Board Feet & Rough Lumber Estimator

Calculate volumetric board footage and lumber purchase costs instantly.

Thickness (inches) Common: 1" (4/4), 1.25" (5/4), 1.75", 2" (8/4)

Width (inches) Face width across the grain

Length Board length

Length Unit Toggle between inches and feet

Quantity of Boards Identical pieces

Waste Allowance Safeguard for knots, defects & snipe

Lumber Price per Board Foot (Optional, $) Quoted price from your local lumberyard

Cubic Volume	1,152 cu. in.
Total with Waste Allowance	9.20 BF (+15%)
Estimated Material Cost	$78.20

Lumberyards typically bill rough stock to the nearest tenth or quarter board foot.

How this calculation works

Convert rough or surfaced lumber dimensions and board quantities into exact board feet volume with customizable pricing and waste allowance.

Formula: Board Feet = (Thickness" × Width" × Length") / 144 × Quantity

Measurement Scope: Handles rough lumber quarter sizes (4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4) and surfaced stock in fractional and decimal inches.

For deep technical background, shop tips, and detailed failure prevention analysis, consult our companion woodworking guide: Read "board feet lumber buying"