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When I first fell into the lumber industry, I found myself regularly being asked “how many linear feet of barnboard would be required for a wall?” or “how many square feet would 20 board feet get me?” It seems to be a point of confusion for many, and it was essential to our success at The Knotty Lumber Co. to develop a strong understanding of board feet versus linear feet. It also became incredibly important for us to be able to explain what they were.
Ever had a confused look when someone throws around terms like “board feet” or “linear foot”? You’re not alone. For anyone buying hardwood lumber, whether you’re a contractor, a custom furniture maker, or a first time DIYer, knowing the difference can save you money, time, and a whole lot of headaches. This guide breaks it down so you can walk into any lumber yard with confidence.
A board foot is a measurement of volume, not length. It tells you how much wood you’re actually getting in a piece of lumber, not just how long it is.
One board foot is equal to a piece of wood that is:
12 inches long
12 inches wide
1 inch thick
That equals 144 cubic inches of wood.
The formula in inches is:
(Length in inches × Width in inches × Thickness in inches) ÷ 144 = Board Feet
The formula in feet is:
(Length in feet × Width in inches × Thickness in inches) ÷ 12 = Board Feet
This calculation is important when buying dimensional lumber in bulk. It helps you compare pricing between suppliers, quote jobs accurately, and double check project costs before purchasing.
A linear foot, sometimes called a lineal foot, is a measurement of length only. It tells you how long a board is, regardless of its width or thickness.
If a board is 10 feet long, that is 10 linear feet, whether it is 2 inches wide or 12 inches wide, and whether it is 1 inch thick or 5 inches thick.
This one is as straightforward as it gets. You measure length using a tape measure.
1 linear foot equals 12 inches of length.
You are simply measuring how long the board is. No extra math required.
Understanding the difference between board feet and linear feet is not just technical. It can save you time, money, and frustration when sourcing lumber. Board feet measure volume, while linear feet measure length only.
Use Board Feet When:
Use Linear Feet When:
The answer is that it depends on the width and thickness of the board.
For example:
The only way to know how many board feet are in a linear foot is to convert the specific piece using the board foot formula.
Math is not everyone’s favourite part of woodworking. That is why we built a Board Foot Calculator designed to take the guesswork out of lumber estimating so you can focus on building.
Here’s how it works:
Still uncertain? That is okay. Many builders learn this the hard way. You do not have to. We are here to help you make smart purchases and successful builds.
If you are shopping in our online lumber shop, knowing whether a product is sold by board foot will help you make informed buying decisions.
If your project depends on volume, such as a tabletop or stair tread, board footage is the correct measurement. If you only need a certain length, such as trim or edge banding, linear feet are the better choice.
You can always double check with our calculator or reach out to our team if you are unsure.
📐 Ready to purchase your lumber?
Need a hand? Get in touch and we’ll walk through it with you.
Pro Tip: If you are ever unsure whether you are looking at one board foot, one square foot, or one linear foot, check your dimensions and give our calculator a try.
📏 Measure twice. Estimate properly. Build like a professional.
