Measuring lumber whether it be for large planks or thin shorts can be a confusing and tedious venture if you are not fortunate enough to own a log rule.  This guide follows a reference from the Lincoln Library of Essential Information that I have found very informative and very simple to use.

A board foot is a square foot of lumber one inch or less in thickness.  Thus, 7/8 inch and 3/4 inch lumber is measured and priced the same as 1-inch lumber, but for thinner material, such as 1/2 inch and 3/8 inch stock, a reduced price is made.  The number of feet, board measure, for 1 1/4 inch stock is 1 1/4 times that of an inch board.

To Find The Number Of Board Feet In A Piece Of Lumber 1 Inch Or Less: 

Multiply the length in inches times the width in inches times the thickness in inches and divide by 144.

So, if you have a board that is 15 ft. long x 8 in. wide x 7/8 in. thick:

• (15 Feet x12 Inches) x 8 in x 7/8 in  / 144
• 180 in. x 8 in x 1 in /144 = 10 board foot

If the board is 10 ft. long x 8 in. wide x 1 1/2 in. thick:

• (15 ft. x 12 in.) x 8 in. x 1 1/2 in
• 180 in. x 8 in. x 1 1/2 in. / 144 = 15 board foot 

I hope this little guide is helpful in calculating your lumber.  If you have any questions or additional information, please contact me and I will be happy to answer and/or add the information to this site.

You can contact me through my eBay Store:  Country Wood Shop Plus.