Lumber Calculator
Whole boards, linear feet and volume from known actual dimensions.
How it works
One board's volume is its thickness and width in metres multiplied by its length. The net volume uses the entered quantity; the purchase quantity first applies the allowance and rounds up to whole boards.
Use the actual dimensions used by the supplier for volume pricing. The broad-face area counts one wide face and is useful for cladding or treatment estimates; it is not the total area of every side.
Related calculators
How the Lumber Calculator works
This lumber calculator converts a takeoff of known board sizes and quantities into whole boards, linear feet, broad-face area and volume. The US form starts with an illustrative actual section of 1.5 × 5.5 in and a 12 ft stock length.
Actual dimensions and whole stock pieces
One board’s volume is thickness × width × length after converting inches and feet consistently. Ten boards at 1.5 × 5.5 in × 12 ft contain 6.875 ft³. A 10% piece allowance rounds the purchase to 11 boards, giving 132 linear feet and about 0.280 yd³.
A nominal 2 × 6 designation does not automatically mean an actual 2 × 6 in section. Enter the dimensions that describe your chosen product and use the same dimension basis as the supplier’s pricing. Rough and finished stock need different inputs.
Lumber quantity versus board feet
This page follows a supplied piece takeoff. It does not determine joist spans, frame layout or required beam sizes. For a rectangular deck surface use the decking calculator, and for posts and pickets use the fence calculator.
The broad-face result covers one wide face of the purchased boards. It is useful for a covering or treatment estimate, rather than the area of every side. The optional price here is per displayed cubic-volume unit; use the board-foot calculator for a board-foot quote.
FAQ
How do I calculate linear feet of lumber? expand_more
Multiply the stock length by the number of purchased boards. The result includes the entered piece allowance.
Does this create a framing plan? expand_more
No. Enter board sizes and quantities from your project; different sizes should be calculated separately.
Does cubic-yard pricing match every lumberyard quote? expand_more
No. Confirm the quoted unit first. Board feet, individual pieces and cubic volume are different price bases.