Price Per Board Foot Calculator – Instantly Find Lumber Costs

Whether you’re a contractor, woodworker, DIYer, or supplier, knowing the price per board foot is crucial when purchasing or budgeting for lumber. To make this process easier and faster, we’ve developed a Price Per Board Foot Calculator — a simple, powerful tool that helps you calculate exactly how much you're paying per unit of wood.

Let’s dive into how this tool works, why it’s useful, and how you can use it to improve your purchasing decisions.

What Is the Price Per Board Foot Calculator?

The Price Per Board Foot Calculator is an online utility that determines the cost per board foot of lumber based on two inputs:

Total board feet purchased
Total price paid

It provides immediate feedback on how much you are paying per board foot, allowing you to compare different suppliers, wood species, or dimensions quickly. This helps you make cost-effective decisions and avoid overpaying for materials.

How To Use the Price Per Board Foot Calculator

Using the calculator is simple and takes less than a minute. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Enter the Board Feet

Input the total number of board feet you are buying. If you don’t already know how to calculate board feet, you can use the basic formula:

Board Feet = (Length × Width × Thickness) ÷ 12

All measurements must be in inches, and the final result gives you the board feet.

Step 2: Enter the Total Price

Input the full price you paid (or will pay) for the lumber, in US dollars ($).

Step 3: Click "Calculate"

Press the Calculate button. The calculator instantly displays the price per board foot below the input fields.

Step 4: Optional – Use the Reset Button

Need to start over? Click the Reset button to clear all fields and reload the calculator.

Real-Life Example: How It Works

Let’s look at a practical example.

You purchased 120 board feet of maple lumber for a total of $480.

Board Feet: 120
Total Price: $480

When you enter these values and click Calculate, the calculator displays:

Price per Board Foot: $4.00

Now you know that you're paying $4.00 per board foot for your lumber.

This allows you to compare it with another supplier who might be offering the same wood at $3.75 per board foot, helping you decide whether your current deal is competitive.

Why Is This Calculator Important?

Wood pricing can vary dramatically based on:

Species (e.g., pine vs. walnut)
Grade and quality
Regional differences
Lumberyard or supplier policies

Using the Price Per Board Foot Calculator, you get a standardized cost that helps with:

Budget planning
Project estimation
Cost comparison
Negotiating with suppliers

Ideal Use Cases for the Price Per Board Foot Calculator

Here are some situations where this calculator can be incredibly helpful:

Woodworking Projects: Hobbyists and professionals can plan materials more accurately.
Furniture Making: Builders can price projects based on wood volume and reduce waste.
Construction Estimating: Contractors use board feet to measure framing lumber and calculate costs.
Inventory Valuation: Lumberyards and small shops can calculate stock values quickly.

15+ Most Common Questions About Board Foot Calculations

1. What is a board foot?

A board foot is a unit of measurement for lumber volume. It represents a board that is 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 1 inch thick.

2. How do you calculate board feet manually?

Use the formula:
(Length × Width × Thickness) ÷ 12, where dimensions are in inches.

3. Why calculate price per board foot?

It allows you to compare prices across different sizes and suppliers using a consistent metric.

4. What if my lumber has different dimensions?

You can calculate the board feet for each piece, add them up, and then use the total in the calculator.

5. Does species of wood affect board feet?

No, board feet is purely a volume measurement. However, species does affect pricing per board foot.

6. Can I use this calculator for rough lumber?

Yes, it's useful for both rough-sawn and surfaced lumber, as long as you know the board feet.

7. Can the calculator be used for metric measurements?

No, it is designed for board feet, which is an imperial measurement. You need to convert metric dimensions first.

8. Is price per board foot the same as price per square foot?

No. Board feet measures volume, while square feet measures area.

9. What’s a good price per board foot?

This varies widely. For example:

Pine: $1–$2 per BF
Oak: $3–$5 per BF
Walnut: $6–$12+ per BF

10. Can I use this for plywood or sheet goods?

Not accurately. Plywood is typically sold by sheet or square foot, not board foot.

11. Do lumber retailers price by board foot?

Many do, especially for hardwoods and specialty woods. Softwoods may be priced per linear foot.

12. How can this calculator help with budgeting?

It shows the cost per unit, helping you estimate how much total lumber you can afford within a budget.

13. What happens if I enter zero or invalid numbers?

The calculator will alert you to enter valid, non-zero numbers to avoid inaccurate results.

14. Is there a difference between nominal and actual size?

Yes. A "2×4" is a nominal size. The actual size is about 1.5" × 3.5". Use actual dimensions when calculating board feet.

15. Can I use this for resale price calculation?

Absolutely. If you're reselling lumber, calculate your cost per board foot and set a markup for profit.

16. How many board feet are in a cubic foot?

There are 12 board feet in one cubic foot.

17. What if I’m buying mixed sizes of lumber?

Calculate board feet for each piece individually, add them up, then use the calculator.

18. Is this calculator mobile-friendly?

Yes. It is designed to be responsive and can be used easily on smartphones and tablets.

19. Can I embed this calculator on my site?

Yes, if you're a developer or site owner, this tool can be added to any webpage using its script and form.

20. What industries use board foot pricing?

Common in construction, furniture making, millwork, and lumber retail.

Final Thoughts

The Price Per Board Foot Calculator is an essential tool for anyone buying, selling, or working with lumber. It simplifies cost calculations, promotes smarter buying, and ensures you’re getting the best value.

Use this tool to gain clarity on your lumber purchases and never be overcharged again. Whether you’re building a deck, crafting a cabinet, or managing a lumberyard — this calculator saves you time and money.

Start calculating smarter now — try our Price Per Board Foot Calculator!