WoodWorkCalc guide
Board Foot Formula Explained for Woodworkers
Board feet make hardwood pricing comparable across board sizes. Once you understand the formula, you can quickly turn a rough-lumber list into a supplier-ready purchase estimate—and see why finished dimensions alone are not enough.
At a glance
The shop-ready workflow
- 1
Use rough dimensions
Define the inputs before you commit material or time.
- 2
Use the formula consistently
Use the calculation to make the decision visible and repeatable.
- 3
Add an allowance for usable yield
Turn the result into a protected next action for the shop or client.
Calculator explainer
See what the tool is doing
Thickness × width × length
(in × in × ft) ÷ 12
Lumber volume and cost base
Board Foot Calculator →Purchased stock + finished parts
Compare rough volume to usable output
A better lumber-buying decision
Lumber Yield Calculator →Usable parts + stock allowance
Required stock + defects + milling loss
A protected material quantity
Material Waste Calculator →Use rough dimensions
Calculate board feet from the stock you need to buy before milling, not only from the final part size. Flattening, jointing, defects, and grain selection all affect what the project really consumes.
Use the formula consistently
For stock measured in inches and feet, multiply thickness in inches by width in inches by length in feet, then divide by 12. Multiply the result by the current price per board foot.
Add an allowance for usable yield
The formula gives volume, not a promise that every inch becomes a part. Add a documented waste allowance for defects, milling loss, matching, and cutoffs.
Common questions
Answers before you start the job
What is one board foot?
One board foot is a volume equal to a board 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 1 foot long.
What is the board foot formula?
Thickness in inches × width in inches × length in feet ÷ 12 = board feet.
Does board-foot pricing include waste?
No. It measures lumber volume. Add your own allowance for the yield and quality requirements of the project.