Board Foot Calculator

Your details

Switch between imperial (inches/feet) and metric (centimetres) dimensions.
NHLA hardwood thickness quoted in quarters of an inch. 4/4 = 1 in rough, 8/4 = 2 in rough. Select Custom to enter any thickness.
Board width in the selected unit. Use the nominal (rough) width, not the surfaced measurement.
in
Board length. Imperial: enter in feet (8 = 8 ft). Metric: enter in centimetres (244 = 244 cm).
ft
How many identical boards you are buying.
boards
Extra to add for knots, splits, miscuts and milling losses. 10-15% is typical for rough hardwood.
%
Toggle on to enter a price per board foot and see the total order cost.
Board feet to order (with waste)
44BF
Net board feet (no waste)40BF
Board feet per board4BF
Total volume (net)5,760in³
Per board4
Net total40
With waste44

Order 44 board feet (40 BF net + 10% waste).

  • Each board is 4 BF; 10 boards total 40 BF before the waste allowance.
  • With a 10% waste allowance you should order 44 BF to be safe.
  • Rough hardwood is measured and priced on nominal (pre-planed) dimensions, so use the full stated size, not the dressed measurement.

Next stepAdd 10-15% waste for typical rough-sawn hardwood; go up to 20-25% if the lumber has many knots or you are cutting many short pieces.

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