How many board feet in a 2x4x8?
Quick Answer
A 2×4×8 board contains 5.33 board feet. The formula is: thickness (inches) × width (inches) × length (inches) ÷ 144. For a 2×4×8: 2 × 4 × 96 ÷ 144 = 5.33 board feet. Note that nominal dimensions (2×4) are used in the calculation, not actual dimensions (1.5×3.5).
Quick Reference Table
| Lumber size × length | Board feet |
|---|---|
| 2×4×8 | 5.33 bd ft |
| 2×4×10 | 6.67 bd ft |
| 2×4×12 | 8.00 bd ft |
| 2×6×8 | 8.00 bd ft |
| 2×6×10 | 10.00 bd ft |
| 2×8×8 | 10.67 bd ft |
| 4×4×8 | 10.67 bd ft |
How to Calculate It Yourself
- 1
Write down nominal thickness × width × length (all in inches).
- 2
For a 2×4×8: thickness = 2", width = 4", length = 8 ft = 96".
- 3
Multiply: 2 × 4 × 96 = 768.
- 4
Divide by 144: 768 ÷ 144 = 5.33 board feet.
- 5
For lengths in feet: use the simplified formula T(in) × W(in) × L(ft) ÷ 12.
Pro Tip
Board feet use nominal dimensions (2×4), not actual dimensions (1.5×3.5). This is the industry standard for pricing and ordering lumber — always use nominal dimensions in your calculations.
Assumptions to Check
Before ordering materials, confirm the dimensions, product coverage, waste factor, and local installation requirements for your project. Manufacturer coverage tables and local code rules can change the final quantity, especially for structural work, exterior projects, and irregular layouts.
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