Price Per Board Foot Calculator
Whether you’re a professional woodworker, contractor, or DIY enthusiast, knowing the price per board foot is essential when purchasing lumber. Our Price Per Board Foot Calculator is a simple yet powerful tool designed to help you calculate the cost of wood based on its dimensions and total price. This eliminates guesswork and allows for more accurate budgeting and purchasing.
In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to use the calculator, provide practical examples, and answer the most frequently asked questions related to board feet and lumber pricing.
🧰 What Is the Price Per Board Foot Calculator?
The Price Per Board Foot Calculator is a digital tool that computes the cost of lumber per board foot. It does this by using four key inputs:
- Board Width (in inches)
- Board Thickness (in inches)
- Board Length (in feet)
- Total Price (in dollars)
Using these inputs, the calculator provides:
- Total board feet (volume of the board)
- Price per board foot
This is particularly useful when comparing wood prices across different vendors or when planning the cost of a woodworking project.
✅ How to Use the Price Per Board Foot Calculator
Follow these simple steps to use the tool effectively:
- Enter Board Width:
Input the width of the board in inches. For example, 6 inches. - Enter Board Thickness:
Input the thickness in inches. For example, 1.5 inches. - Enter Board Length:
Enter the length of the board in feet. For example, 8 feet. - Enter Total Price:
Enter the total cost you paid (or are quoted) for the board. For example, $24. - Click “Calculate”:
Press the Calculate button. The tool will display:- Board Feet (volume)
- Price per Board Foot
- Click “Reset” to clear the form and start a new calculation.
🔍 Practical Example
Let’s go through a real-life scenario to see the calculator in action:
Example:
- Width: 8 inches
- Thickness: 2 inches
- Length: 10 feet
- Total Price: $40
Step-by-Step Calculation:
- Board Feet = (Width × Thickness × Length) ÷ 12
= (8 × 2 × 10) ÷ 12
= 160 ÷ 12
= 13.33 board feet - Price Per Board Foot = Total Price ÷ Board Feet
= $40 ÷ 13.33
= $3.00 per board foot
So, you’re paying $3.00 per board foot for that specific board.
🪵 Why Understanding Board Feet Matters
Board feet are a standardized unit used in the lumber industry to measure volume, not length. This helps ensure you’re comparing prices on an equal basis.
Use Cases:
- Buying Rough-Cut Lumber: Prices are almost always given per board foot.
- Estimating Project Costs: Accurately predict the amount of wood and cost needed.
- Comparing Vendor Quotes: Avoid overpaying by comparing cost per board foot.
- Inventory Management: Helps in calculating remaining material value.
🧠 Helpful Tips
- Always measure twice before entering data to ensure accuracy.
- Round numbers to the nearest tenth or hundredth when entering decimals.
- This calculator is ideal for non-standard wood sizes and custom lumber cuts.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a board foot?
A board foot is a unit of measure for lumber volume. One board foot = 12″ × 12″ × 1″ (144 cubic inches).
2. How do you calculate board feet manually?
Use the formula:
(Width in inches × Thickness in inches × Length in feet) ÷ 12
3. Why is lumber sold by the board foot?
It standardizes pricing for wood of different dimensions and makes cost comparisons easier.
4. What’s the difference between board feet and linear feet?
Linear feet measure length only, while board feet measure volume.
5. Can this calculator be used for metric units?
No, the tool only supports inches and feet. For metric, you’ll need to convert units first.
6. What does the calculator do if I enter invalid numbers?
It alerts you to input valid values in all fields and won’t calculate until all are correct.
7. Can I use this tool for plywood sheets?
No, plywood is typically sold by the sheet or square foot. This calculator is for dimensional lumber.
8. Is the calculator mobile-friendly?
Yes, it works on both desktop and mobile browsers.
9. Can I calculate multiple boards at once?
Currently, the tool calculates one board at a time. You can run multiple calculations individually.
10. Is there a bulk version of this calculator?
Not yet, but you can calculate each board separately and sum the board feet manually.
11. Does it account for waste or cuts?
No, it calculates only the raw board volume and price. Always factor in waste separately.
12. Why is the result sometimes a long decimal?
That’s due to exact math. The tool rounds to two decimal places for clarity.
13. Can this help with budgeting a woodworking project?
Absolutely! It gives precise cost estimates, making budgeting more accurate.
14. Is the calculation the same for softwood and hardwood?
Yes. The method doesn’t change based on wood type—only the price per board foot might.
15. How can I reduce lumber costs?
Compare board foot prices across suppliers, buy in bulk, or choose alternative sizes or grades.
16. Is the calculator suitable for live edge slabs?
Only if you can accurately measure average width, thickness, and length.
17. Can I bookmark the tool?
Yes, and it’s recommended for frequent users like contractors or carpenters.
18. What if I enter centimeters or meters by mistake?
The results will be incorrect. Always use inches and feet as specified.
19. Is this tool free to use?
Yes, it’s completely free and requires no registration.
20. Can I integrate this calculator on my own website?
Only with permission from the tool creator or developer.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Calculating the price per board foot is one of the most valuable skills in woodworking and construction. With this intuitive calculator, you’ll save time, avoid costly mistakes, and gain greater control over your project budgets. Bookmark this page and use the tool whenever you’re buying or pricing lumber.
Have feedback or ideas for improving the calculator? We’d love to hear from you!