Billdr PRO Board Foot Calculator

This free Board Foot Calculator lets you (1) enter the number of pieces, dimensions, and price per board foot, (2) instantly read the total board footage and project cost, and (3) learn the key concepts behind the math so you can double-check bids, scale logs, and compare lumber prices with confidence.

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What Is a Board Foot?

A board foot (BF, FBM, or BDFT) is a unit of volume: a piece of wood measuring 12 in × 12 in × 1 in (144 cubic inches or one-twelfth of a cubic foot). North American lumberyards use this unit to price rough-sawn hardwood and softwood.

How Is It Calculated?

Formula

Multiply the result by the number of pieces to get the project total.

A Worked Example

You have four boards measuring 2 in × 10 in × 8 ft. The calculation is done with these two steps : 

How Do You Calculate Board Feet in a Log?

This quick reference table shows board-foot yields for standard 1.5 × 3.5 in (2×4) lumber at common lengths. Simply find your board length in feet and read off the corresponding board-feet value to speed up your material take-off and minimize waste. Sawmills estimate yield with log-scaling rules:

How Do You Measure a Board Foot?

1. Measure thickness and width in inches at the narrowest point of the board.
2. Measure the actual length in feet (ignore the nominal length printed on the tag).
3. Apply the board-foot formula—or simply use the calculator above.

How Many Board Feet Are in a 2 × 4?

A modern “2 × 4” actually measures 1 ½ in × 3 ½ in. Use the table below for quick reference:

Board Foot vs. Linear Foot

• Board foot measures volume—thickness, width, and length.
• Linear foot measures length only, regardless of thickness or width.

Because a board foot reflects total volume, it captures waste in thicker or wider stock. Linear-foot pricing is more common for surfaced lumber with uniform cross-sections.

Final Tip

Use this calculator to compare quotes, forecast material costs, and optimise lumber purchases—and keep these formulas handy so you can verify your numbers right on the jobsite.