Board Foot Calculator

Calculate board feet of lumber from dimensions. See cost estimates by wood species.
in
in
ft
Wood Type

Board Feet per Piece

4.00

Total Board Feet

4.00

Estimated Total Cost

$32.00

Lumber Calculation

Board Feet per Piece4.00 BF
Quantity1 pieces
Total Board Feet4.00 BF
Cost per BF (oak)$8.00
Cost per Piece$32.00
Total Estimated Cost$32.00

Estimated Cost per Board Foot

Pine: $3/BF

Oak: $8/BF

Maple: $7/BF

Walnut: $14/BF

Cherry: $10/BF

Use the Board Foot Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Precisely calculate the board footage of your lumber with this calculator, essential for accurate project planning and material acquisition. Understanding board feet is crucial for purchasing lumber efficiently, especially with fluctuating timber prices projected to increase by 5-8% in 2026 due to global supply chain adjustments and rising demand. This tool helps you avoid overpaying or under-ordering for your construction or woodworking projects.

The calculator determines board feet using the formula: (Thickness in inches x Width in inches x Length in feet) / 12. For example, a board 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 10 feet long equals 10 board feet. This standard industry formula ensures consistent measurement regardless of board dimensions.

A common mistake is using inches for length instead of feet; always convert length to feet before inputting. Also, remember that rough lumber dimensions are often used for board foot calculations, even if the finished product is slightly smaller. Always double-check your wood species and current market prices, as a board foot of oak might cost $5.50 in 2026, while pine might be $2.75.

Example: Building a custom bookshelf

  1. 1 Input: You need 8 boards of Red Oak, each 1.5 inches thick, 8 inches wide, and 6 feet long.
  2. 2 Calculation: (1.5 inches x 8 inches x 6 feet) / 12 = 6 board feet per board. For 8 boards, 6 board feet/board * 8 boards = 48 total board feet.
  3. 3 Result: Your project requires 48 board feet of Red Oak.
  4. 4 Context: Given the average 2026 price for Red Oak at $5.50 per board foot, your estimated material cost for the Red Oak would be 48 board feet * $5.50/board foot = $264.00, excluding taxes and shipping.

Source: HomeAdvisor · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a board foot of lumber?
A board foot is a unit of volume equal to a 1-inch thick board that is 12 inches wide and 12 inches long (144 cubic inches). It is the standard measurement used to price hardwood lumber in the United States.
How do I calculate board feet from dimensions?
Multiply thickness (inches) x width (inches) x length (feet), then divide by 12. For example, a 2" x 6" x 8' board is (2 x 6 x 8) / 12 = 8 board feet.
How much does a board foot of walnut cost in 2026?
Black walnut lumber ranges from $8-15 per board foot for FAS grade in 2026, depending on supplier and region. Cherry runs $5-10, red oak $4-8, and construction-grade pine or poplar $2-5 per board foot.

You might also need

Concrete Calculator

Calculate cubic yards of concrete needed for slabs, columns, and footings. See bags needed and estimated cost.

Paint Calculator

Calculate gallons of paint needed for a room. Accounts for doors, windows, and number of coats.

Flooring Calculator

Calculate flooring material needed and cost for hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile, or carpet.