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Board Foot Calculator - Free BDFT Calculator for Lumber & Woodworking
Free board foot calculator (BDFT) for lumber measurement. Calculate board feet instantly with our easy-to-use tool. Supports Imperial & Metric units, cost calculation, and woodworking projects.
Last updated: 1/25/2025
Measurement System
Thickness (inches)
Width (inches)
Length (feet)
Cost Calculation (Optional)
Calculation Results
Formula:
Board Feet = (Thickness × Width × Length) ÷ 144
Example Calculations:
- • 1" × 6" × 8' = 4.00 BF
- • 2" × 4" × 10' = 6.67 BF
- • 1.5" × 8.25" × 12' = 12.38 BF
How to Calculate Board Feet (BDFT)
Understanding board feet (bdft) is essential for any woodworking or construction project. Follow these simple steps to calculate the board footage of your lumber.
Measure Your Lumber
Measure the thickness in inches, width in inches, and length in feet. For metric measurements, you can use centimeters and meters, and our bdft calculator will convert them.
Enter Dimensions
Input your measurements into the calculator above. Be sure to select the correct unit system: Imperial (inches/feet) or Metric (cm/meters) for accurate bdft calculations.
Get Your Results
Click "Calculate" and instantly see the bdft result. You can also calculate the total cost by adding the price per board foot (bdft) in the cost calculator tab.
The BDFT Formula
This formula gives you the volume of lumber in board feet (bdft), which is the standard measurement used for pricing hardwood lumber in North America.
Why Use Our BDFT Calculator
Our board foot calculator makes lumber calculations quick, accurate, and hassle-free. Here's how it helps you.
Save Time
Instantly calculate board feet (bdft) without manual calculations or complex formulas. Get accurate lumber volume results in seconds.
Avoid Costly Mistakes
Precision board footage measurements help prevent ordering too much or too little lumber, saving you money and reducing waste.
Easy Unit Conversion
Seamlessly switch between imperial and metric units with our built-in conversion system for accurate board feet (bdft) calculations.
Calculate Costs
Estimate project expenses by including the price per board foot. Get total cost calculations instantly for your lumber purchases.
Works on Any Device
Access our board foot calculator from desktop, tablet, or mobile. Perfect for on-site calculations or in the woodshop.
Free to Use
Our board foot (bdft) calculator is completely free, with no limits on calculations or features. No signup required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a board foot (BDFT) and how is it used?
A board foot (BDFT) is the standard unit for measuring lumber volume in North America. One board foot equals 144 cubic inches - equivalent to a piece of wood 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long. Lumber dealers use board feet to price hardwood and calculate project costs.
How do you calculate board feet using the BDFT formula?
The board foot formula is: BDFT = (Thickness in inches × Width in inches × Length in feet) ÷ 12. For example, a 2×4×8 foot board = (2 × 4 × 8) ÷ 12 = 5.33 board feet. Our calculator does this automatically.
Can I calculate lumber costs with the board foot calculator?
Yes! Our BDFT calculator includes a cost feature. Simply enter the price per board foot and the calculator will instantly compute your total lumber cost based on the board footage of your project.
Does the board foot calculator work with metric measurements?
Absolutely! Our calculator supports both Imperial (inches/feet) and Metric (centimeters/millimeters) units. Toggle between systems and the calculator automatically converts measurements for accurate board foot calculations.
How accurate is the board foot calculator for fractional lumber dimensions?
Our BDFT calculator handles decimal inputs with precision. Enter fractional dimensions like 1.5 for 1½ inches or 2.25 for 2¼ inches. Results are calculated to 2 decimal places for maximum accuracy in your woodworking projects.
What types of lumber projects can I use this board foot calculator for?
This calculator works for all lumber types and woodworking projects - hardwood flooring, furniture making, deck construction, cabinetry, framing lumber, and any project requiring board foot measurements for material estimation and cost calculation.
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