Lumber planning · Updated November 3, 2026
Board foot calculator for a lumber cut list
Total board-foot equivalents for cut-list pieces from quantity and entered dimensions, with nominal and actual dimension bases clearly separated.
Enter one cut-list row per line as Label: quantity x thickness x width x length, with all dimensions in inches. Choose whether those dimensions are the nominal sizes printed for retail lumber or actual measured sizes. The estimate totals board-foot equivalents only; it does not choose stock sizes or optimize cuts.
Enter cut-list rows and calculate.
Use nominal dimensions when you want a nominal board-foot tally consistent with lumber sold or quoted by nominal size. Use actual measured dimensions for a geometric volume equivalent. Retail dimensions can be smaller than the nominal label, depending on surfacing and product; supplier tally conventions may vary. This is not a structural sizing tool.
Sources and method
- Rocky Mountain Forest Products: Board Foot Calculator (reviewed November 3, 2026): defines one board foot as 144 cubic inches and provides a lumber calculator using thickness and width in inches.
- USDA Forest Products Laboratory: Wood Handbook, Chapter 3, Lumber (Chapter 3, “Lumber Dimensions”): explains that thickness and width are traditionally recorded as nominal dimensions, which are normally greater than actual net dimensions for surfaced lumber; rough-sawn and full-sawn sizes differ.
For each row, board-foot equivalents = quantity × thickness (in) × width (in) × length (in) ÷ 144. The 144 cubic-inch divisor follows the cited board-foot definition. Results depend on the dimension basis selected and are arithmetic tallies, not a purchase list, grade estimate, price quote or cutting optimization.
How it works
Enter one labeled cut per line as quantity × thickness × width × length, using inches for all dimensions. Select nominal retail dimensions or actual measured dimensions. The result shows the calculation for every row and sums board-foot equivalents; it does not convert the tally into purchasable stock sizes or a cutting plan.
Good to know
Quick answer: how do I calculate board feet for a cut list?
For each cut, multiply quantity × thickness in inches × width in inches × length in inches, then divide by 144 cubic inches per board foot. Add the results for the total. Reviewed November 3, 2026. Select nominal dimensions for a nominal lumber tally or actual measured dimensions for a geometric volume equivalent; the dimension basis changes the result.
Should I enter nominal or actual lumber dimensions?
Use the basis that matches the measurement or tally you need. The USDA Forest Products Laboratory explains that thickness and width are traditionally recorded in nominal dimensions and that surfaced lumber is normally smaller than its nominal size; rough-sawn and full-sawn dimensions differ. For an order or quote, confirm the supplier's tally convention.
Does this tell me how many boards to buy?
No. It sums the entered cut dimensions as board-foot equivalents. Stock lengths, defects, grain, kerf, cut reuse, grade, species and supplier packaging affect an actual purchase and cutting plan.
Can I use it for plywood or sheet goods?
This tally is intended for solid-lumber cut dimensions. Sheet goods are commonly planned by sheet size or area; follow the product's sale unit and layout instead.
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