Board Foot Pricing Formula:
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Price per board foot is a standard measurement used in the lumber industry to calculate the cost of wood based on volume. One board foot equals 144 cubic inches (12" × 12" × 1").
The calculator uses the simple formula:
Where:
Explanation: This calculation helps standardize lumber pricing regardless of specific dimensions, allowing for easy comparison between different wood products.
Details: Understanding price per board foot helps woodworkers, carpenters, and contractors accurately estimate project costs and compare material prices between suppliers.
Tips: Enter the total price you paid (or were quoted) for the lumber and the total board footage. Both values must be greater than zero.
Q1: How do I calculate board feet?
A: Board feet = (length in feet × width in inches × thickness in inches) ÷ 12. For multiple pieces, sum all board feet.
Q2: What's a typical price range per board foot?
A: Common lumber ranges from $2-$10/BF, while premium hardwoods can be $10-$20/BF or more depending on species and quality.
Q3: Does this include waste factor?
A: No, this calculates raw material cost. Add 10-20% to account for cutting waste in your projects.
Q4: Why use board feet instead of linear feet?
A: Board feet accounts for all three dimensions (length, width, thickness), making it more accurate for volume pricing.
Q5: How does thickness affect board foot pricing?
A: Thicker boards cost more per piece but price per BF often decreases with thickness as processing costs are spread over more material.