Board Foot of Lumber : How To Calculate

Calculating a board foot of lumber is just basic math once you know the right measurements to use.

Hardwood lumber is normally figured differently than construction lumber found at lumber yards and home centers. These softwoods used for building material are priced per each or price x length in feet.

Hardwood lumber usually comes random width and you rip it to the width you want in your shop. The critical measurement when buying hardwood lumber is the thickness. Hardwood thickness measurements are measured in "quarters". A board that can be finish surfaced to 3/4" is considered a 4 quarter thick board. To get a board to clean up at 3/4" usually takes a rough sawn board at least 1" to 1-1/8" thick.

The same as above, it would take a 1-1/4" or more thick board to get a 5/4 or 1" thick board. When measuring for board feet always use the finished thickness size for your calculations. As an example, to find the board feet of a 6/4 or 1/1-2" thick board calculate 1.5 thick x width x length/144 = board feet.

The Doyle Rule

Calculating a board foot of lumber can also be done quickly with what's commonly known as a log measuring stick or a "Doyle Rule". This stick is commonly used by loggers and lumber buyers to calculate board feet of lumber in standing timber and cut logs when they're delivered to the mill.

For more information about this method of determining a board foot of lumber you'll find a great fact sheet from Ohio State University School of Environment and Natural Resources.

Adjustable Lumber Storage Rack

This rugged lumber rack includes six sturdy brackets to make three adjustable shelves, and gives you the flexibility to convert any wall in your shop into usable space for lumber storage. It’s the perfect lumber rack to keep just above your miter saw for easy access when cutting rippings to length. Fasten it to the wall at whatever height is easiest on your back, or at eye level to make checking for bow and twist a cinch. Fasten it up high and use a step stool if shop space is at a premium. With this kind of flexibility, lumber storage problems will soon be a thing of the past. Adjustable Lumber Storage Rack