Lumber Cost Calculator
Calculate total lumber cost from board footage and price per board foot.
Total cost
How lumber cost is calculated
Dimensional and hardwood lumber is most commonly priced per board foot, so the first step in estimating cost is finding total board footage using the standard formula: Board Feet = (Thickness × Width × Length in feet) ÷ 12 per piece, multiplied by the number of pieces in the order.
That total board footage is then multiplied by your quoted price per board foot to get a materials subtotal: Subtotal = Total Board Feet × Price per Board Foot. Prices per board foot vary widely by species, grade, and current market conditions, so this calculator uses whatever rate you enter rather than an assumed price.
An optional sales tax percentage is applied on top of the subtotal to give a final out-the-door total, which is useful for comparing an all-in delivered quote against a bare materials price from a different supplier.
Where these numbers come from
The formula and default values in this calculator are based on:
- Board-foot × price-per-board-foot costing is the standard commercial pricing method used by lumber yards and hardwood suppliers across North America.
These are planning estimates. Check your local building code, product specifications, and a licensed contractor before you buy materials or build.
Frequently asked questions
Why is lumber priced per board foot instead of per piece?
Board footage normalizes pricing across boards of different thickness, width, and length, so a supplier can quote one consistent rate ($ per board foot) that applies fairly whether you're buying a short, narrow board or a long, wide one of the same species and grade.
Does this calculator account for milling, delivery, or dressing fees?
No -- it estimates the raw material cost from board footage and your entered price per board foot only. Add any milling, planing, delivery, or minimum-order fees separately, since those vary by supplier and aren't part of the board-foot price itself.
Why do prices per board foot vary so much between species?
Price reflects supply, demand, growth rate, and workability of the species -- common construction softwoods like SPF are typically inexpensive per board foot, while slower-growing or less available hardwoods (walnut, quartersawn white oak, etc.) command significantly higher prices per board foot.
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