1. What is Board Feet Calculation?

Board feet is a measurement of lumber volume. One board foot equals 144 cubic inches (12" × 12" × 1"). This calculator helps determine the total price of lumber based on the board footage and price per board foot.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( BF \) — Total board feet of lumber
• \( \text{price per BF} \) — Cost per board foot in dollars
• \( Price \) — Total cost in dollars

Explanation: This straightforward calculation multiplies the volume of lumber by its unit price to determine the total cost.

3. Importance of Lumber Pricing

Details: Accurate lumber pricing is essential for construction projects, woodworking, and inventory management. Understanding board feet calculation helps prevent overpayment and ensures proper budgeting.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total board feet and price per board foot. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the total price in US dollars.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I calculate board feet?
A: Board feet = (length(ft) × width(in) × thickness(in)) ÷ 12. For multiple pieces, sum the board feet of each piece.

Q2: Does board foot calculation account for waste?
A: No, this calculation only determines the cost based on measured dimensions. Always add a waste factor (typically 10-20%) for cutting and planning.

Q3: Why are some lumber prices higher per board foot?
A: Premium woods, exotic species, and higher grades typically command higher prices per board foot due to scarcity, appearance, and quality.

Q4: Is board foot the same as square foot?
A: No, board foot measures volume (incorporating thickness), while square foot measures only surface area.

Q5: Can I use this for metric measurements?
A: This calculator uses imperial measurements. Convert metric measurements to inches and feet before calculating board feet.