Wood Calculator
DIY & LandscapingCalculate wood volume in cubic feet, board feet, cords, and weight. Perfect for lumber orders, firewood, and woodworking projects.
Wood Measurement Units
| Unit | Volume | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Cubic Foot (cu ft) | 1 ft³ | Volume calculations, general measurements |
| Board Foot (BF) | 144 cu in (1/12 cu ft) | Lumber pricing and sales (US standard) |
| Cord | 128 cu ft | Firewood and pulpwood sales |
| Pallet | Varies | Industrial wood shipping |
Wood Types & Weight
| Wood Type | lbs per Cu Ft | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Softwood (Pine, Fir) | 25–35 | Framing, construction, budget lumber |
| Hardwood (Oak, Maple) | 35–50 | Flooring, furniture, cabinetry |
| Firewood (Green) | 40–50 | Burning (higher moisture) |
| Firewood (Seasoned) | 30–40 | Burning (dried 6–12 months) |
| Plywood | 30–50 | Sheathing, subfloors, structural |
How to Use This Calculator
- Select your measurement unit (feet or inches)
- Enter the length, width, and thickness of your wood
- Select the wood type for weight estimation
- Get instant results in cubic feet, board feet, cords, and weight
Frequently Asked Questions
What is board feet?
Board feet (BF) is a unit of measurement for lumber. One board foot equals 144 cubic inches or a 1-inch thick piece of wood 1 foot long and 1 foot wide. Formula: (Thickness in inches × Width in inches × Length in feet) ÷ 12 = Board Feet. It's the standard measurement for pricing lumber in the US.
What is a cord of wood?
A cord is a unit of volume for stacked firewood. One cord equals 128 cubic feet, typically 4 feet high × 4 feet deep × 8 feet long. A cord weighs 2,000–3,000 lbs depending on wood type and moisture. Green (freshly cut) wood is heavier than seasoned wood. Used primarily for firewood and pulpwood sales.
How do I calculate cubic feet of wood?
Cubic feet = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Height/Thickness (ft). For example, a 10 ft long × 8 ft wide × 1 ft thick piece = 80 cubic feet. If dimensions are in inches, convert to feet first by dividing by 12. This calculator does the conversion automatically.
What is the difference between softwood and hardwood?
Softwood (pine, fir, spruce) comes from coniferous trees, costs less, and is lighter ($0.50–$2/board foot). Hardwood (oak, maple, walnut) comes from deciduous trees, costs more, and is heavier ($3–$15+/board foot). Hardwood is more durable and better for furniture; softwood is standard for framing and construction.
How much does wood weigh per cubic foot?
Weight varies by type: Softwood (lumber): 25–35 lbs/cu ft. Hardwood: 35–50 lbs/cu ft. Firewood (green): 40–50 lbs/cu ft. Firewood (seasoned): 30–40 lbs/cu ft. Plywood: 30–50 lbs/cu ft. Green wood weighs more due to moisture content. Seasoned/kiln-dried wood weighs significantly less after water is removed.
How do I measure wood thickness?
Lumber is typically sold in nominal sizes (2×4, 2×6, etc.). Actual dimensions are slightly smaller: a 2×4 is actually 1.5 inches thick and 3.5 inches wide. Plywood comes in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, and 1-inch thicknesses. Measure actual thickness with a ruler for accurate calculations. This calculator uses actual dimensions.