Lumber Calculator — Studs, Boards & Linear Feet
Build a cut list for any framing project: enter each lumber size (2×4, 2×6, or metric cross-sections), quantity and length, and get total linear metres or feet plus estimated weight. Works for wall plates, rafters, joists, battens and blocking.
Add materials and lengths to see calculation
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Free to try — no sign-up
Plan the whole job — not just this calculation
Save results to a project: budget and shopping list build themselves, and the whole plan exports as a PDF. Draw your floor plan and room sizes pre-fill the calculators.
How the lumber calculator works
- 1Enter each lumber type with cross-section, quantity and individual length
- 2Length per line item: quantity × length
- 3Total: sum of all line items in linear metres or feet
- 4Weight: cross-section area × length × timber density (typically 500 kg/m³, or about 31 lb/cu ft, for softwood)
- 5Add 10–15% waste for cuts, splits and selection
- 6Lumber is sold by the running length — round up each line item independently
Worked example
Roof structure: 12 rafters at 4.2 m (14 ft), 6 ridge board pieces at 2.4 m (8 ft), 24 blocking pieces at 0.6 m (2 ft). All 48×98 mm (≈ 2×4 nominal) structural softwood.
Rafters: 50.4 lm. Ridge: 14.4 lm. Blocking: 14.4 lm. Total: 79.2 lm — 260 linear feet. With 10% waste: 87.2 lm, or 286 lf. Estimated weight: 207 kg (456 lb).
Frequently asked questions
What are the actual dimensions of a 2×4?
A nominal 2×4 is approximately 1.5 × 3.5 inches (38 × 89 mm) actual after drying and planing. European equivalents like 48×98 mm are named by actual size. Always check actual dimensions when mixing systems.
What is a linear foot / linear metre of lumber?
Simply one foot or one metre of length, regardless of cross-section. Lumber yards price by running length, with the price varying by cross-section and grade.
How much does framing lumber weigh?
At an average softwood density of 500 kg/m³, a 47×100 mm section weighs about 2.35 kg per metre, roughly 1.6 lb per linear foot — so a 4.2 m (14 ft) rafter weighs approximately 9.9 kg, or 22 lb.
What strength grade do I need for structural framing?
C24 (or the locally required structural grade) is used for most load-bearing applications like rafters, joists and studs in bearing walls; C16 is acceptable for non-structural use. Confirm with span tables or an engineer for structural design.
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