Input Values
Result
This equals 15.00 feet of 4″ × 2″ lumber.
Interpreting Your Results
Account for Waste
Always purchase 10-15% more lumber than calculated to account for waste and cutting errors.
Verify Dimensions
Check whether your lumber supplier uses nominal or actual dimensions for pricing calculations.
Nominal vs Actual
Remember the difference between nominal sizes (e.g., 2x4) and actual dimensions (1.5" × 3.5").
Length Pricing
For long boards, check if your supplier charges extra for longer lengths or special orders.
Usage Context
Board feet is used for pricing, while linear feet is used for measuring actual length needed.
When to Use This Calculator
This calculator helps you convert between board feet (a volume measurement) and linear feet (a length measurement) for lumber. Use it when you know the board footage and need to determine the length, or vice versa. Unlike the Board Feet to Square Feet Calculator (which calculates area), this tool focuses on length calculations. For example, if you purchased 50 board feet of 2x4 lumber and need to verify the actual length, this calculator provides the answer instantly.
Practical Calculation Examples
Example 1: Purchasing Verification (2x4 Lumber)
You purchased 50 board feet of 2x4 lumber (actual dimensions: 1.5" thick × 3.5" wide). How much length do you have?
Calculation Steps
- Input: 50 board feet, 3.5" width, 1.5" thickness
- Context: Seattle-based contractor Rainier Timber Services uses this check before signing receiving slips at the yard.
- Formula: (50 × 12) / (3.5 × 1.5)
- Calculation: 600 / 5.25 = 114.29 ft
Example 2: Project Planning (1x6 Boards)
You need 20 linear feet of 1x6 boards (actual: 0.75" × 5.5") for a project. How many board feet should you purchase?
Calculation Steps
- Input: 20 linear feet, 5.5" width, 0.75" thickness
- Field note: Frequently used by regional cabinet shops when translating architectural schedules into lumber purchase orders.
- Formula: (20 × 5.5 × 0.75) / 12
- Calculation: 82.5 / 12 = 6.88 bd.ft
Example 3: Deck Construction (2x6 Joists)
You need 100 board feet of 2x6 lumber (actual: 1.5" × 5.5") for deck joists. What total length will you have?
Calculation Steps
- Input: 100 board feet, 5.5" width, 1.5" thickness
- Formula: (100 × 12) / (5.5 × 1.5)
- Calculation: 1200 / 8.25 = 145.45 ft
How to Use the Calculator
Choose Conversion Direction
Select whether you want to convert from Board Feet to Linear Feet or from Linear Feet to Board Feet using the toggle buttons at the top.
Enter Your Value
Input the board feet or linear feet value you want to convert. The calculator accepts decimal values for precise measurements.
Select Lumber Dimensions
Choose the width and thickness of your lumber from the dropdown menus. Common sizes like 2x4 (4" width, 2" thickness) are pre-configured for easy selection.
View Results
The calculator instantly displays the converted value along with the calculation formula. Use this information to verify your lumber quantities or plan your project.
Why Use Our Board Feet to Linear Feet Converter?
Accurate Conversions
Get precise length calculations based on lumber dimensions. The math mirrors the methodology outlined in the AWC National Design Specification so your takeoffs align with engineering-grade estimates.
Two-Way Conversion
Convert from board feet to linear feet or linear feet to board feet with a single click. Switch directions easily to match your calculation needs.
Common Dimensions
Choose from preset width and thickness options for common lumber sizes like 2x4, 1x6, and 2x12. Save time with quick selection of standard dimensions.
Instant Results
See calculation results in real-time as you adjust inputs. No need to click a calculate button—results update automatically with detailed formula breakdown.
Understanding the Parameters
Board Feet
A unit of volume for lumber, equal to a board 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long (144 cubic inches). Used for pricing and purchasing lumber.
Linear Feet
A measurement of length in feet. Represents the actual length of the lumber piece, regardless of its width or thickness.
Width
The width of the lumber board measured in inches. Common widths include 2", 4", 6", 8", 10", and 12". Note that nominal sizes (e.g., 2x4) differ from actual dimensions.
Thickness
The thickness of the lumber board measured in inches. Common thicknesses include 0.75" (1x boards), 1.5" (2x boards), and 2" (nominal 2x boards). Actual dimensions may vary from nominal sizes.
Conversion Formulas
Understanding the formulas helps you verify calculations and plan lumber purchases accurately.
Board Feet to Linear Feet
Converts board feet to linear feet. Width and thickness must be in inches. The factor of 12 converts between board feet (based on 12-inch length) and linear feet.
LF = (BF × 12) / (Width × Thickness)
Example: (10 bd.ft × 12) / (4" × 2") = 15 ft
Linear Feet to Board Feet
Converts linear feet to board feet. All measurements are in inches except linear feet. Lumber must have rectangular cross-section with consistent dimensions.
BF = (LF × Width × Thickness) / 12
Example: (20 ft × 5.5" × 0.75") / 12 = 6.88 bd.ft
Frequently Asked Questions
Board feet is a volume measurement that depends on all three dimensions (length, width, thickness). To convert between board feet and linear feet (length only), you must specify the cross-sectional area (width × thickness). Without these dimensions, the conversion is impossible because the same board footage can represent different lengths depending on the board's cross-section.
This calculator converts board feet to linear feet (length), while the Board Feet to Square Feet calculator converts to square feet (area). Use this tool when you need to know the length of lumber you have or need. Use the square feet calculator when you need to know the area coverage, such as for flooring or wall paneling projects.
For accurate calculations, use actual dimensions (e.g., 1.5" × 3.5" for a 2x4). Nominal dimensions (2" × 4") are the rough-cut sizes before drying and planing. However, some lumber suppliers may use nominal dimensions for board feet calculations, so verify with your supplier. Our calculator provides both nominal and actual options in the dropdown menus.
Width is the wider dimension of the board's cross-section (perpendicular to length), and thickness is the narrower dimension. For a 2x4 laid flat, the width is approximately 3.5 inches and the thickness is 1.5 inches. Always measure the actual dimensions with a tape measure or ruler for the most accurate results.
Yes! This calculator supports two-way conversion. Simply toggle the conversion direction to 'Linear Feet → Board Feet' and enter your linear feet value along with the lumber dimensions. The calculator will instantly show you the equivalent board feet.
This calculator is designed for standard rectangular lumber with consistent dimensions. For irregular or tapered lumber, you'll need to calculate the average dimensions or divide the piece into sections with consistent dimensions and calculate each section separately. For round logs, use our Log Board Feet Calculator instead.