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Board Foot Calculator (Metric)

The metric Board Foot Calculator uses millimetres, centimetres, metres, or square metres as shown beside each field. It applies T(in) × W(in) × L(ft) × Q ÷ 12, places a complete metric result in the served HTML, and updates locally in the browser. Verify field measurements, local standards, material data, and structural assumptions before construction.

Enter measurements

mm

Enter a positive field measurement in mm.

mm

Enter a positive field measurement in mm.

mm

Enter a positive field measurement in mm.

pcs

Enter a positive field measurement in pcs.

Calculated result

0.1800 m³

Metric timber volume from thickness × width × length × quantity.

Pieces
6
Litres
180.00 L
Board Foot scaled diagram Scaled planning diagram using the server-rendered default values. 200 mm 50 mm 3000 mm long
Scaled visual aid. Dimensions in the result table govern; do not scale a cut directly from the drawing.

Printable result and cut list

Board Foot default worked result
ItemValueJob note
Primary result0.1800 m³Verify before cutting or ordering.
Pieces6Calculated from the entered dimensions.
Litres180.00 LCalculated from the entered dimensions.
Formula used by this calculator
FormulaExpressionNote
Primary formulaT(in) × W(in) × L(ft) × Q ÷ 12Round the final result, not each intermediate value.

How the board foot calculation works

Enter the job dimensions in the form. The calculator normalizes the values, applies T(in) × W(in) × L(ft) × Q ÷ 12, and updates the main result, supporting values, diagram labels, and print table together.

The first displayed example is calculated during the static build. That makes the formula and a complete numerical result readable in page source, while the browser script handles later input changes.

Worked example

The prefilled values form a complete board footage example. Change one field at a time and compare the updated result with the formula table to catch unit or transcription mistakes.

Common errors to avoid

  • Mixing nominal and actual material dimensions.
  • Entering diameter where the formula expects radius, or total run where it expects one tread.
  • Rounding every intermediate value instead of rounding the final purchase or cut quantity.
  • Treating a planning result as a stamped structural design or local-code approval.

Guide cluster

Board Foot guides

Board Foot: How to Measure the Inputs

Board Foot: How to Measure the Inputs with a practical sequence for measurement order, datum selection, and unit consistency, a worked calculation, and links to the live tool and printable chart.

Board Foot: Formula and Worked Example

Board Foot: Formula and Worked Example with a practical sequence for formula order, intermediate values, and final rounding, a worked calculation, and links to the live tool and printable chart.

Board Foot: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Board Foot: Common Mistakes to Avoid with a practical sequence for input mix-ups, premature rounding, and field-condition errors, a worked calculation, and links to the live tool and printable chart.

Board Foot: Material Planning Guide

Board Foot: Material Planning Guide with a practical sequence for net quantity, waste, stock sizes, and purchase rounding, a worked calculation, and links to the live tool and printable chart.

Board Foot: Code and Safety Checks

Board Foot: Code and Safety Checks with a practical sequence for source boundaries, local rules, and professional verification, a worked calculation, and links to the live tool and printable chart.

Board Foot: Printable Job-Sheet Workflow

Board Foot: Printable Job-Sheet Workflow with a practical sequence for record keeping, revision control, and field handoff, a worked calculation, and links to the live tool and printable chart.

Frequently asked questions

Does the board foot calculator work without JavaScript?

The default worked result, formula, diagram, and result table are included in the served HTML. JavaScript is only needed to recalculate after you change an input.

Which unit should I use?

Use the imperial page for US customary inputs or open the metric twin for millimetres, centimetres, and metres.

Can I use the result for purchasing material?

Use it as a quantity and layout check, then add the stated waste allowance and confirm package coverage, stock dimensions, and field conditions.

Does this replace building code or an engineer?

No. The calculator is a planning aid. Current local code, product documentation, and a qualified engineer govern structural and life-safety decisions.

Board Foot metric calculator Metric inputs and rewritten metric result. Board Foot reference chart Printable HTML and PDF reference. Construction calculators Browse all 32 core tools. Editorial standards Sources, formulas, review dates, and safety boundaries.

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iPhone companion

Keep jobsite math available offline

The website calculators and charts stay free. The BuildMath iPhone app keeps its supported construction calculations available when the jobsite has no connection.

View BuildMath on the App Store

Last reviewed .