Enter thickness, width, length, and quantity to get instant volume results fast. Choose units, include waste and pricing, then export reports anytime easily here.
| Use | Thickness | Width | Length | Qty | Waste |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deck joists | 2 in | 8 in | 12 ft | 24 | 10% |
| Studs | 38 mm | 89 mm | 2.4 m | 60 | 7% |
| Formwork braces | 50 mm | 100 mm | 1.8 m | 30 | 12% |
Examples are illustrative. Always confirm actual sizes and site cutting losses.
Per-piece volume is calculated as:
All dimensions are converted to meters first. Totals multiply by quantity, then waste is applied as Vw = V × (1 + waste%/100).
Board feet per piece uses the standard lumber method:
The calculator also converts from cubic meters using the board-foot definition for consistency.
Lumber is purchased, stored, and installed in measurable quantities. Volume connects design intent to procurement by converting piece dimensions and counts into cubic volume and board feet. When the takeoff is consistent, crews reduce downtime, avoid over-ordering, and keep material handling predictable.
The calculator uses V = T × W × L after converting inputs to meters. This keeps results consistent across inches, feet, millimeters, and meters. Total volume multiplies per-piece volume by quantity, which is ideal for joists, studs, bracing, and repetitive formwork components.
Board feet are common for dimensional lumber and hardwood orders. A practical field formula is BF = (T(in) × W(in) × L(ft)) / 12. This tool reports board feet alongside cubic volume so estimators can match vendor pricing formats without rework.
Waste covers cutoffs, defects, layout changes, and damage. Typical allowances are 5–10% for repetitive framing, 10–15% for mixed lengths or complex detailing, and higher when on-site trimming is heavy. Apply waste early to protect schedule and minimize urgent purchases.
When pricing is entered per cubic meter or per board foot, the calculator estimates material cost using the waste-adjusted totals. This supports quick scenario testing: swap species, change member sizes, or compare suppliers. Always align pricing units with the quote and confirm whether taxes and delivery are included. For tight schedules, add a small contingency for shortages and escalation.
Density converts volume into a rough shipment weight. Softwoods often fall around 350–550 kg/m³, while many hardwoods range 500–800 kg/m³. Weight estimates help with lifting plans, trucking capacity, and storage design, especially when multiple packages arrive together.
For best results, use actual thickness and width where available because nominal sizes can differ. Keep units consistent, verify lengths from the schedule, and confirm piece counts with the framing plan. If you change units, re-check that all three dimensions match the selected unit.
Exporting CSV and PDF creates a repeatable record of assumptions: sizes, quantities, waste, pricing, and density. This is useful for RFQs, internal approvals, and post-project review. Over time, comparing estimated waste against actual usage improves future takeoff accuracy.
Cubic volume is a true geometric volume. Board feet are a lumber trade unit based on 1 inch × 12 inches × 12 inches. This calculator provides both so you can match engineering and supplier needs.
Use actual sizes for the most accurate takeoff. If you only know nominal sizes, results are still useful for ordering, but expect small differences compared with measured dimensions in the field.
Many framing packages use 5–10% for repetitive work. Complex layouts, variable lengths, or heavy trimming often need 10–15%. Adjust based on experience, access constraints, and quality requirements.
Yes. Use a representative density range for the expected wood type. The weight output is a planning estimate for logistics, not a certified shipping weight. Moisture content can also change mass.
Suppliers may price by nominal dimensions, standard lengths, or packaged counts. Confirm whether their board-foot calculation uses nominal or actual sizes, and whether surfacing and milling allowances are included.
Run the calculator separately for each unique member size and length group, then combine totals. This keeps the results clean and makes it easier to assign different waste, pricing, or density values.
Export CSV for spreadsheet editing and rollups, and PDF for a fixed, shareable snapshot. Include your waste assumption and any pricing basis so reviewers understand what the totals represent.
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.