Lumber Volume Converter & Guide: Board Feet, Cubic Feet, Meters & More
Convert between board feet, cubic feet, cubic meters, and more. Includes tables, formulas, and practical examples for woodworking and construction.
Introduction
Lumber is sold and measured in various volume units depending on region and application. Understanding these units and how to convert between them is essential for woodworking, construction, and buying materials.
Key Lumber Volume Units
- Board Foot (BF): Common in North America. 1 BF = 1 ft × 1 ft × 1 in (thick).
- Cubic Foot (ft³): 1 ft × 1 ft × 1 ft.
- Cubic Meter (m³): Metric unit. 1 m³ = 35.3147 ft³.
Conversion Table
| Unit | Equivalent |
|---|
| 1 Board Foot (BF) | 0.0833 ft³ |
| 1 Cubic Foot (ft³) | 12 BF |
| 1 Cubic Meter (m³) | 423.776 BF |
| 1 Cubic Meter (m³) | 35.3147 ft³ |
Formulas
- Board Feet: (Thickness [in] × Width [in] × Length [ft]) ÷ 12
- Cubic Feet: Length [ft] × Width [ft] × Height [ft]
- Cubic Meters: Length [m] × Width [m] × Height [m]
Example Conversions
- Convert 100 BF to ft³: 100 × 0.0833 = 8.33 ft³
- Convert 5 ft³ to BF: 5 × 12 = 60 BF
- Convert 2 m³ to BF: 2 × 423.776 = 847.55 BF
Tips
- Always check the thickness when calculating board feet—nominal vs actual sizes can differ.
- Use a calculator or online tool for large projects.
- Metric projects use cubic meters; US/Canada use board feet and cubic feet.
FAQ
- What is a board foot? A volume of wood measuring 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long.
- Why are lumber sizes sometimes different from their names? Nominal sizes refer to rough-cut dimensions; actual sizes are smaller after finishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a board foot?
A board foot is a unit of volume for lumber, equal to 1 ft × 1 ft × 1 in (thick).
How do you convert board feet to cubic feet?
Multiply board feet by 0.0833 to get cubic feet. For example, 100 BF × 0.0833 = 8.33 ft³.
What is the difference between nominal and actual lumber sizes?
Nominal sizes are the labeled dimensions, while actual sizes are the true measurements after finishing.
Why are lumber conversions important?
Accurate conversions help avoid material waste and ensure correct project planning in woodworking and construction.
