Board Foot Calculator

Category: Housing/Building
- July 31, 2025
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Calculate board feet for lumber or woodworking projects. Board footage is a volume measurement for lumber equal to 144 cubic inches (12" × 12" × 1").

Calculation Method

Board Dimensions

Display Options

About Board Foot Calculations

A board foot is a unit of volume for measuring lumber in the United States and Canada. It equals the volume of a one-foot length of a board that is one foot wide and one inch thick (12" × 12" × 1" = 144 cubic inches).

Basic Board Foot Formula

The standard formula for calculating board feet is:

Board Feet = (Thickness in inches × Width in inches × Length in feet) ÷ 12

For metric measurements, the formula must include conversion factors:

Board Feet = (Thickness in cm × Width in cm × Length in m × 0.423776)
Log Scale Methods
  • Doyle Scale: The oldest and most common log rule in the Eastern US. It underestimates small logs and overestimates large logs.
  • Scribner Scale: Assumes 1/4" saw kerf and no taper. More accurate for medium-sized logs.
  • International 1/4" Scale: Most accurate, accounting for saw kerf and taper. Commonly used for high-value timber.

Understanding the Board Foot Calculator

The Board Foot Calculator is a handy tool made for anyone working with lumber. It helps you measure the volume of wood easily. A board foot is defined as 144 cubic inches or the volume of a board that is one foot long, one foot wide, and one inch thick. This calculator is perfect for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts who need to estimate the amount of wood for their projects.

How to Use the Calculator Effectively

Using the Board Foot Calculator is straightforward. You can choose from three different calculation methods. These include:

  • Single Board: Ideal for measuring one piece of lumber.
  • Multiple Boards: Best for calculating the total volume of several boards.
  • Log Calculation: Suitable for those working with logs and needing more detailed measurements.

Each option allows for specific dimensions, making it easy to get accurate results.

Dimensions Matter: Inputting Correct Measurements

Accuracy is key when calculating board feet. You need to enter the thickness, width, and length of the board. You can also specify how many boards you have. The more precise your measurements, the better your total volume calculation will be. The calculator supports different units, like inches, feet, millimetres, and centimetres, so you can use whichever you're comfortable with.

Calculating for Multiple Boards

If you have a variety of boards, the calculator can handle that too. You can add multiple board entries, each with its own measurements. For example, if you're working on a project that needs several pieces of wood, this feature simplifies the process. Just enter the specifics for each board and get a total calculation for them all.

Log Calculations Made Simple

For those who work with logs, the Board Foot Calculator offers a specific section dedicated to log dimensions. You can enter details like the diameter and length of the log. The calculator also lets you choose the log scale method, whether you prefer the Doyle, Scribner, or International 1/4" scales. This feature ensures that you get the most accurate results based on the type of logs you’re measuring.

Understanding Calculation Results

Once you’ve input your measurements, the calculator provides detailed results. You’ll see the total board feet, cubic feet, cubic metres, and square footage of your project. This breakdown not only helps you in planning but also in budgeting your materials. Knowing how much wood you need in different measurements makes it easier to purchase the right amount.

Advanced Features for Detailed Insights

The calculator also has advanced options that let you customize your results even further. You can choose how many decimal places you want in your results and whether to show calculation details. This feature helps anyone who wants to understand the steps behind the calculations, making it educational as well as practical.

Estimating Costs with the Board Foot Calculator

Finally, if you’re concerned about costs, the calculator can help with that too. You can enter the price per board foot to estimate the total cost of your lumber. This way, you can keep track of your budget while ensuring you have enough materials for your project. It makes Financial planning much simpler for any woodworking job.