1. What is Price Per Board Foot?

Price per board foot (PBF) is a standard measurement used in the lumber industry to calculate the cost of wood based on volume. It allows for fair pricing comparison between different sizes and quantities of lumber.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( PBF \) — Price per board foot (in currency)
• \( C \) — Total cost (in currency)
• \( BF \) — Total board feet

Explanation: This calculation divides the total cost by the total volume in board feet to determine the cost per unit volume.

3. Importance of Price Per Board Foot

Details: Calculating price per board foot is essential for comparing lumber prices accurately, budgeting for woodworking projects, and making cost-effective purchasing decisions in construction or woodworking.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total cost of the lumber and the total board feet. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will determine the price per individual board foot.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What exactly is a board foot?
A: A board foot is a volume measurement equal to 1 foot long × 1 foot wide × 1 inch thick (or equivalent).

Q2: How do I calculate board feet?
A: Board feet = (length in feet × width in inches × thickness in inches) ÷ 12

Q3: Why use price per board foot instead of per piece?
A: It standardizes pricing across different sizes of lumber, making comparisons fair.

Q4: What's a typical price range per board foot?
A: Prices vary widely by wood species and quality, from $1-$3 for common woods to $10+ for exotic hardwoods.

Q5: Does this include waste factors?
A: No, this calculates raw material cost only. You may need to add 10-20% for cutting waste.