Board Feet to Linear Feet Calculator
Convert board feet to linear feet for your lumber needs. Enter board feet and your board's dimensions (width & thickness) to find the total length.
Board Feet to Linear Feet Calculator
How to read this result:
- Formula: Linear feet = (Board feet × 12) ÷ (Width × Thickness)
- Use nominal lumber sizes unless you have exact milled dimensions
- Consider ordering extra length to cover defects or cutting loss
Understanding Your Linear Feet Result
Smaller Cross-Section → More Length
For the same board feet, thinner/narrower boards require more linear feet.
Nominal vs Actual Dimensions
Nominal sizes are used for purchasing; actual sizes are smaller and will change the computed length.
Plan a Waste Allowance
Add 10–15% extra length for defects and cuts, especially on trim or finish work.
Board Feet to Linear Feet: How Conversion Works
Calculation Examples
Real-world conversions from board feet to linear feet
Framing with 2×4s
Convert 50 board feet to length using 2×4 lumber (bf to lf calculator)
Calculation Steps
- Board Feet: 50
- Width × Thickness: 4 in × 2 in
- Linear Feet = (50 × 12) ÷ (4 × 2) = 600 ÷ 8 = 75
Paneling with 1×6s
Convert 80 board feet to total length (calculate linear feet from board feet)
Calculation Steps
- Board Feet: 80
- Width × Thickness: 6 in × 1 in
- Linear Feet = (80 × 12) ÷ (6 × 1) = 960 ÷ 6 = 160
Shelving with 3/4×8s
Convert 120 board feet for 0.75 in × 8 in stock (lumber length calculator)
Calculation Steps
- Board Feet: 120
- Width × Thickness: 8 in × 0.75 in
- Linear Feet = (120 × 12) ÷ (8 × 0.75) = 1440 ÷ 6 = 240
How to Use the Board Feet to Linear Feet Calculator
Enter Total Board Feet
Input the total board footage for your project (BF).
Provide Width & Thickness
Enter the board's nominal width and thickness in inches.
Get Linear Feet
See instant results in linear feet and adjust inputs as needed.
Plan and Purchase
Use the total linear feet to plan cuts and order sufficient lumber length.
Why Use This Board Feet to Linear Feet Calculator?
Get exact lumber length from board footage — a reliable board foot to linear foot converter for fast, accurate planning.
Accurate Purchasing
Buy the correct total length of lumber for your project, preventing over-purchasing or return trips to the store.
Project Planning
Easily plan your cuts and material layout when you know the total linear feet you're working with.
Versatile for Any Board Size
Works with any board dimensions, whether you're using standard 2x4s or custom-milled lumber.
Quick and Simple
Get instant results with a simple interface, saving you time and manual calculations.
Calculator Parameters
Inputs required for converting board feet to linear feet
Board Feet (BF)
Total board footage (lumber volume) for your project
Board Width
Nominal width of a single board
Board Thickness
Nominal thickness of a single board
Board Feet to Linear Feet Conversion Formula
Convert board footage (BF) to total length (LF) for a given board size
Standard Formula
This formula converts the total volume (board feet) into a total length (linear feet) for a board of a specific width and thickness.
Linear Feet = (Board Feet × 12) / (Width in Inches × Thickness in Inches)
Example: For 50 board feet of 2x4 lumber, the calculation is: (50 * 12) / (4 * 2) = 75 linear feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
A board foot is a measure of volume, equal to a piece of wood that is 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 1 inch thick (144 cubic inches). A linear foot is a measure of length only, equal to 12 inches.
Lumber is typically sold based on its nominal dimensions (e.g., a 2x4). This calculator uses nominal dimensions for this reason. Be aware that the actual dimensions will be smaller.
It depends on board size. Linear feet per BF = 12 ÷ (width × thickness). For example: 1×12 → 1 LF per BF; 1×6 → 2 LF per BF; 1×4 → 3 LF per BF; 2×6 → 1 LF per BF.
When solving for length in feet, the board foot definition simplifies to LF = (BF × 12) ÷ (width × thickness in inches). The 12 factor comes from converting feet to inches within the board foot formula.
Convert your board dimensions to inches before using the tool, or use a separate metric-to-inch converter first. The formula requires inches for width and thickness.
Board feet tell you volume; linear feet tell you usable length for a given board size. Converting BF to LF helps plan cuts and ensures you order enough length for your project.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides an estimate based on the nominal dimensions of the lumber. Actual dimensions may vary. Always account for a waste factor (typically 10-15%) in your project planning.