woodworking calculator

Pro-grade woodworking calculator: board feet, cut list optimizer with kerf and trim, material cost and unit converter. Accessible, mobile-first, and fast.

Full original guide (expanded)

CalcDomain

Authoritative Data Source & Methodology

Primary reference: National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA). Rules for the Measurement & Inspection of Hardwood Lumber, latest ed.; definition of the board foot and trade practices. NHLA.
Supplemental reference: USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. Wood Handbook—Wood as an Engineering Material, FPL-GTR-190 (2010/2018). Forest Products Laboratory.

Tutti i calcoli si basano rigorosamente sulle formule e sui dati forniti da questa fonte.

The Formula Explained

Board feet

\[ \text{BF}=\frac{T_{\text{in}} \times W_{\text{in}} \times L_{\text{ft}}}{12} \]

Equivalently, volume in cubic feet is \( \text{CF} = \dfrac{T_{\text{in}} \times W_{\text{in}} \times L_{\text{in}}}{1728} \), and \( 1 \ \text{CF} = 12 \ \text{BF} \). Cubic meters: \( \text{m}^3=\text{CF}\times 0.0283168466 \).

Kerf-aware stock length

\[ L_{\text{req}}=\sum_i n_i\,\ell_i + (N_{\text{cuts}}\times k) + (2\,N_{\text{boards}}\times t) \]

where \(k\) is kerf, \(t\) end-trim per board, and \(N_{\text{cuts}}\) equals the total number of separating cuts.

Glossary of Variables

  • T: thickness (inches or millimeters)
  • W: width (inches or millimeters)
  • L: length (feet or meters)
  • BF: board feet (1 BF = 1″ × 12″ × 12″)
  • Kerf (k): material lost to blade thickness (in/mm)
  • End trim (t): extra allowance to square board ends (in/mm)
  • Yield: used length / available stock length

How It Works: A Step-by-Step Example

Suppose you need eight parts at 24″ and four parts at 18″, using 8′ stock, 1/8″ kerf, and 1/4″ trim per board end. The cut list converts all values to a single unit system, packs parts using a First-Fit Decreasing heuristic, adds kerf per separating cut and end trims, and reports the number of boards, the packing plan, total waste and yield. For volume/cost, the board-foot formula computes BF and multiplies by your quoted price per BF.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the packing algorithm exact?

It’s a near-optimal heuristic (First-Fit Decreasing). For most shop lists it matches optimal or gets very close, in milliseconds.

Should I add safety margin?

Yes—account for defects, grain matching and tear-out. A 10–20% margin is common for complex builds.

How do I handle rough vs. S4S sizes?

Enter net finished sizes; add trimming/planing waste via kerf/trim or by increasing part lengths slightly.

Can I export the plan?

Use the Print button for a clean print/PDF summary that includes the packing plan and totals.

Does species affect board feet?

No. Board feet is pure volume. Species impacts price, movement, weight and availability—not volume math.

Last accuracy review:

Audit: Complete
Formula (LaTeX) + variables + units
This section shows the formulas used by the calculator engine, plus variable definitions and units.
Formula (extracted LaTeX)
\[\text{BF}=\frac{T_{\text{in}} \times W_{\text{in}} \times L_{\text{ft}}}{12}\]
\text{BF}=\frac{T_{\text{in}} \times W_{\text{in}} \times L_{\text{ft}}}{12}
Formula (extracted LaTeX)
\[L_{\text{req}}=\sum_i n_i\,\ell_i + (N_{\text{cuts}}\times k) + (2\,N_{\text{boards}}\times t)\]
L_{\text{req}}=\sum_i n_i\,\ell_i + (N_{\text{cuts}}\times k) + (2\,N_{\text{boards}}\times t)
Formula (extracted text)
Board feet \[ \text{BF}=\frac{T_{\text{in}} \times W_{\text{in}} \times L_{\text{ft}}}{12} \] Equivalently, volume in cubic feet is \( \text{CF} = \dfrac{T_{\text{in}} \times W_{\text{in}} \times L_{\text{in}}}{1728} \), and \( 1 \ \text{CF} = 12 \ \text{BF} \). Cubic meters: \( \text{m}^3=\text{CF}\times 0.0283168466 \). Kerf-aware stock length \[ L_{\text{req}}=\sum_i n_i\,\ell_i + (N_{\text{cuts}}\times k) + (2\,N_{\text{boards}}\times t) \] where \(k\) is kerf, \(t\) end-trim per board, and \(N_{\text{cuts}}\) equals the total number of separating cuts.
Variables and units
  • No variables provided in audit spec.
Sources (authoritative):
Changelog
Version: 0.1.0-draft
Last code update: 2026-01-19
0.1.0-draft · 2026-01-19
  • Initial audit spec draft generated from HTML extraction (review required).
  • Verify formulas match the calculator engine and convert any text-only formulas to LaTeX.
  • Confirm sources are authoritative and relevant to the calculator methodology.
Verified by Ugo Candido on 2026-01-19
Profile · LinkedIn
CalcDomain

Authoritative Data Source & Methodology

Primary reference: National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA). Rules for the Measurement & Inspection of Hardwood Lumber, latest ed.; definition of the board foot and trade practices. NHLA.
Supplemental reference: USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. Wood Handbook—Wood as an Engineering Material, FPL-GTR-190 (2010/2018). Forest Products Laboratory.

Tutti i calcoli si basano rigorosamente sulle formule e sui dati forniti da questa fonte.

The Formula Explained

Board feet

\[ \text{BF}=\frac{T_{\text{in}} \times W_{\text{in}} \times L_{\text{ft}}}{12} \]

Equivalently, volume in cubic feet is \( \text{CF} = \dfrac{T_{\text{in}} \times W_{\text{in}} \times L_{\text{in}}}{1728} \), and \( 1 \ \text{CF} = 12 \ \text{BF} \). Cubic meters: \( \text{m}^3=\text{CF}\times 0.0283168466 \).

Kerf-aware stock length

\[ L_{\text{req}}=\sum_i n_i\,\ell_i + (N_{\text{cuts}}\times k) + (2\,N_{\text{boards}}\times t) \]

where \(k\) is kerf, \(t\) end-trim per board, and \(N_{\text{cuts}}\) equals the total number of separating cuts.

Glossary of Variables

  • T: thickness (inches or millimeters)
  • W: width (inches or millimeters)
  • L: length (feet or meters)
  • BF: board feet (1 BF = 1″ × 12″ × 12″)
  • Kerf (k): material lost to blade thickness (in/mm)
  • End trim (t): extra allowance to square board ends (in/mm)
  • Yield: used length / available stock length

How It Works: A Step-by-Step Example

Suppose you need eight parts at 24″ and four parts at 18″, using 8′ stock, 1/8″ kerf, and 1/4″ trim per board end. The cut list converts all values to a single unit system, packs parts using a First-Fit Decreasing heuristic, adds kerf per separating cut and end trims, and reports the number of boards, the packing plan, total waste and yield. For volume/cost, the board-foot formula computes BF and multiplies by your quoted price per BF.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the packing algorithm exact?

It’s a near-optimal heuristic (First-Fit Decreasing). For most shop lists it matches optimal or gets very close, in milliseconds.

Should I add safety margin?

Yes—account for defects, grain matching and tear-out. A 10–20% margin is common for complex builds.

How do I handle rough vs. S4S sizes?

Enter net finished sizes; add trimming/planing waste via kerf/trim or by increasing part lengths slightly.

Can I export the plan?

Use the Print button for a clean print/PDF summary that includes the packing plan and totals.

Does species affect board feet?

No. Board feet is pure volume. Species impacts price, movement, weight and availability—not volume math.

Last accuracy review:

Audit: Complete
Formula (LaTeX) + variables + units
This section shows the formulas used by the calculator engine, plus variable definitions and units.
Formula (extracted LaTeX)
\[\text{BF}=\frac{T_{\text{in}} \times W_{\text{in}} \times L_{\text{ft}}}{12}\]
\text{BF}=\frac{T_{\text{in}} \times W_{\text{in}} \times L_{\text{ft}}}{12}
Formula (extracted LaTeX)
\[L_{\text{req}}=\sum_i n_i\,\ell_i + (N_{\text{cuts}}\times k) + (2\,N_{\text{boards}}\times t)\]
L_{\text{req}}=\sum_i n_i\,\ell_i + (N_{\text{cuts}}\times k) + (2\,N_{\text{boards}}\times t)
Formula (extracted text)
Board feet \[ \text{BF}=\frac{T_{\text{in}} \times W_{\text{in}} \times L_{\text{ft}}}{12} \] Equivalently, volume in cubic feet is \( \text{CF} = \dfrac{T_{\text{in}} \times W_{\text{in}} \times L_{\text{in}}}{1728} \), and \( 1 \ \text{CF} = 12 \ \text{BF} \). Cubic meters: \( \text{m}^3=\text{CF}\times 0.0283168466 \). Kerf-aware stock length \[ L_{\text{req}}=\sum_i n_i\,\ell_i + (N_{\text{cuts}}\times k) + (2\,N_{\text{boards}}\times t) \] where \(k\) is kerf, \(t\) end-trim per board, and \(N_{\text{cuts}}\) equals the total number of separating cuts.
Variables and units
  • No variables provided in audit spec.
Sources (authoritative):
Changelog
Version: 0.1.0-draft
Last code update: 2026-01-19
0.1.0-draft · 2026-01-19
  • Initial audit spec draft generated from HTML extraction (review required).
  • Verify formulas match the calculator engine and convert any text-only formulas to LaTeX.
  • Confirm sources are authoritative and relevant to the calculator methodology.
Verified by Ugo Candido on 2026-01-19
Profile · LinkedIn
CalcDomain

Authoritative Data Source & Methodology

Primary reference: National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA). Rules for the Measurement & Inspection of Hardwood Lumber, latest ed.; definition of the board foot and trade practices. NHLA.
Supplemental reference: USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. Wood Handbook—Wood as an Engineering Material, FPL-GTR-190 (2010/2018). Forest Products Laboratory.

Tutti i calcoli si basano rigorosamente sulle formule e sui dati forniti da questa fonte.

The Formula Explained

Board feet

\[ \text{BF}=\frac{T_{\text{in}} \times W_{\text{in}} \times L_{\text{ft}}}{12} \]

Equivalently, volume in cubic feet is \( \text{CF} = \dfrac{T_{\text{in}} \times W_{\text{in}} \times L_{\text{in}}}{1728} \), and \( 1 \ \text{CF} = 12 \ \text{BF} \). Cubic meters: \( \text{m}^3=\text{CF}\times 0.0283168466 \).

Kerf-aware stock length

\[ L_{\text{req}}=\sum_i n_i\,\ell_i + (N_{\text{cuts}}\times k) + (2\,N_{\text{boards}}\times t) \]

where \(k\) is kerf, \(t\) end-trim per board, and \(N_{\text{cuts}}\) equals the total number of separating cuts.

Glossary of Variables

  • T: thickness (inches or millimeters)
  • W: width (inches or millimeters)
  • L: length (feet or meters)
  • BF: board feet (1 BF = 1″ × 12″ × 12″)
  • Kerf (k): material lost to blade thickness (in/mm)
  • End trim (t): extra allowance to square board ends (in/mm)
  • Yield: used length / available stock length

How It Works: A Step-by-Step Example

Suppose you need eight parts at 24″ and four parts at 18″, using 8′ stock, 1/8″ kerf, and 1/4″ trim per board end. The cut list converts all values to a single unit system, packs parts using a First-Fit Decreasing heuristic, adds kerf per separating cut and end trims, and reports the number of boards, the packing plan, total waste and yield. For volume/cost, the board-foot formula computes BF and multiplies by your quoted price per BF.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the packing algorithm exact?

It’s a near-optimal heuristic (First-Fit Decreasing). For most shop lists it matches optimal or gets very close, in milliseconds.

Should I add safety margin?

Yes—account for defects, grain matching and tear-out. A 10–20% margin is common for complex builds.

How do I handle rough vs. S4S sizes?

Enter net finished sizes; add trimming/planing waste via kerf/trim or by increasing part lengths slightly.

Can I export the plan?

Use the Print button for a clean print/PDF summary that includes the packing plan and totals.

Does species affect board feet?

No. Board feet is pure volume. Species impacts price, movement, weight and availability—not volume math.

Last accuracy review:

Audit: Complete
Formula (LaTeX) + variables + units
This section shows the formulas used by the calculator engine, plus variable definitions and units.
Formula (extracted LaTeX)
\[\text{BF}=\frac{T_{\text{in}} \times W_{\text{in}} \times L_{\text{ft}}}{12}\]
\text{BF}=\frac{T_{\text{in}} \times W_{\text{in}} \times L_{\text{ft}}}{12}
Formula (extracted LaTeX)
\[L_{\text{req}}=\sum_i n_i\,\ell_i + (N_{\text{cuts}}\times k) + (2\,N_{\text{boards}}\times t)\]
L_{\text{req}}=\sum_i n_i\,\ell_i + (N_{\text{cuts}}\times k) + (2\,N_{\text{boards}}\times t)
Formula (extracted text)
Board feet \[ \text{BF}=\frac{T_{\text{in}} \times W_{\text{in}} \times L_{\text{ft}}}{12} \] Equivalently, volume in cubic feet is \( \text{CF} = \dfrac{T_{\text{in}} \times W_{\text{in}} \times L_{\text{in}}}{1728} \), and \( 1 \ \text{CF} = 12 \ \text{BF} \). Cubic meters: \( \text{m}^3=\text{CF}\times 0.0283168466 \). Kerf-aware stock length \[ L_{\text{req}}=\sum_i n_i\,\ell_i + (N_{\text{cuts}}\times k) + (2\,N_{\text{boards}}\times t) \] where \(k\) is kerf, \(t\) end-trim per board, and \(N_{\text{cuts}}\) equals the total number of separating cuts.
Variables and units
  • No variables provided in audit spec.
Sources (authoritative):
Changelog
Version: 0.1.0-draft
Last code update: 2026-01-19
0.1.0-draft · 2026-01-19
  • Initial audit spec draft generated from HTML extraction (review required).
  • Verify formulas match the calculator engine and convert any text-only formulas to LaTeX.
  • Confirm sources are authoritative and relevant to the calculator methodology.
Verified by Ugo Candido on 2026-01-19
Profile · LinkedIn
Formulas

(Formulas preserved from original page content, if present.)

Version 0.1.0-draft
Citations

Add authoritative sources relevant to this calculator (standards bodies, manuals, official docs).

Changelog
  • 0.1.0-draft — 2026-01-19: Initial draft (review required).