Board Feet vs Linear Feet
Compare board feet and linear feet for lumber measurement. Learn the formulas, when each unit applies, and how lumber yards vs home centers price wood differently.
Board Feet
Pros
- ✓Accounts for volume (thickness, width, and length)
- ✓Fair pricing regardless of lumber dimensions
- ✓Standard at lumber yards and hardwood dealers
- ✓Lets you compare costs across different sized boards
- ✓Industry standard for rough-sawn and hardwood lumber
Cons
- ✗More complex to calculate
- ✗Confusing for DIY beginners
- ✗Requires knowing all three dimensions
- ✗Not intuitive for simple projects
- ✗Nominal vs actual sizes can cause confusion
Best For
Buying hardwood, ordering from lumber yards, estimating material for furniture and cabinetry, and any project where board thickness and width vary.
Linear Feet
Pros
- ✓Simple — measures length only
- ✓Easy to calculate and understand
- ✓Standard at home centers (Home Depot, Lowes)
- ✓Works well when dimensions are standardized
- ✓Quick for estimating framing and trim
Cons
- ✗Ignores thickness and width
- ✗Cannot compare prices across different board sizes
- ✗Misleading when boards have different cross-sections
- ✗Not used for hardwood or specialty lumber
- ✗A 2x4 and a 2x12 both cost very differently per linear foot
Best For
Buying dimensional lumber at home centers, estimating trim and molding, framing calculations, and projects using standardized lumber sizes.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | Board Feet | Linear Feet |
|---|---|---|
| What It Measures | Volume: Thickness x Width x Length / 12 | Length only |
| Formula | (T inches x W inches x L feet) / 12 | Length in feet |
| 8-foot 2x6 Board | 8 board feet (2 x 6 x 8 / 12) | 8 linear feet |
| 8-foot 1x12 Board | 8 board feet (1 x 12 x 8 / 12) | 8 linear feet |
| Where Used | Lumber yards, hardwood dealers, sawmills | Home centers, hardware stores |
| Price Comparison | Fair across any dimension | Only fair for same-size boards |
The Bottom Line
Board feet and linear feet serve different purposes. Board feet measure lumber volume and are the standard at professional lumber yards, especially for hardwoods. Linear feet measure length only and are common at home centers for dimensional lumber. Understanding both units helps you estimate materials accurately and compare prices whether you are shopping at a lumber yard or a big-box store.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate board feet?
Multiply the board thickness in inches by the width in inches by the length in feet, then divide by 12. For example, a 2-inch thick, 6-inch wide, 10-foot long board is (2 x 6 x 10) / 12 = 10 board feet. One board foot equals a volume of 144 cubic inches (1 inch x 12 inches x 12 inches).
Should I use nominal or actual dimensions for board feet?
At lumber yards, board feet are typically calculated using nominal dimensions for thickness and actual measurements for width and length. A "4/4" (four-quarter) board is nominally 1 inch thick. For rough-sawn lumber, use the actual measurements. When in doubt, ask your supplier which convention they use.
How much does lumber cost per board foot?
Prices vary widely by species and grade. As of 2026, common softwood like pine runs $3-6 per board foot, red oak $6-10, walnut $10-18, and exotic species like teak or purpleheart can exceed $20-40 per board foot. Prices fluctuate with supply and demand.
Why do home centers use linear feet instead of board feet?
Home centers primarily sell dimensional lumber (2x4, 2x6, etc.) with standardized cross-sections. Since the thickness and width are fixed for each product, pricing by linear foot is simpler for consumers. It would be confusing to price a 2x4 and a 2x12 by the same board foot rate when customers just need a certain length.
How many board feet are in a 2x4x8?
Using nominal dimensions: (2 x 4 x 8) / 12 = 5.33 board feet. Note that a 2x4 actually measures 1.5 x 3.5 inches, but board foot calculations at lumber yards typically use the nominal dimensions, not the actual milled dimensions.
What is the difference between board feet and square feet?
Square feet measures area (length x width) and is used for flooring, decking, and sheet goods. Board feet measures volume (thickness x width x length) and accounts for lumber thickness. A 1-inch thick board has the same number of board feet as square feet, but a 2-inch thick board has twice as many board feet as square feet.
What does 4/4, 5/4, and 8/4 lumber mean?
These fractions represent thickness in quarters of an inch. 4/4 (four-quarter) is 1 inch thick, 5/4 is 1.25 inches, 6/4 is 1.5 inches, and 8/4 is 2 inches. This system is standard at hardwood dealers and lumber yards. The actual thickness after surfacing (planing) is typically 1/8 to 1/4 inch less.
How do I convert between board feet and linear feet?
To convert, you need to know the board dimensions. Linear feet = Board feet x 12 / (thickness in inches x width in inches). For example, 10 board feet of 1x6 lumber equals 10 x 12 / (1 x 6) = 20 linear feet. Without knowing thickness and width, conversion is not possible.