How to Convert Linear Feet to Board Feet
How to convert linear feet to board feet, and back, with the factor for each common lumber size and a worked example.
To convert linear feet to board feet, multiply the linear feet by thickness × width ÷ 12, using the nominal size in inches. For 100 linear feet of 2x6 that is 100 × (2 × 6 ÷ 12) = 100 board feet.
The factor for each size
| Size | Board feet per linear foot | Linear feet per board foot |
|---|---|---|
| 1x6 | 0.5 | 2 |
| 1x12 | 1 | 1 |
| 2x4 | 0.67 | 1.5 |
| 2x6 | 1 | 1 |
| 2x8 | 1.33 | 0.75 |
| 2x10 | 1.67 | 0.6 |
| 2x12 | 2 | 0.5 |
| 4x4 | 1.33 | 0.75 |
Converting back, from board feet to linear feet
Divide board feet by the same factor. A quote for 320 board feet of 2x8 is 320 ÷ 1.33 = 240 linear feet, which is thirty 8-foot pieces.
When this comes up
Lumber lists often give linear feet while a hardwood supplier quotes in board feet, so the conversion lets you compare the two. It also helps when a lumberyard quotes one size by the board foot and another by the piece. Enter your size and amount in the Board Foot Calculator and switch to the linear feet tab to convert without doing the math yourself.