Live edge slab board feet calculator
Live edge slabs are never the same width twice. Measure a few points, pick the thickness, and get the board feet and the price before you buy.
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How it is calculated
A board foot is a volume of wood 12 in x 12 in x 1 in, which is 144 cubic inches. So board feet = length (in) x width (in) x thickness (in) / 144.
Because a live edge slab wanders in width, the tool averages the widths you measure. The more evenly spaced measurements you take, the closer the estimate. Thickness is usually sold in quarters of an inch: 8/4 means 8 quarters, or 2 in rough thickness before flattening.
The total is multiplied by the number of slabs and by your price per board foot. The metric volume uses 1 board foot = 0.00236 cubic meters.
Worked example
Two 96 in long, 8/4 slabs measure 18, 22 and 20 in wide at three points. The average width is 20 in, so each slab is 96 x 20 x 2 / 144 = 26.67 board feet, 53.33 board feet for the pair. At $12 per board foot they cost $640.00.
Common questions
- How do I measure a live edge slab for board feet?
- Measure the length, then the width at several evenly spaced points, from edge to edge without the bark. Average the widths, multiply by length and thickness in inches, and divide by 144.
- What does 8/4 mean on a slab?
- It is the thickness in quarters of an inch: 8/4 is 2 in, 12/4 is 3 in. It is the rough sawn thickness. After flattening, expect to lose roughly 1/4 in or more, depending on how much the slab has cupped or twisted.
- Why is my lumber dealer's board foot number different?
- Dealers measure slabs in different ways. Some use the narrowest width, some the average, some round up, and a few include part of the edge. Ask how they measure, and use the calculator to compare prices on the same basis.
- How many board feet is a river table slab pair?
- It depends on size, but a pair of 8 ft slabs averaging 12 in wide and 2 in thick is 32 board feet. After working out the wood, use the river table calculator for the epoxy.
Related tools and guides
WoodworkingCalc results are careful estimates. Products differ, so use the coverage, mix ratio and maximum pour depth printed on your own product label, and check the numbers against your project before you mix or buy.