What the animation shows
The animation and the step-by-step video above use your numbers. Here is the same walkthrough written out for the default example.
What you enter
- Thickness: 1 in.
- Width: 6 in.
- Length: 8 ft.
- Number of boards: 10.
What happens, step by step
- Each blue slice is one board foot, the same as the small block.
- Inches thick × inches wide × feet long ÷ 12 = 4 bf per board.
- 10 boards at 4 bf each make 40 bf.
The answer: board feet is 40 bf.
How it’s calculated
- Board feet = thickness (in) × width (in) × length (ft) ÷ 12
Worked example
Ten 2 × 6 boards, 12 ft long.
Inputs
- Thickness
- 2 in
- Width
- 6 in
- Length
- 12 ft
- Number of boards
- 10
- Price per board foot
- 0 $/bf
Results
- Board feet
- 120 bf
- Board feet per board
- 12 bf
Assumptions and limits
- Hardwood is usually measured rough (e.g. 4/4 = 1 in). Dimensional lumber is often quoted in nominal sizes.
Verify the result against the applicable local code, adopted code edition, manufacturer instructions and project requirements. See our methodology.
Questions
How many board feet in a 2×6×12?
2 × 6 × 12 ÷ 12 = 12 board feet, using nominal dimensions.
What is 4/4 or 8/4 lumber?
Quarters of an inch: 4/4 is 1 in thick rough, 8/4 is 2 in.