Lumber Calculator
Calculate lumber volume, board feet, and wood costs instantly. Perfect for construction projects, woodworking, and home improvement planning.
How to Use the Lumber Calculator
- Enter the length of your lumber piece
- Enter the width of your lumber piece
- Enter the thickness of your lumber piece
- Select your preferred unit (inches or feet)
- Enter the quantity of pieces you need
- Optionally, enter the price per board foot for cost calculation
- Click "Calculate" to get your results
The calculator will instantly provide you with board feet, volume in cubic inches and feet, and total cost if you've entered a price.
Formula Used
Board Feet Formula:
Board Feet = (Length × Width × Thickness) ÷ 144
All measurements must be in inches
Volume Formula:
Volume = Length × Width × Thickness
Result depends on the unit selected
Total Cost Formula:
Total Cost = Board Feet × Price per Board Foot × Quantity
About This Calculator
Our Lumber Calculator is designed for construction professionals, DIY enthusiasts, and woodworkers who need accurate lumber measurements and cost estimates. Whether you're planning a deck, building furniture, or working on a construction project, this tool helps you:
- Calculate board feet for lumber purchasing
- Determine volume requirements for projects
- Estimate total lumber costs
- Convert between different measurement units
- Plan material quantities for multiple pieces
Use Cases / Applications
Construction Projects:
- Framing calculations
- Deck building
- Roofing projects
- Foundation work
Woodworking:
- Furniture making
- Cabinet construction
- Custom millwork
- Hobby projects
Calculation Examples
Example 1: Standard 2x4 Lumber
Dimensions: 8 feet long, 2 inches wide, 4 inches thick
Calculation: (96 × 2 × 4) ÷ 144 = 5.33 board feet
Volume: 768 cubic inches or 0.44 cubic feet
Example 2: Plywood Sheet
Dimensions: 48 inches long, 96 inches wide, 0.75 inches thick
Calculation: (48 × 96 × 0.75) ÷ 144 = 24 board feet
Volume: 3,456 cubic inches or 2 cubic feet
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you measure lumber dimensions?
Lumber dimensions are typically given as nominal sizes (like 2x4), but actual dimensions are smaller. For example, a "2x4" actually measures 1.5" × 3.5". Always use actual dimensions for accurate calculations.
What's the difference between board feet and linear feet?
Linear feet measures only length, while board feet measures volume (length × width × thickness). Board feet gives you the actual amount of wood material.
Why do lumber prices vary by board foot?
Board foot pricing accounts for the actual volume of wood, making it fair regardless of the lumber's dimensions. Thicker or wider boards contain more material and cost more per linear foot.
Can I calculate lumber for international measurements?
While our calculator uses inches and feet, you can convert metric measurements: 1 inch = 2.54 cm, 1 foot = 30.48 cm. Convert your measurements to inches or feet before using the calculator.