Timber Calculator — Board Feet & Cost

Calculate timber volume, total length and cost for construction projects. Common size presets included.

Last updated: April 2026 · Source: GOV.UK — Building Regulations Approved Document A

Total Length

24.0m

Total Volume

0.120 m³

Per Piece

0.0120 m³

Est. Cost

£84.00

Disclaimer

This calculator is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. All calculations are performed locally in your browser — no personal data is collected or sent to our servers. Rates and thresholds are sourced from HMRC and GOV.UK and are updated for the current tax year. Always verify results with HMRC or consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

How It Works

Timber in the UK is typically sold by the linear metre for structural work (joists, studwork, battens) or by cubic metre for larger quantities. Board feet (used in North America) can be converted: 1 board foot = 1/12 cubic foot = 0.00236 m³. Common structural sizes include 47 × 100 mm (C16 joists), 47 × 150 mm and 47 × 200 mm.

This calculator works with linear metres, cubic metres and board feet. Enter the cross-section dimensions and total length needed, and it converts between all three units. For stud walls, it also estimates the number of studs (typically at 400 mm or 600 mm centres) plus top and bottom plates.

UK structural timber must be graded to BS EN 14081 (C16 or C24 are the most common strength classes). For outdoor use, timber should be pressure-treated to Use Class 3 or 4. The calculator includes estimated prices per linear metre based on current UK merchant pricing.

Example: Stud wall 3.6 m long × 2.4 m high, 47 × 100 mm at 600 mm centres

  1. Number of studs: 3,600 ÷ 600 + 1 = 7 studs at 2.4 m
  2. Top and bottom plates: 2 × 3.6 m = 7.2 m
  3. Total linear metres: (7 × 2.4) + 7.2 = 24.0 m
  4. Volume: 0.047 × 0.100 × 24.0 = 0.113 m³

Source: GOV.UK — Building Regulations Approved Document A

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Timber Calculator — Board Feet & Cost do?
Calculate timber volume, total length and cost for construction projects. Common size presets included. All calculations are performed in your browser using official UK rates and thresholds.
Does this include waste allowance?
Yes. Most building material calculations include a standard 10% waste allowance. You can adjust this figure depending on the complexity of your project and cutting requirements.
Are prices accurate?
Material prices are indicative estimates based on average UK prices. Actual costs vary by region, supplier, brand and current market conditions. Always get quotes from local suppliers.