Board Foot Calculator

Category: Housing/Building
- October 02, 2025
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Calculate board feet for lumber or woodworking projects. Board footage is a volume measurement for lumber equal to 144 cubic inches (12" × 12" × 1").

Calculation Method

Board Dimensions

Display Options

About Board Foot Calculations

A board foot is a unit of volume for measuring lumber in the United States and Canada. It equals the volume of a one-foot length of a board that is one foot wide and one inch thick (12" × 12" × 1" = 144 cubic inches).

Basic Board Foot Formula

The standard formula for calculating board feet is:

Board Feet = (Thickness in inches × Width in inches × Length in feet) ÷ 12

For metric measurements, the formula must include conversion factors:

Board Feet = (Thickness in cm × Width in cm × Length in m × 0.423776)
Log Scale Methods
  • Doyle Scale: The oldest and most common log rule in the Eastern US. It underestimates small logs and overestimates large logs.
  • Scribner Scale: Assumes 1/4" saw kerf and no taper. More accurate for medium-sized logs.
  • International 1/4" Scale: Most accurate, accounting for saw kerf and taper. Commonly used for high-value timber.

Understanding Board Feet Measurement

When you're working with lumber, knowing how to measure board feet is vital. A board foot is a unit of volume for lumber. It represents the volume of a piece of wood that’s one foot long, one foot wide, and one inch thick. To put it simply, it equals 144 cubic inches. Understanding this measurement helps in estimating how much wood you need for any woodworking project.

How the Board Foot Calculator Works

The Board Foot Calculator is designed to make your calculations easy. You can choose from different methods depending on your needs. Whether you’re measuring a single board, multiple boards, or calculating logs, this tool has you covered. You enter dimensions like thickness, width, and length, and then the calculator processes the data to give you results.

Choosing Your Calculation Method

  • Single Board: Ideal for straightforward projects where you'll use just one piece of lumber.
  • Multiple Boards: Great for larger projects involving several pieces.
  • Log Calculation: Useful for those working with logs, where diameter and log scale come into play.

Inputting Dimensions for Accurate Results

For the best results, you need to input accurate dimensions. The calculator requires thickness, width, and length measurements. It also lets you select your preferred units, such as inches or feet. Additionally, if you're calculating for multiple boards, you can add each board's dimensions separately, ensuring every piece is accounted for.

Advanced Features of the Calculator

The Board Foot Calculator includes advanced options for detailed results. You can choose the number of decimal places to display and decide whether to show calculation details. This feature is handy for those who like to see the workings behind the numbers. Understanding how the results were reached can help with future projects.

Understanding the Calculation Results

Once you’ve entered your data, the calculator will show you the total board feet, cubic feet, cubic metres, and square footage. This way, you can see the overall volume of wood you’re working with. It even breaks down the details for each board if you’re calculating multiple boards, which is crucial for planning and budgeting.

Cost Estimation for Your Woodworking Project

  • Price per Board Foot: Enter the cost of the lumber.
  • Total Cost: The calculator will compute the total cost based on the board feet calculated.

This feature allows you to budget your woodworking projects better, ensuring you know how much you’ll spend on materials.

Why Use the Board Foot Calculator?

Using the Board Foot Calculator saves time and reduces the risk of mistakes. It’s user-friendly and efficient, making it a must-have tool for hobbyists and professionals alike. Whether you’re building furniture or working on construction projects, having accurate measurements will help you make informed decisions and select the right materials.