How to Calculate Board Foot Measure Free Board Foot Calculator
Introduction
Whether you are a professional woodworker, a DIY enthusiast, or a contractor purchasing lumber in bulk, understanding how to calculate board foot measure is one of the most essential skills you can have. Board feet (BF) is the standard unit used in the lumber industry to measure and price wood across the United States and Canada.
What Is a Board Foot?
A board foot is a unit of lumber volume equal to a piece of wood that is:
• 1 inch thick
• 12 inches wide
• 12 inches long (= 144 cubic inches)
The Board Foot Formula
Board Feet = (Thickness in inches × Width in inches × Length in feet) ÷ 12
If length is in inches, use:
Board Feet = (Thickness × Width × Length) ÷ 144
Step-by-Step Calculation
1. Measure the Thickness of the board in inches.
2. Measure the Width of the board in inches.
3. Measure the Length of the board in feet.
4. Apply the formula: Thickness × Width × Length ÷ 12 = Board Feet.
Worked Examples
Example 1: A board 1" thick × 6" wide × 8 ft long
1 × 6 × 8 ÷ 12 = 4 board feet
Example 2: A board 2" thick × 10" wide × 12 ft long
2 × 10 × 12 ÷ 12 = 20 board feet
Example 3: 10 boards, each 1" × 4" × 6 ft
(1 × 4 × 6 ÷ 12) × 10 = 20 board feet total
Board Foot Reference Chart
|
Thickness (in) |
Width (in) |
Length (ft) |
Board Feet |
|
1 |
4 |
8 |
2.67 |
|
1 |
6 |
8 |
4.00 |
|
1 |
8 |
8 |
5.33 |
|
2 |
4 |
8 |
5.33 |
|
2 |
6 |
8 |
8.00 |
|
2 |
8 |
10 |
13.33 |
|
4 |
4 |
12 |
16.00 |
Conclusion
Knowing how to calculate board foot measure is a fundamental skill for anyone working with wood. With the simple formula (Thickness × Width × Length ÷ 12), you can accurately measure any piece of lumber and plan your projects with confidence. Use a free Board Foot Calculator to get instant results, estimate costs, and make smarter lumber purchases every time.
