Lumber measurement comparison
Board Foot vs Linear Foot Calculator
Board feet and linear feet both describe lumber, but they measure different things, and using the wrong one at the lumberyard can mean paying for the wrong quantity. Linear feet count length only. Board feet count volume. Knowing which a supplier is quoting, and which calculator to reach for, keeps your material estimate honest.
Quick answer
Use a board foot calculator for rough or hardwood lumber priced by volume, where thickness and width change the cost. Use a linear foot calculator for material sold by length at a fixed cross section, like trim, molding, and dimensional lumber by the piece. Match the measure to how the material is sold.
The formulas
| Measure | What it counts | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Linear foot | Length only | Total running length, in feet |
| Board foot | Volume | (thickness in × width in × length in) ÷ 144 |
One board foot equals 144 cubic inches, the volume of a piece 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long. A 1×12 board 12 inches long is exactly one board foot; the same board in linear measure is one foot of length.
When to use board feet
Hardwood and rough-sawn lumber are usually sold by the board foot because thickness and width vary and drive the price. If a yard quotes a price per board foot, a board foot calculator gives the volume you are actually buying. Learn the method in the board foot calculator and the guide on material estimation for carpentry.
When to use linear feet
Trim, molding, edge banding, and dimensional lumber sold by the piece are measured in linear feet because the cross section is fixed. You only need total running length. Reaching for board feet here adds needless math, while reaching for linear feet on volume-priced hardwood underestimates the cost of thick, wide boards.
How this fits your cut list
Once you know the measure, the cut list ties it together: list the parts, total the length or volume needed, then plan the layout so you buy the right amount with low waste. Use the cut list calculator for boards and the plywood cut calculator for sheets, and read woodworking material calculator for the full picture.
Try the CutList app
Once your quantities are right, CutList plans the actual cuts: a visual, kerf-aware layout with saved projects and PDF export, fully offline on iPhone.
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FAQ
What is the difference between board feet and linear feet?
Linear feet measure length only. Board feet measure volume: length times width times thickness, where one board foot equals 144 cubic inches (a 1×12 piece 12 inches long). Use linear feet for items sold by length and board feet for lumber priced by volume.
When should I use a board foot calculator?
For hardwood and rough lumber sold by volume, where thickness and width change the price, and whenever a yard quotes a price per board foot.
When should I use a linear foot calculator?
For material sold by length at a fixed cross section, such as trim, molding, dimensional lumber by the piece, and edge banding. You only need total running length.
Can the same board be measured both ways?
Yes. A board has a linear-foot length and a board-foot volume at the same time. Which you use depends on how the material is priced.
Why does it matter for cost?
Mixing them up means buying or paying for the wrong quantity. Thick, wide hardwood costs far more per linear foot than thin stock, so pricing by length alone can be very wrong.
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See also plywood calculator vs cut list calculator and woodworking calculator vs paper plans.