Linear Foot Lumber Calculator
Convert linear feet to board feet (and back) for any board size and see the total cost, so you can compare lumber priced per foot with lumber priced per board foot.
Linear Foot / Board Foot Calculator
Convert between linear feet and board feet for any board size, and get the total cost — so you can compare lumber priced per foot or per board foot.
Formula & Example
Board feet = thickness × width × linear feet / 12 | Linear feet = board feet × 12 / (thickness × width) (inches). Example: 96 linear feet of 1×6 stock = 1×6×96/12 = 48 board feet. In reverse, 100 board feet of 2×4 = 100×12/(2×4) = 150 linear feet.
Linear Feet per Board Foot
| Board (nominal) | Linear feet per board foot |
|---|---|
| 1×4 | 3.0 |
| 1×6 | 2.0 |
| 1×8 | 1.5 |
| 2×4 | 1.5 |
| 2×6 | 1.0 |
Common Mistakes
- Mixing nominal (2×4) and actual (1.5 x 3.5) sizes in the conversion.
- Comparing a per-linear-foot price to a per-board-foot price without converting.
- Forgetting waste and offcuts when buying by linear feet.
- Assuming all 1×6 boards are exactly 6 inches wide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Linear Feet & Board Feet
How do you convert board feet to linear feet?
Use LF = board feet x 12 / (thickness x width), with thickness and width in inches. For example, 100 board feet of 2×4 lumber is 100 x 12 / (2 x 4) = 150 linear feet. Wider or thicker boards give fewer linear feet from the same volume.
What is a linear foot of lumber?
A linear foot measures length only — one foot along the board, regardless of its width or thickness. It is used for trim, moulding, and boards sold by length. A board foot, by contrast, measures volume (12 x 12 x 1 inch).
How many linear feet are in a board foot?
It depends on the board size. Linear feet = 12 / (thickness x width). A 1×6 board has 2 linear feet per board foot; a 2×4 has 1.5 linear feet per board foot. Thinner, narrower stock gives more linear feet per board foot.
Should I price lumber by linear foot or board foot?
Dimensional lumber, trim, and moulding are usually priced per linear foot; rough and hardwood lumber is usually priced per board foot. Convert to the same unit before comparing suppliers so you are not caught out on price.
Do I use nominal or actual size to convert?
Ask your supplier. A 2×4 is nominally 2 x 4 inches but actually 1.5 x 3.5 inches after milling. Using nominal size overstates volume; use the size your supplier prices on so board-foot and cost figures match the invoice.
How Accurate Are These Calculators?
This calculator is a planning-level estimate. It is not engineering advice and not code approval. Real capacity and cost depend on species, grade, moisture content, defects, fastening pattern, support condition, and regional pricing. For floors, decks, stairs, or any load-bearing or code-regulated work, check your local building code and have a qualified engineer or inspector confirm the design before you build or buy.
Sources and Methodology
These are original Woodworking Advisor calculator guides combining standard beam-bending, deflection, and lumber-measurement formulas with conservative planning assumptions and clear limitations.
- Board foot = thickness × width × length / 12 (inches and feet); linear feet convert as BF × 12 / (t × w). Nominal vs. actual sizing changes results — use the dimensions your supplier prices on.
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