Board-foot and cut-list worksheet

Board-foot formula

One board foot equals 144 cubic inches of lumber.

Board feet = thickness in inches x width in inches x length in inches / 144

For multiple identical pieces:

Total board feet = board feet per piece x quantity

Rough lumber estimate

Part	Quantity	Thickness	Width	Length	Board feet each	Total board feet
Subtotal

Waste factor

Material condition	Suggested planning note	Your factor
Clear, surfaced stock	Lower waste if dimensions are final
Rough lumber	Add for milling, defects, and layout
Figured or matched grain	Add for selection and appearance
Reclaimed lumber	Add for nails, cracks, checking, and unusable sections

Purchase target = subtotal board feet x (1 + waste factor)

Project cut list

Part	Finished thickness	Finished width	Finished length	Quantity	Grain direction	Notes

Sheet goods note

Board-foot math is for lumber volume. For plywood, MDF, and other sheet goods, use a panel layout instead:

Sheet part	Width	Length	Quantity	Sheet or panel	Notes

Before buying material

• Confirm finished dimensions after milling, sanding, and joinery.
• Mark parts that need continuous grain or color matching.
• Add extra length for checks, snipe, end trimming, and defects.
• Confirm whether the lumber is sold rough, surfaced, random width, or fixed size.
• Keep the final cut list with project notes for future repairs or matching pieces.