Board Feet to Linear Feet Calculator
BF ↔ LF — Convert Both Ways Free
Total lumber volume in board feet.
Use inches. Example: 4/4 lumber is about 1 inch.
Use inches. Example: a 1×6 is often entered as width 6.
Quick Size
Tap a common size to auto-fill thickness and width.
Result
2.00 LF
Optional. Enter cost per linear foot.
Estimated total cost
—
Optional. Enter cost per linear foot.
Convert board feet (volume) into linear feet (length). Enter your total board feet and the board thickness and width in inches.
How to Convert Board Feet to Linear Feet
Quick formula and worked example for the most common BF → LF question.
To convert board feet to linear feet, use this formula: LF = BF × 12 ÷ (Thickness × Width), with thickness and width in inches. For 100 board feet of 2×4 lumber, that's 100 × 12 ÷ (2 × 4) = 150 linear feet. Wider or thicker boards yield fewer linear feet from the same volume.
Worked example
100 BF of 1×6 lumber → 100 × 12 ÷ (1 × 6) = 200 LF. 100 BF of 2×6 lumber → 100 × 12 ÷ (2 × 6) = 100 LF. Same volume, different lengths depending on board size.
Quick Conversion Table
Common board feet amounts across popular board sizes. Use this as a fast reference.
| Board Feet | 1×4 | 1×6 | 1×8 | 1×12 | 2×4 | 2×6 | 2×8 | 2×10 | 2×12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 BF | 3.00LF | 2.00LF | 1.50LF | 1.00LF | 1.50LF | 1.00LF | 0.75LF | 0.60LF | 0.50LF |
| 5 BF | 15.00LF | 10.00LF | 7.50LF | 5.00LF | 7.50LF | 5.00LF | 3.75LF | 3.00LF | 2.50LF |
| 10 BF | 30.00LF | 20.00LF | 15.00LF | 10.00LF | 15.00LF | 10.00LF | 7.50LF | 6.00LF | 5.00LF |
| 25 BF | 75.00LF | 50.00LF | 37.50LF | 25.00LF | 37.50LF | 25.00LF | 18.75LF | 15.00LF | 12.50LF |
| 50 BF | 150.00LF | 100.00LF | 75.00LF | 50.00LF | 75.00LF | 50.00LF | 37.50LF | 30.00LF | 25.00LF |
| 100 BF | 300.00LF | 200.00LF | 150.00LF | 100.00LF | 150.00LF | 100.00LF | 75.00LF | 60.00LF | 50.00LF |
Tip: The same board feet yields fewer linear feet when the board is wider or thicker.
How to Convert Board Feet to Linear Feet
You only need total BF and the board thickness and width.
- 1
Step 1 — Enter board feet
Type the total board feet you want to convert.
- 2
Step 2 — Enter board size
Enter thickness and width in inches (or tap a Quick Size).
- 3
Step 3 — Read the result
The calculator instantly shows linear feet. Copy it for your shopping list.
Understanding the Units
Board feet measures volume. Linear feet measures length.
What is a board foot?
A board foot is a volume unit: 144 cubic inches (1" × 12" × 12"). Lumber is often priced in BF.
What is a linear foot?
A linear foot is simply 1 foot of length. It does not include width or thickness.
Why convert BF to LF?
Projects and shopping lists are usually in length. Converting helps you estimate how many feet of boards you need.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These details often cause BF → LF errors.
Using nominal size when your supplier uses actual size
Some suppliers price dimensional lumber by nominal size (2×4), while others use actual size (1.5×3.5). Ask which dimensions they use before you convert.
Mixing units for thickness/width
Thickness and width must be in inches for the BF → LF formula. If you have millimeters, convert first.
Forgetting to add waste
If you’re buying boards for a project, add 10–15% extra linear feet to cover waste and defects.
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Multi-Board Calculator
Calculate board feet for multiple sizes at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the formula: Linear Feet = Board Feet × 12 ÷ (Thickness × Width), with thickness and width in inches. For 100 board feet of 2×4 lumber, you get 100 × 12 ÷ (2 × 4) = 150 linear feet. Wider or thicker boards yield fewer linear feet from the same volume.
Learn more:what is a board foot
Disclaimer
Calculations are estimates for planning purposes. Always confirm final quantities and pricing with your lumber supplier before ordering.
Last updated: 2025-12-27
Sources
- NHLA: Board Foot definition and industry-standard measurement
Pro tip
If you’re buying lumber for a project, consider adding 10–15% extra to your linear feet estimate.