Board Foot Calculator: Lumber Volume Estimator
Calculate the volume of lumber in Board Feet (FBM).
What is a Board Foot?
A Board Foot (FBM) is a unit of volume for timber in the USA and Canada. It equals the volume of a one-foot length of a board that is one foot wide and one inch thick (144 cubic inches).
Board Foot Formula
- Formula: (Thickness in inches × Width in inches × Length in feet) ÷ 12
- Example: A 2x4 that is 8 feet long.
- (2 × 4 × 8) ÷ 12 = 5.33 Board Feet.
Common Questions
Why is lumber sold by board feet?
It provides a consistent volume measurement regardless of the board's dimensions (width or thickness), which is essential for pricing rough hardwoods.
Is a linear foot the same as a board foot?
No. Linear footage only measures length. Board footage measures total volume.