1. What is Cost per Board Foot?

Cost per board foot is a standard measurement used in the lumber industry to compare prices of different wood products. It represents the cost for one board foot of lumber (144 cubic inches).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• Total Cost — The price you paid for the lumber
• BF — The total volume in board feet

Explanation: This calculation helps standardize lumber prices regardless of dimensions, allowing for accurate comparisons between different sizes and quantities.

3. Importance of Cost per Board Foot Calculation

Details: Calculating cost per board foot is essential for comparing lumber prices, budgeting for projects, and making informed purchasing decisions in woodworking and construction.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total amount you paid for the lumber and the total board footage. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What exactly is a board foot?
A: A board foot is a volume measurement equal to 144 cubic inches (12" × 12" × 1").

Q2: How do I calculate board feet?
A: For a single piece: (Length in feet × Width in inches × Thickness in inches) ÷ 12.

Q3: Why use cost per board foot instead of cost per piece?
A: It standardizes pricing across different dimensions, making comparisons meaningful.

Q4: What's a typical cost per board foot?
A: Varies widely by wood species and quality, from $1-2 for common pine to $50+ for exotic hardwoods.

Q5: Does this include waste factor?
A: No, this calculates raw material cost. For project budgeting, add 10-20% for waste.