Board Feet Calculator
Use this board feet calculator to estimate lumber volume for woodworking and construction projects using standard US measurements.
Total = Board Feet per piece × Number of Boards
Board feet measure lumber volume: 1 BF = 1" thick × 12" wide × 12" long (144 cu in). Always add 10–15% for waste and defects.
How to Calculate Board Feet
A board foot (BF) is a unit of lumber volume equal to a piece of wood 1 inch thick × 12 inches wide × 12 inches long (144 cubic inches). It's the standard unit for pricing hardwood lumber at sawmills, lumber yards, and woodworking suppliers.
Formula:
Board Feet = (Thickness in inches × Width in inches × Length in feet) ÷ 12
Board feet use the nominal dimensions of lumber, not the actual milled dimensions. A 1×6 board is nominally 1 inch thick × 6 inches wide, but actually measures 0.75" × 5.5". Always calculate board feet using the nominal (listed) dimensions.
Board Feet Reference Chart
Common lumber sizes and their board feet per linear foot.
| Nominal Size | BF per Linear Foot | BF per 8 ft Board | BF per 12 ft Board |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1×4 | 0.33 BF/ft | 2.67 BF | 4 BF |
| 1×6 | 0.5 BF/ft | 4 BF | 6 BF |
| 1×8 | 0.67 BF/ft | 5.33 BF | 8 BF |
| 1×12 | 1 BF/ft | 8 BF | 12 BF |
| 2×4 | 0.67 BF/ft | 5.33 BF | 8 BF |
| 2×6 | 1 BF/ft | 8 BF | 12 BF |
| 2×8 | 1.33 BF/ft | 10.67 BF | 16 BF |
| 4×4 | 1.33 BF/ft | 10.67 BF | 16 BF |
Typical Hardwood Lumber Prices (2026)
Hardwood lumber is commonly priced by the board foot. Here are 2026 US average prices for common species.
| Species | Price per BF | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Poplar | $3 – $5 | Affordable, easy to work |
| Pine (Select) | $3 – $6 | Common, widely available |
| Oak (Red / White) | $5 – $9 | Most popular hardwood |
| Maple (Hard) | $6 – $10 | Flooring, butcher blocks |
| Cherry | $8 – $14 | Fine furniture, cabinets |
| Walnut | $10 – $20 | Premium furniture |
| Ipe / Teak | $12 – $25 | Outdoor decking, durable |