What belongs in this estimate
A linear-foot estimate can understate the bill when lumber is sold only in whole stock lengths. This calculator converts your required finished length and cutting allowance into a purchase count, then applies the actual price per stock board. It separates material, tax, and delivery so you can compare local supply options. The estimate assumes the required lengths can be arranged within the stock you buy; it does not solve a mixed cut list. If you need a long uninterrupted member, verify that the selected stock length is long enough before relying on the total.
Build the cost inputs
- Total the finished lengths for one lumber product.
- Select a stock length and enter its current quoted board price.
- Set an allowance, local material tax, and delivery charge.
Cost basis and worked budget
A worked example
100 ft plus 10% allowance requires 14 boards at 8 ft each. At $9 per board, 8% material tax, and $35 delivery, the total is $171.08.
Lumber Cost: what changes the result?
Examine physical dimensions, pieces and purchasing constraints together. The comparisons below are calculated from this page’s default example. Each row changes only the named input; all other inputs stay at their displayed example values. These are mathematical scenarios, not measurements from a completed project.
| Changed assumption | Default input | Comparison input | Result: default → comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required finished length | 100 ft | 120 ft | Stock boards to purchase: 14 → 17 Purchased length: 112 → 136 ft |
| Stock board length | 8 ft | 9.6 ft | Stock boards to purchase: 14 → 12 Purchased length: 112 → 115.2 ft |
| Delivery charge | 35 USD | 42 USD | Delivered estimate: 171.08 → 178.08 USD |
Displayed values are rounded. Whole-pack results change in steps; continuous quantities may change before a new pack is needed. To compare your actual project, enter your dimensions above, save a scenario, then change one assumption.
Scope, exclusions and quote checks
- Keep different grades, thicknesses, and widths in separate estimates. Their prices and available lengths can differ.
- The tax treatment of freight varies. Add freight tax to the delivery entry if applicable to your purchase.
- Straight total-length rounding does not guarantee every individual cut will fit. Use a cut plan for critical lengths.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my purchased lumber length higher than the required length?
The calculator adds your cutting allowance and then rounds up to complete stock boards.
Can I compare 8 ft and 12 ft board prices?
Yes. Run both options with their actual per-board prices, then check whether each option accommodates the required cuts.
Does the total include fasteners and finish?
No. It covers the specified lumber, material tax, and delivery only.
Read the project guides
- Board Feet vs Linear Feet: How to Read a Lumber Quote
Understand board-foot volume, linear-foot length, actual lumber dimensions, effective coverage, and what each price unit means for a project.
- How to Plan a Cut List with Saw Kerf, Offcuts and Stock Lengths
Plan repeated lumber cuts using actual stock lengths, end trimming, kerf, whole-board rounding, and realistic offcut reuse.
- Build a Renovation Budget That Includes Waste, Tax, Delivery and Contingency
Turn material quantities and contractor quotes into a transparent home project budget with pack rounding, tax treatment, delivery, disposal, and visible contingency.
Calculation method: JICWH methodology. Examples are planning assumptions, not product recommendations.