accurate inputs for the Board Foot Calculator?
For board feet from lumber thickness, width, length and quantity, enter timber thickness, width, length and quantity, making clear whether the dimensions are nominal or actual. This keeps the calculation tied to the actual job rather than a generic assumption.
How sensitive is the Board Foot Calculator result to nominal versus actual dimensions?
In the Board Foot Calculator, errors in nominal versus actual dimensions can materially affect the result. Board-foot calculations use dimensions as entered. If timber is sold using nominal sizes, confirm whether pricing is based on nominal or surfaced dimensions.
What precision should I keep from the Board Foot Calculator?
For the Board Foot Calculator, treat the output as a decision aid rather than an isolated number. Use the result for timber volume or pricing comparisons, but confirm whether the supplier quotes nominal or actual dimensions and whether waste should be added separately.