BF Calc
Board Foot Calculator
Calculate board feet instantly using thickness, width, and length. Perfect for hardwood lumber, tabletops, shelves, and custom woodworking projects.
Board Foot Calculator
Boards
Board 1
= 4.00 BF
Summary
Total Board Feet
4.00 BF
How It's Calculated
Board feet is a standard unit for measuring lumber volume.
BF = (T × W × L) ÷ 144
Where T = thickness, W = width, and L = length (all in inches). 144 converts cubic inches to board feet.
Questions
Board Foot FAQ
Board feet are the industry standard for measuring lumber volume. Knowing your total board footage helps you price materials accurately, reduce waste, and compare lumber costs across species like walnut, white oak, maple, cherry, ash, and mahogany, whether you’re planning a small DIY build or a large custom wood project.
What is a board foot?
A board foot is a unit of measurement used in the lumber industry. One board foot equals 144 cubic inches of wood (12″ × 12″ × 1″).
How do you calculate board feet?
Multiply thickness × width × length (all in inches) and divide by 144. For multiple identical boards, multiply the result by the quantity. This calculator does it for you as you type.
Why is board footage important when buying lumber?
Hardwood is priced per board foot rather than by the piece, so knowing your total board footage lets you compare prices between species, budget accurately, and avoid over- or under-ordering.
Can I calculate multiple boards at once?
Yes. Add a row for each board size and the calculator sums the total board feet, and the total estimated cost if you enter a price per board foot.
Does this work for rough lumber and surfaced lumber?
Yes. Enter the actual dimensions you are working with. Rough lumber is measured at its full sawn size; surfaced (S4S) lumber is slightly smaller, so use its finished dimensions for the most accurate figure.
What thickness should I enter for hardwood lumber?
Enter the actual thickness in inches. Hardwood is often sold in quarter increments: 4/4 = 1″, 5/4 = 1.25″, 6/4 = 1.5″, and 8/4 = 2″.
Can I estimate lumber cost with this calculator?
Yes. Enter a price per board foot ($/BF) for any board and the calculator multiplies it by the board feet to show an estimated material cost.
Is this calculator accurate for tabletops and shelving projects?
It is accurate for raw material volume. For tabletops and shelving, add roughly 10–15% for saw kerf, trimming, and defect waste when ordering.
Does this replace professional material planning?
It is a quick estimating tool. For a made-to-order Hardtwood countertop, tabletop, or shelf, use the Builder for a real price, or request a quote for anything oversized or custom.
Do you take on custom or one-off projects?
Yes. Beyond the online builder, we take on custom sizes, oversized pieces, matched commercial runs, and bespoke solid-hardwood millwork. Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll quote it by hand, usually within one business day. Start a custom project ›
Made in Farmingdale, NY
◆Made to order
◆100% zero-VOC finishes
◆Responsibly sourced hardwood
◆Lead time 5–6 weeks