Total Board Feet
11.0
Pieces Needed
2
Waste
1.0 bf
Estimated Cost
$39
2
1.0 bf
$39
11.0
Estimate includes 10% waste allowance for cuts
Inputs
Result
Board feet = (1.5 × 5.5 × 10) / 12 = 6.875 bf. With 10% waste: 6.875 × 1.1 = 7.5625, displayed as 7.6 bf. Pieces = ceil(10/8) = 2. Cost = 7.6 × $3.50 = $26.60.
Inputs
Result
Board feet = (1.5 × 9.25 × 20) / 12 = 23.125 bf. With 10% waste: 23.125 × 1.1 = 25.4375, displayed as 25.4 bf. Pieces = ceil(20/12) = 2. Cost = 25.4 × $4.00 = $101.75.
Board feet = (Thickness × Width × Length) / 12. For example, a 2×4×8 = (1.5" × 3.5" × 96") / 12 = 5.25 board feet. Note: nominal sizes (2×4) are larger than actual dimensions (1.5" × 3.5").
A board foot is a unit of volume equal to 144 cubic inches (12" × 12" × 1"). It's the standard unit for pricing lumber. One board foot = 1/12 cubic foot.
Nominal size is the name (2×4, 2×6). Actual dimensions are smaller: 2×4 = 1.5" × 3.5", 2×6 = 1.5" × 5.5", 2×8 = 1.5" × 7.25". Always use actual dimensions for calculations.
Add 10-15% waste for cuts, defects, and errors. For complex projects with many cuts, use 15%. For simple projects, 10% is usually sufficient.
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Last Updated: Feb 12, 2026
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