How To Convert Board Feet Into Square Feet

Board feet and square feet are not the same thing at all. Board feet is a measurement of volume; it encompasses length, width and height (thickness). Square feet is a measurement of area, or surface; it encompasses only length and width. Knowing how to convert board feet to square feet is important when you are building with wood or any material that has a length, width and thickness.

Step 1

Measure the width (W) and thickness (T) of the the board in inches.

Step 2

Measure the length (L) of the board in inches and divide it by 12.

Step 3

Solve the following equation to calculate board feet: (W x T) x (L ÷ 12) = board feet.

Step 4

Divide the number of board feet by the thickness of the board. This will give you the square footage of the board.