Woodworking Board Foot Cost Calculator
Figure out exactly how much lumber you need and what it will cost by calculating board feet from your board dimensions and price per board foot.
Total Estimated Cost
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Board Feet per Board—
Total Board Feet (no waste)—
Total Board Feet (with waste)—
Total Cost—
About this calculator
Calculate the board footage and total lumber cost of a project based on board dimensions, quantity, and price per board foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a board foot calculated?
One board foot equals 144 cubic inches of wood, calculated as thickness (in) × width (in) × length (in) ÷ 144.
Why add a waste factor?
Cutoffs, defects, and squaring boards typically waste 10-20% of raw lumber, so it's smart to buy extra.
Does this work for rough or surfaced lumber?
Yes, just enter the actual thickness and width you're buying, whether rough-sawn or surfaced (S4S).