Enter the total cost and the total number of board feet into the calculator to determine the cost per board foot.

Cost Per Board Foot Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Cost Per Board Foot.

CPBF = C / BF
  • Where CPBF is the cost per board foot ($/bf)
  • C is the cost of the material ($)
  • BF is the number of board feet of material

To calculate the cost per board foot, simply divide the cost of the material by the number of board feet of material.

What is Cost Per Board Foot?

Definition:

A cost per board foot is used to describe the price of one board foot of any material, but most often, the material is wood.

How to Calculate Cost Per Board Foot?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines the steps and information needed to calculate the Cost Per Board Foot.

First, determine the total cost of the wood. In this example, the cost of the wood comes out to $525.00.

Next, determine the number of board feet of material. With the help of the board foot calculator linked above, the number of board feet of material is found to be 5.

Finally, calculate the cost per board foot using the formula above:

CPBF = C / BF

CPBF = $525.00 / 5

CPBF = $105.00 /bf

FAQ

What is a board foot and how is it measured?

A board foot is a unit of measure for the volume of lumber in the United States and Canada. It is calculated as the volume of a one-foot length of a board one foot wide and one inch thick. Board foot measurements are used to calculate the total volume of wood in a piece or a lot, allowing for the cost of the lumber to be determined.

Why is knowing the cost per board foot important?

Knowing the cost per board foot is crucial for both buyers and sellers of wood or lumber materials. For buyers, it allows for the comparison of prices and the calculation of the cost for the exact amount of material needed for a project. For sellers, it helps in setting competitive prices and managing inventory. Understanding the cost per board foot also aids in budgeting and financial planning for woodworking projects.

Can the cost per board foot formula be used for materials other than wood?

While the cost per board foot formula is primarily used for measuring and pricing wood or lumber, the concept can be adapted for other materials that are sold in volume or by length. However, the unit of measure and the formula might need adjustments based on the standard industry practices for those materials. For example, fabrics might be sold by the linear yard, and the formula would then calculate cost per linear yard instead of cost per board foot.