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The Lumber Dimension Converter handles the confusing reality that lumber labeled "2×4" is not actually 2 inches × 4 inches — it's 1.5 × 3.5 inches actual. This nominal vs actual difference (a residual of historical milling standards before kiln drying) catches every beginner woodworker. The calculator converts nominal sizes (1×2 through 6×6) to actual inches and millimeters, calculates board feet (BF, the standard lumber volume unit), converts length units, and computes total project costs.
Công thức
- BF
- Board Feet (BF) — 1 BF = 144 cubic inches = ~0.00236 m³
Hướng dẫn từng bước
- 1Select nominal lumber size from common dropdown (1×2 through 6×6)
- 2Enter length and unit (feet, inches, meters, centimeters)
- 3Enter quantity of pieces
- 4Enter price per board foot for cost calculation
- 5Calculator outputs total board feet, actual dimensions in inches and mm, length in all units, and total cost
- 6Board feet calculation uses nominal dimensions (industry standard)
Ví dụ có lời giải
Lỗi thường gặp cần tránh
- ✕Calculating board feet using actual dimensions — must use nominal
- ✕Assuming 2×4 = 2 inches × 4 inches — it's 1.5 × 3.5 inches actual
- ✕Forgetting drying causes additional shrinkage — kiln-dried is more accurate than green
- ✕Mixing hardwood (often sold by actual) and softwood (sold by nominal) measurement systems
Câu hỏi thường gặp
Why is 2×4 actually 1.5×3.5?
Original 2×4 was rough-sawn from green wood at 2×4 inches. Drying shrinks wood, and surfacing (planing for smooth surfaces) removes another ~¼ inch per side. By the time lumber reaches retail, dimensions are reduced — the industry kept the original "nominal" name for tradition and supply chain consistency.
Is there a metric equivalent?
Yes — most US 2×4s are sold as 38mm × 89mm internationally (actual measurements). Some European countries use slightly different sizing (45 × 95mm). When importing/exporting, the metric measurement is the actual size, not nominal.
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