Board Dimensions
Cost & Waste
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Total Board Feet
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Net Board Feet (No Waste)
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Estimated Cost
Batch Project List
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Grand Total Board Feet
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Grand Total Cost
Unlike linear feet (which simply measures length), a board foot is a specialized measurement of volume used exclusively for lumber in the United States and Canada. One board foot is defined as a piece of wood that is 12 inches wide, 1 foot long, and 1 inch thick (144 cubic inches of wood).
The standard formula to calculate board feet is: (Thickness in inches × Width in inches × Length in feet) ÷ 12. Using our calculator makes this volume calculation instant, helping woodworkers, carpenters, and DIYers quickly estimate how much raw material they need.
Complex woodworking and construction projects rarely use just one size of lumber. A single project might require thick stock for legs, wide stock for a tabletop, and thinner material for drawer sides.
Our Batch Mode allows you to build a comprehensive cut list. Simply calculate the volume and cost for one specific dimension of lumber, click "Add to Batch Mode," and then repeat for your other sizes. The calculator will maintain a running grand total of both your board footage and estimated material cost.
Raw lumber—especially rough-sawn hardwoods—is rarely perfect. You will encounter knots, checks (cracks at the ends), warp, and sapwood that must be cut away. Additionally, the milling process (jointing and planing) turns some of your purchased volume into sawdust.
As a general rule of thumb, most woodworkers add a 15% to 20% waste factor when purchasing rough lumber. If you are buying premium (S4S) surfaced lumber, you might lower that to 5% to 10%. Entering a waste factor ensures you don't run short on material when you are halfway through your build.
📚 Complete Guide
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