Board Feet vs. Linear Feet: What’s the Difference?

Well, if you are buying lumber or using a board feet calculator, you have probably seen the terms board feet and linear feet. These two terms sound like they are the same, but they are actually very different. Board feet and linear feet measure two things. Therefore, understanding board feet vs. linear feet helps you figure out the exact quantity of lumber you need. This means you can avoid making mistakes and buy the right amount of wood for your project. This article will help you know the difference between board feet and linear feet. This will help you save time and money whether you are building furniture, installing trim, or framing a structure.

What Is a Board Foot?

A board foot determines the volume of lumber. It is a unit of measurement that consists of wood that is:

• 12 inches long

• 12 inches wide

• 1 inch thick

Since it takes into consideration length, width, and thickness, board feet is a useful method for determining the quantity of lumber needed for a project. You may be wondering: How to calculate broad foot?

To calculate board feet, you need three measurements:

• Thickness (in inches)
• Width (in inches)
• Length (in feet)

If all the dimensions are in inches then you have to change the length into inches.

For example:

• Thickness = 2 inches
• Width = 6 inches
• Length = 10 feet will be 120 inches

Formula for Board Feet:

Board Feet = (Thickness × Width × Length) ÷ 144

Board Feet = (2 × 6 × 120) ÷ 144 = 10 board feet

In case your measurements are in feet, you need to change them to inches before applying the formula. There is a board feet calculator available for that purpose.

Additionally, in case you are estimating the amount of lumber from the freshly cut timber rather than from the already finished boards, you can use the Log Board Foot Calculator.

What Is a Linear Foot?

A linear foot is a measure of length only. It does not think about how wide or thick the lumber is.

Example 1:

• A 10-foot baseboard = 10 linear feet

• A 20-foot fence rail = 20 linear feet

Example 2:

You have five boards, each 10 feet long.

Linear Feet = 5 × 10 = 50 linear feet

Result: 50 linear feet

In the end, linear feet calculators are really good for things that are sold by how long they are, like trim or molding or pipes or cables.

Board Feet vs. Linear Feet

Let’s have a quick insight into board feet vs. linear feet.

When Should You Use Board Feet?

Well, when you are buying lumber, hardwood, or timber, you should use board feet. This is because the thickness, the width, and the length of the wood all affect how much wood you are getting.

Common projects include:

• Furniture making
• Cabinet construction
• Woodworking
• Deck building
• Structural framing

So, using a board feet calculator helps you figure the exact quantity of material you need. This tool is very useful for lumber projects. It saves your time, money, and wastage of wood. To conclude, it is possible to combine either the Rafter Length Calculator or Gambrel Roof Calculator with the Board Foot Calculator in order to calculate the roof framing materials more effectively.

When Should You Use Linear Feet?

We use linear feet when only the total length is important.

This measurement is common for:

• Baseboards
• Crown molding
• Fence rails
• Electrical wiring
• Plumbing pipes
• Roofing edges

To conclude, when the product is sold based on its length and not based on its volume, linear feet is usually the accurate way to measure.

Why Knowing The Difference Matters?

Well, it is really important to understand the difference between board feet and linear feet. If you get them mixed up, you might end up buying much or not enough material.

Let’s consider an example:

We have two boards. They are both 10 linear feet long. If one board is thicker or wider than the other, it has more wood in it, which means it has more board feet.

Therefore, using the measurement is very helpful because it helps you do a few things.

• You can figure out how much the lumber will cost accurately.
• You can reduce the amount of material that gets wasted.
• You can plan your woodworking projects with a lot of confidence.
• You can buy the right amount of lumber.

Final Thoughts: Board Feet vs. Linear Feet

While both board feet and linear feet measure lumber, they have different uses. Board feet measure the volume of wood, while linear feet measure the length. However, it is important to know the difference between these measurements to enable you to pick the correct one depending on your needs, budget, and the amount of lumber to purchase. When using dimensional lumber or hardwood, a board feet calculator will be of great help.

Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)

Q1. Can you convert linear feet into board feet?

Yes, but you will need to know the width and thickness of the board in addition to the linear feet.

Q2. Why do lumber companies charge by board feet?

Because they measure the amount of volume the wood actually takes up and not just its length.

Q3. Is it advisable to use a board feet calculator?

Yes. A board feet calculator is very helpful because it allows you to determine the volume of the lumber in no time at all. It also reduces the chances of calculation errors.