A board foot is a unit of volume used to measure lumber. It is equivalent to a piece of wood one inch thick, one foot wide, and one foot long, or 144 cubic inches. To determine the volume in board feet, the thickness (in inches), width (in feet), and length (in feet) are multiplied together. For example, a board 2 inches thick, 6 inches (0.5 feet) wide, and 8 feet long contains 8 board feet (2 x 0.5 x 8 = 8).
This standardized measurement allows for consistent pricing and efficient estimations for woodworking projects. Historically, variations in lumber dimensions made trade challenging. The board foot provided a common language for buyers and sellers, facilitating commerce and enabling more complex construction projects. Understanding this calculation is essential for anyone working with lumber, from large-scale construction firms to individual craftspeople.