Linear Feet Formula:
From: | To: |
Definition: This calculator converts board feet measurement to linear feet based on the lumber's thickness and width.
Purpose: It helps woodworkers, carpenters, and DIYers determine how much linear length of lumber they need when purchasing materials.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts the volume measurement (board feet) to linear measurement by accounting for the cross-sectional dimensions of the lumber.
Details: Accurate conversion ensures proper material estimation, prevents over-purchasing, and helps compare prices between suppliers who may use different measurement systems.
Tips: Enter the board feet measurement, lumber thickness (default 1 inch), and width (default 5.5 inches for 1x6 lumber). All values must be > 0.
Q1: What is a board foot?
A: A board foot is a volume measurement equal to 144 cubic inches (12" × 12" × 1").
Q2: Why multiply by 12 in the formula?
A: The 12 converts the inches in the denominator to feet to match the linear feet unit.
Q3: What are typical thickness values?
A: Nominal lumber sizes (actual size is smaller): 1" (0.75"), 2" (1.5"), etc.
Q4: How do I measure width for irregular boards?
A: Use the average width or the widest point depending on your project requirements.
Q5: Does this work for metric measurements?
A: No, this calculator uses imperial units (inches and feet). For metric, convert all measurements to inches first.