Measure with confidence
Lumber measurement guides
Start with the unit on your lumber quote, then check which dimensions belong in the calculation. These guides explain the choices with worked examples you can reproduce in the board-foot and lumber-cost calculator.
Board feet vs linear feet vs square feet
Follow one board through three measurements. Learn why length, face area and volume give different answers, and what information a conversion needs.
Rough vs surfaced lumber: which dimensions should you use?
Separate a stock label from a measured dimension. See how planing changes geometric volume and why a lumberyard's billed tally can still use a different basis.
The guides describe measurement and estimating. They do not establish a supplier's billing rules, a finished cutting yield, or a structural design.