You have a lumber list from the crew or a supplier tally to check before purchasing. Enter thickness and width in inches, length in feet, and the number of identical boards. The calculator returns board feet per piece and for the full group.
Keep the dimension basis visible
Choose the label for nominal tally dimensions or measured dimensions. The label records your basis; it does not change the numbers. If you measure the boards on site, enter those measurements directly. If you check a quoted tally, use the dimensions on that tally and confirm the basis with the supplier.
Keep different sizes and lengths in separate runs. Write the stock description beside each result before adding the group totals. This makes a comparison traceable when one line uses a different thickness or piece count.
Use inches, inches, then feet
The Wood-Mizer board-foot formula multiplies thickness in inches by width in inches by length in feet, then divides by twelve. Multiply that per-piece volume by the piece count. This calculator follows that formula and multiplies before rounding.
For example, entered dimensions of one inch by six inches by eight feet give four board feet per piece. Twelve identical boards total forty-eight board feet. This example describes the entered dimensions, not a conversion from a nominal stock label.
Calculate the group total before rounding. Multiplying a rounded per-piece display can change your comparison with the supplier’s tally.
Keep the cut list beside the volume
There is no automatic allowance for waste. Decide which extra pieces belong in the lumber list before using its count here. Keep cut lengths, stock sizes, and any rejected pieces visible instead of treating the volume total as a purchasing list.
The tool does not choose lumber grade or member size. It also does not convert a log into expected usable boards. Confirm the supplier’s tally and billing conventions before using the result to compare prices.
Check the inputs and results
Scroll to read all columns.
| Input | Unit and accepted values |
|---|---|
| Thickness and width | Inches, 0.000001 through 1,200 |
| Length | Feet, 0.000001 through 10,000 |
| Identical pieces | Whole count, 1 through 100,000 |
| Dimension-basis label | Nominal tally or measured dimensions; no automatic conversion |
Enter ordinary decimal dimensions and a whole piece count. The tool calculates the group total before rounding the display. It adds no waste allowance.
Before you order lumber
Keep the quantity unit on the order. NIST’s conversion table lists board foot separately from other volume units. The entered dimensions determine this calculation.
Use APA’s framing reference to discuss the specified assembly, and APA’s engineered-wood guidance for alteration questions. Board feet do not approve a member or a cut.
Match the material description to the supplier’s lumber package. Ask the framing sub to check the cut list before discussing the tally with the lumber supplier.
Keep inspection release separate from volume. Raleigh’s inspection sequence identifies the framing checkpoint. Use the framing inspection guide when assigning the review.
Return to the construction tools hub for the other quantity checks and printable records.
Where Cercha fits
Supplier profiles in the Cercha app list brands carried. Use Messages to discuss the stock description and quantity basis with a supplier. Keep the board-foot calculation beside the lumber list you are discussing.