# Board Feet Calculator

Thickness and width in inches, length in feet, to board feet.

- Page: https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/deck-board-feet
- Category: Construction (https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/c/construction)
- Chinese version: https://jianzhujisuan.com/zh/deck-board-feet.md
- Data checked: 2026-10-25

## Quick result

With the default inputs (Thickness (nominal) 2 in, Width (nominal) 6 in, Length 8 ft, Pieces 20 pcs, Price per board foot (optional) 0 $): **Total board feet 160.0 BF**

## Inputs

| Parameter | Type | Default | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness (nominal) | number | 2 | in |  |
| Width (nominal) | number | 6 | in |  |
| Length | number | 8 | ft |  |
| Pieces | number | 20 | pcs |  |
| Price per board foot (optional) | number | 0 | $ |  |

## Formula

- **BF = T(in) × W(in) × L(ft) ÷ 12**: nominal sizes
- **Total BF = BF each × pieces**: 
- **Linear feet = length × pieces**: how decking is sold
- **Volume (ft³) = BF × 144 ÷ 1728**: 1 BF = 144 in³

## Worked example

Twenty 2x6x8s: 2 x 6 x 8 / 12 = 8 BF each, 160 BF total, 160 linear feet, about 13.3 ft³ of actual timber, roughly $192 at $1.20/BF.

## Questions

### What is the difference between board feet and linear feet?

Linear feet counts length only; board feet includes the cross-section. So 100 linear feet of 2x4 and of 2x10 differ 2.5-fold in board feet. Decking and trim bought by run are priced per linear foot, while framing lumber, timber and hardwood price per board foot - cross-sections vary too much to quote on length alone.

### Why nominal rather than actual dimensions?

It is a century-old convention: a 2x4 actually measures 1.5 x 3.5 in, yet board feet, list price and structural tables all use nominal 2x4. Rough-sawn stock really was 2x4 originally, and planing and drying shrank it while the pricing system stayed put. Use nominal for buying, and actual only when you are calculating finished sizes for furniture or cabinetry.

### How much waste should I add?

10% for framing, 15% for trim and mitred work, and 20-30% for hardwood where grain and defects have to be worked around. Mind the lengths too: nominal 8 ft stock usually measures slightly over but prices at 8 ft, which is normal. For trim, count how many usable pieces come out of each length rather than dividing total run by piece length, or the joints will not land where you need them.

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