FRAMING AND CARPENTRY
Board foot calculator
Calculate lumber volume and cost for a single board or your entire cut list.
- Free to use
- Imperial and metric
- Formula included
Your lumber list
Enter the dimensions used by your lumber supplier.
- Board feet
Nominal and actual sizes differ. Confirm your supplier's sizing before ordering.
Transparent formulas. Quantities you can check.
How this calculator works
Each row on your list runs through one formula; the rows are added, the waste allowance is applied once, then the price. For the full method with a cut list, hardwood quarters and pricing conversions, read how to calculate board feet.
Board feet = (Thickness × Width × Length × Pieces) ÷ 12
Your calculation, step by step
- 2 × 6 × 8 × 10 ÷ 12 = 80 board feet
- 80 × 1.1 = 88 board feet with waste
- 88 × $5.00 = $440.00
Example: 10 pieces of 2 x 6 x 8 ft with a 10% waste allowance at $5.00 per board foot.
Lumber sizes to enter
The calculator accepts any size, and its size lists suggest the common ones. Framing lumber is named by its nominal size (2 x 6), while the dry board on the rack is smaller; enter the size your supplier prices by, and use the actual size when you plan a fit.Per-piece board feet for each size and length are in the board feet guide.
| Nominal size | Actual dry size (in) |
|---|---|
| 2 x 4 | 1-1/2 x 3-1/2 |
| 2 x 6 | 1-1/2 x 5-1/2 |
| 2 x 8 | 1-1/2 x 7-1/4 |
| 2 x 10 | 1-1/2 x 9-1/4 |
Common questions
Can I add several lumber sizes at once?
Yes. Add a row for each size on your list, with its own pieces, thickness, width and length. The board feet for each row and the total for the whole list update as you type.
Which dimensions should I type in?
The dimensions your lumberyard prices by. For framing lumber that is usually the nominal size (2 x 6, not 1-1/2 x 5-1/2); for hardwood it is the quarter thickness (8/4 = 2 in) with the measured width and length. Ask the yard if you are not sure.
How do I include a waste allowance and price?
Choose a waste allowance and enter your price per board foot. The estimate shows the allowance and the material cost as separate lines, so you can see what each adds. Both start empty so nothing is assumed.
Can I use the calculator in metric?
Yes. Switch to Metric to enter millimeters and meters. The calculator converts at exactly 25.4 mm per inch, and the estimate shows the volume in cubic meters (1 board foot = 0.002360 m³).
Can I save or share my lumber list?
Copy result puts your totals and a link on the clipboard. The link reopens the calculator with your rows, waste and price already filled in, so you can send it to a supplier or come back to it later. Print estimate gives a clean paper copy.
Estimates, not quotes. These calculators give estimates, not quotes. Results assume the inputs and material figures shown, and real jobs vary with site conditions, product choice and local code. Confirm quantities with your supplier and check your local building code before you buy or build. Checked 9 November 2026. How we calculate
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