Board Feet Calculator
Calculate board feet for lumber pricing based on thickness, width, and length of boards.
Board Feet
Board feet is the standard unit for measuring and pricing hardwood lumber.
Board Feet = (Thickness × Width × Length) / 144
Where all measurements are in inches (length often given in feet, so multiply by 12 or use):
Board Feet = (Thickness in inches × Width in inches × Length in feet) / 12
One board foot = a piece 1" thick × 12" wide × 12" long (or 1" × 12" × 1')
Common hardwood prices per board foot (US, 2024-2025):
- Pine (softwood): $2-5/bf
- Poplar: $3-6/bf
- Red oak: $5-9/bf
- White oak: $6-10/bf
- Hard maple: $6-10/bf
- Cherry: $7-12/bf
- Walnut: $10-18/bf
- Mahogany: $12-20/bf
Nominal vs actual thickness:
- 4/4 (1") → 13/16" actual (surfaced)
- 5/4 (1.25") → 1-1/16" actual
- 6/4 (1.5") → 1-5/16" actual
- 8/4 (2") → 1-3/4" actual