Cedar Board Foot Calculator
Use this specific tool to calculate the exact board footage for your Cedar wood projects.
Board Foot Calculator
Use this free board foot calculator to calculate board feet for lumber from thickness, width, length and quantity. Switch between imperial and metric measurements, calculate board feet per piece and estimate the total cost of lumber using a price per board foot.
Lumber dimensions
How to calculate board feet
Board feet are used to measure lumber volume. One board foot represents 144 cubic inches of wood, which is equivalent to a board 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide and 1 foot long.
To calculate board feet, multiply the lumber thickness in inches by the width in inches by the length in feet, then divide the result by 12.
If you have several identical pieces, multiply the board feet for one piece by the total quantity. The calculator does this automatically.
If you are planning the number of boards needed for a project rather than measuring lumber volume, use the Lumber Calculator. For sheet materials such as plywood, use the Plywood Calculator.
Board feet calculation example
Thickness: 2 in
Width: 6 in
Length: 10 ft
Quantity: 4 boards
Lumber pricing
Board foot cost calculator
Lumber is often priced by the board foot. If you know the supplier's price per board foot, enter it in the calculator to estimate the total lumber cost.
The calculator first determines the total board feet for your lumber quantity and then multiplies that volume by the price per board foot.
Actual lumber prices can vary by wood species, grade, moisture content, dimensions and supplier, so use the current price from the lumber yard or retailer you plan to buy from.
Lumber cost formula
Estimated lumber cost =
Example: 40 board feet at $6 per board foot would have an estimated material cost of $240.
What is a board foot?
A board foot is a unit of lumber volume equal to 144 cubic inches. It does not describe only the length of a board. Thickness, width and length all affect the number of board feet.
For example, a 1-inch-thick board that is 12 inches wide and 1 foot long equals exactly 1 board foot. A thicker, wider or longer board contains more board feet.
Board foot calculator FAQs
What is one board foot?
One board foot is a lumber volume measurement equal to 144 cubic inches, such as a board that is 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide and 1 foot long.
What is the board foot formula?
For imperial measurements, multiply thickness in inches by width in inches by length in feet, then divide by 12.
Does board foot measure length or volume?
Board foot measures lumber volume. It takes the thickness, width and length of the board into account.
How do I calculate board feet for multiple boards?
Calculate the board feet for one board, then multiply that result by the number of identical boards. This calculator performs that multiplication automatically.
Can I calculate the cost of lumber?
Yes. Enter the price per board foot and the calculator multiplies the total board feet by that price to estimate lumber cost.
Can I use metric measurements?
Yes. Switch to Metric mode and enter thickness, width and length in millimeters. The calculator converts those dimensions for the board-foot calculation.
Is a board foot the same as a linear foot?
No. A linear foot measures length only, while a board foot measures lumber volume using thickness, width and length.
How many board feet are in a 2×6×10 board?
Using actual entered dimensions of 2 inches by 6 inches by 10 feet, the calculation is 2 × 6 × 10 ÷ 12, which equals 10 board feet.
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About Cedar Lumber
Overview: Cedar is naturally resistant to moisture, rot, and insects, making it an excellent choice for outdoor projects.
Common Uses: Decking, fencing, exterior siding, and outdoor furniture.
Note: When buying Cedar, measuring in board feet ensures you are paying for the exact volume of wood, regardless of its thickness or width.