Board Foot Calculator
Convert lumber dimensions into board feet and see the total cost for any project - framing, decking, or hardwood. Works for both rough and dimensional lumber.
How to use this board foot calculator
Enter the nominal thickness and width in inches, the length in feet, and the number of boards. Optionally add the price per board foot to get a project cost. The formula is (T x W / 12) x L x count.
Note that hardwood is priced in board feet of the actual (rough) dimensions, while framing lumber is usually sold by the piece or linear foot. If your supplier quotes per linear foot, use the linear-feet result instead.
Board foot calculator FAQ
What does a 2x4 actually measure?
A "2x4" is 1.5 x 3.5 inches after drying and planing. Board foot pricing for hardwood uses nominal (rough-sawn) size, while framing is priced by the piece.
How much does lumber cost per board foot?
In 2025-2026, framing lumber runs about $0.50-$1.50 per board foot, while hardwood like oak, walnut and cherry ranges from $4-$15 per board foot depending on grade.
What is the cheapest way to buy lumber?
Buy framing lumber in full bundles, choose a less expensive grade of hardwood (No. 2 instead of FAS), and always account for 10-15% waste from knots, warping and cutting errors.