Choose cost per board foot, total lumber cost, or lumber volume, then enter the two required values. Cubic feet convert to board feet automatically.
Related Calculators
Cost Per Board Foot Formula
The cost per board foot calculator uses the relationship between total cost, board feet, and price per board foot. Select the value to solve for, then enter the two required values.
- CPBF = cost per board foot, in dollars per board foot
- TC = total cost, in dollars
- BF = board feet
- CF = cubic feet
If you select Cost per board foot, the calculator divides total cost by board feet.
If you select Total lumber cost, the calculator multiplies board feet by cost per board foot.
If you select Lumber volume, the calculator divides total cost by cost per board foot. If cubic feet is selected, the calculator converts between cubic feet and board feet using 1 cubic foot = 12 board feet.
Board Foot and Cubic Foot Conversion
A board foot is a lumber volume equal to a board that is 1 foot long, 1 foot wide, and 1 inch thick.
| Measurement | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 board foot | 144 cubic inches |
| 1 cubic foot | 12 board feet |
| 5 cubic feet | 60 board feet |
| 10 cubic feet | 120 board feet |
Illustrative Lumber Cost Ranges Per Board Foot
Actual pricing depends on species, grade, moisture content, thickness, region, and supplier. These unsourced ranges are illustrative examples, not current market quotes; use a supplier’s price in the calculator.
| Lumber Type | Illustrative Cost Per Board Foot | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Construction softwood | $1 to $4 | Framing, basic shop projects |
| Domestic hardwood | $4 to $12 | Furniture, cabinets, trim |
| Premium or figured hardwood | $12 to $30+ | High-end furniture, slabs, specialty work |
Example Calculations
Example 1: Find cost per board foot
You bought 80 board feet of lumber for $520.
The cost per board foot is $6.50/bf.
Example 2: Find total cost from cubic feet
You have 6 cubic feet of lumber priced at $7.25 per board foot.
The total cost is $522.00.
FAQ
What is a board foot?
A board foot is a volume measurement used for lumber. One board foot equals 144 cubic inches, such as a board that is 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 1 inch thick.
Is cost per board foot the same as price per linear foot?
No. Cost per board foot is based on volume. Price per linear foot is based on length only. A linear-foot price does not account for board width and thickness unless those dimensions are fixed.
Why does cubic feet convert to board feet by multiplying by 12?
One cubic foot contains 1,728 cubic inches. One board foot contains 144 cubic inches. Since 1,728 divided by 144 equals 12, one cubic foot equals 12 board feet.
