Board Foot Calculator
A board foot is the standard unit of measure for lumber volume in the United States. One board foot equals a piece of wood 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 1 inch thick (144 cubic inches). Use this calculator to quickly determine the board footage and estimated cost of lumber for pallet production, crating, or any woodworking project.
Lumber Dimensions
Results
Enter lumber dimensions and click Calculate
Understanding Board Feet
The board foot (BF) is the standard volumetric unit for buying and selling hardwood and softwood lumber in North America. It represents a piece of wood that is 1 foot long, 1 foot wide, and 1 inch thick.
Board Foot Formula
Board Feet = (Thickness in inches x Width in inches x Length in feet) / 12
For example, a board that is 2 inches thick, 6 inches wide, and 8 feet long contains: (2 x 6 x 8) / 12 = 8 board feet.
Common Lumber Sizes for Pallets
- Stringers: Typically 1.5" x 3.5" x 48" (nominal 2x4)
- Deck Boards: Typically 0.625" x 3.5" to 5.5" x 40" to 48"
- Lead Boards: Often 0.75" x 5.5" x 40"
- Block Pallet Blocks: 3.5" x 3.5" x 3.5" (hardwood)
Lumber Pricing Notes
Lumber is typically priced per thousand board feet (MBF). Prices fluctuate based on species, grade, market conditions, and region. As of early 2026, common ranges for pallet-grade lumber are $350 to $600 per MBF depending on species and grade.