How To Calculate Board Footage

We sell most of our lumber by the board foot. A board foot is a measure of volume, and a board foot is one square foot, one inch thick.

Board Footage= Thickness (in.) x Width (in.) x Length (feet)
12

Board Footage= Thickness (in.) x Width (in.) x Length (in.)
144

The most common mistake made in calculating board footage is forgetting to multiply by the correct thickness.

4/4 thickness = 1"
5/4 thickness = 1.25"
6/4 thickness = 1.5"
8/4 thickness = 2"
12/4 thickness = 3"
16/4 thickness = 4"

Example 1:  4/4 board, 8 inches wide and 8 feet long

(1" x 8" x 8') / 12 =5.33 Bd.Ft.

Example 2:  8/4 board, 7 inches wide and 10 feet long

(2" x 7" x 10') / 12 =11.67 Bd.Ft.

Feet and Inches Calculation

Inches Calculation