Lumber Calculator

Plan lumber with precision using dynamic inputs for size quantity waste and cost. Switch between imperial and metric. See board feet volume weight and pricing update instantly. Save a printable summary for your workshop and share estimates with clients confidently. Includes project tax options supports density based weight uses offline friendly design for simplicity.

Calculator Inputs

Density drives weight calculations. Choose custom to enter your own.
For fractional inches, you can enter 0.75 for 3/4.
$
/ BF
Imperial uses price per board foot. Metric uses price per m³.
Use any currency code or symbol.
Cut List — Add rows for different pieces. Units adapt to the selected system.
Thickness (in) Width (in) Length (ft) Qty Actions

Results

Total Board Feet: 0.000 (BF)
Total Cubic Feet: 0.000 (ft³)
Total Cubic Meters: 0.000000 (m³)
Estimated Weight: 0.00 (kg) / 0.00 (lb)
Subtotal: 0.00 USD
Tax: 0.00 USD
Total Cost: 0.00 USD
Effective Price: 0.00 per BF

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Select your preferred units and a wood species. Choose custom density if you have a measured value.
  2. Enter the default dimensions and quantity or build a cut list with multiple rows for varied sizes.
  3. Set price per board foot for imperial or price per cubic meter for metric. Add a tax rate and a waste allowance.
  4. Click Calculate. Results display total board feet cubic feet cubic meters weight and pricing. Print the results to create a job folder summary.

Formula Details

Board feet (BF, imperial): BF = (Tin × Win × Lft) / 12.

Cubic feet: ft³ = BF / 12. Cubic meters: m³ = Tm × Wm × Lm.

Conversion: 1 m³ = 35.3146667 ft³. 1 ft³ = 12 BF. Therefore BF = m³ × 423.776.

Weight: Weight = Volume × Density. Use lb/ft³ with ft³ or kg/m³ with m³. Conversions use 1 kg = 2.20462262185 lb and 1 kg/m³ = 0.06242796 lb/ft³.

Cost: Subtotal = Price × (BF or m³). Waste factor multiplies the required volume by (1 + Waste%). Tax = Subtotal × Tax%.

Helpful Topics

Input Dimensions and Units

Enter thickness width and length then choose imperial or metric units. The tool converts automatically and handles fractions for inches using a slash. Quantity multiplies board feet and volume so multiple identical boards are simple.

Board Feet and Volume

Board feet uses thickness in inches times width in inches times length in feet divided by twelve. Metric volume uses cubic meters from millimeter inputs. Both methods run in real time to guide purchasing decisions accurately.

Weight Estimation by Species

Select a wood species or enter density manually. Weight is calculated from volume and density producing total mass for transport checks. You can compare species to see how weight changes for the same board feet and volume.

Waste Allowance and Offcuts

Add a waste percentage to cover kerf defects and mistakes. The calculator increases required quantity or board feet to ensure enough stock. Adjust the factor until the results align with your shop experience and tolerance.

Pricing Taxes and Currency

Enter price per board foot or per cubic meter then choose a currency code. Add sales tax and optional discount. The tool reports subtotal tax total and effective price per unit for clear budgeting.

Cut List and Summary

Build a list of pieces with dimensions and quantity. See totals for board feet volume weight and cost for the whole project. Save or print the summary for records client quotes and workshop planning.

FAQs

A board foot measures rough lumber volume in imperial units. It equals a board one inch thick and twelve inches wide and one foot long. It is the common unit for pricing hardwoods.
Yes. Choose metric to enter thickness and width in millimeters and length in meters. The calculator reports cubic meters and converts to board feet for comparisons and price checks.
Waste increases the required volume by a percentage to cover defects kerf and mistakes. The total board feet or cubic meters are multiplied by one plus the waste percentage before pricing and weight calculations.
Yes. Select custom density and enter either kilograms per cubic meter or pounds per cubic foot. The other value converts automatically. Use air dried densities that match your storage conditions for best estimates.
Imperial mode multiplies total board feet by price per board foot. Metric mode multiplies total cubic meters by price per cubic meter. Tax and waste options adjust the final totals accordingly.
Yes. Use the Print Summary button to produce a clean page for records quotes or job folders. Printing to PDF creates a shareable document for clients or collaborators.
Yes. Enter decimals such as 0.75 for three quarters of an inch or 1.125 for one and one eighth. The calculator accepts precise decimals for all dimensions.

Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.