- 1). Determine dimensional sizing by measuring the thickness of the board and then measure the width of the board's face with a tape measure. An example of the written measurement is 2X4 or two-inches thick by four-inches wide. It is important to note that a dried 2-by-4 in a lumberyard will physically measure smaller than two-inches by four-inches. The boards are measured when cut, and drying causes shrinkage.
- 2). Determine the quarter size of the board by measuring its thickness with a tape measure. Multiply the number by four quarters to achieve a fractional number. For example, if the board measures one-inch thick, you have four quarters. The written measurement for a one-inch thick board is 4/4. If you have a six-inch board the written measurement is 24/4. The first number in the equation is the total thickness of the board multiplied by four quarters.
- 3). Determine the board-foot measurement of the lumber by measuring the length, width and thickness of the board with a tape measure and then multiply all three numbers together to obtain the total cubic inch measurement for the lumber. A standard board foot is 144 cubic inches or 12-inch by 12-inches by 1-inch thick. Divide your total by 144 to obtain the board foot measurement. For example, a board that measures 148-inches long, eight-inches wide and four-inches thick measures 32.88-board feet or 32.88-bf.
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