Board Foot Lumber Cost
Calculator
Results
- Board feet including waste
- 46
- Cost before waste
- 260
- Total cost
- 299
- Cost of the waste allowance
- 39
Results
| Board feet including waste | 46 |
| Cost before waste | 260 |
| Total cost | 299 |
| Cost of the waste allowance | 39 |
formula-map diagram
- Board feet including waste
- 46
- Cost before waste
- 260
- Total cost
- 299
- Cost of the waste allowance
- 39
Formula map
Formula
Cost = bf × (1 + waste ÷ 100) × price per bf= 46
Note
This result is a simplified model; verify against your shop's own tolerances and material data before cutting.
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See all →Frequently asked questions
How does this calculator turn board feet into a price?+
It multiplies the board footage of your lumber by the price per board foot that your supplier quotes. Board footage itself comes from thickness times width times length divided by 144.
Why do suppliers quote different prices for the same species?+
Price per board foot varies with grade (select vs. common), moisture content (kiln-dried costs more than air-dried), and how the board was sawn (quartersawn commands a premium over plain-sawn). Always confirm which grade the quoted price refers to.
Should I price rough lumber or surfaced lumber?+
Rough, unsurfaced lumber is normally what's priced per board foot; if the yard surfaces it (S2S or S4S), expect a milling surcharge on top of the board-foot price since planing removes usable material.
Why does my total cost seem higher than expected for small pieces?+
Many yards apply a minimum board-foot charge per board regardless of actual size, so buying many small pieces can cost more per usable inch than buying fewer larger boards and cutting them down yourself.
Does this cost include waste and cutoffs?+
No, the calculator prices exactly the board footage you enter. Add your own waste margin, commonly 15-30% depending on the cut list complexity, before ordering enough material for a project.