Question 1

What is a Board Foot?

Accepted Answer

A board foot is a unit of volume for lumber, standardized in the United States and Canada. It is equal to the volume of a one-foot length of a board one foot wide and one inch thick. The key formula is: Board Feet = (Length (ft) x Width (in) x Thickness (in)) / 12.

Question 2

What is the difference between a board foot and a linear foot?

Accepted Answer

A linear foot is a measure of length only (12 inches). A board foot is a measure of volume (144 cubic inches). They are not interchangeable unless you specify a width and thickness. For example, a 2-foot long 2x6 board has a linear footage of 2, but a board footage of 2 (2 ft * 6 in * 1.5 in / 12 = 1.5 BF).

Question 3

Why do some countries use cubic meters instead of board feet?

Accepted Answer

The cubic meter is the standard international (SI) unit for volume. Most of the world uses the metric system for all measurements, making the cubic meter the logical choice for lumber volume. North America has historically retained the imperial system for lumber.

Question 4

How do I convert a price per board foot to a price per linear foot?

Accepted Answer

First, calculate the board footage of one linear foot of your specific board (e.g., one linear foot of 1x8 is 0.667 BF). Then, multiply that board footage by the price per board foot. If hardwood is $5/BF, then one linear foot of 1x8 would cost 0.667 * $5 = $3.34.

Question 5

Are nominal or actual dimensions used to calculate board feet?

Accepted Answer

This is a critical point of confusion. For softwoods, calculations are often based on nominal dimensions (e.g., a 2x4). For hardwoods, calculations are almost always based on the actual, measured dimensions after milling and drying. Always clarify with your supplier which system they are using for pricing.

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