Volume · Unit Converter

Convert Cubic Foot to Board Foot

Convert cubic feet to board feet instantly. 1 cubic foot = 12 board foot — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Board Foot to Cubic Foot converter for the reverse conversion.

Written by Sunith Babu L, Ph.D., Lead Engineer Reviewed by Dr. Jaya Christiyan K G, Ph.D.
Volume category 2 min read Published Last reviewed Updated

Units explained

Cubic (length-derived)

Cubic Foot

What is a cubic foot?

A cubic foot is the volume of a cube one foot on a side (28.3168 L).

Origin of the cubic foot

Derived by cubing the international foot (0.3048 m).

Where it is used

Used for natural gas, refrigerators, shipping and HVAC.

When and where it was developed

1959 yard agreement.

Industrial / Specialized

Board Foot

What is a board foot?

A board foot is 144 cubic inches (2.35974 L), nominally 1 ft × 1 ft × 1 in of lumber.

Origin of the board foot

A traditional measure of sawn-timber volume.

Where it is used

Standard for pricing hardwood lumber in North America.

When and where it was developed

North American lumber trade.

Cubic Foot to Board Foot conversion formula

The relationship between cubic feet and board feet:

1 ft³ = 12 bf
1 bf = 0.0833333333 ft³

To convert cubic feet to board feet, multiply the value in cubic feet by 12. To reverse, multiply board feet by 0.0833333333.

How to use this converter

Type a value into the calculator. The result in board feet updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Board Foot to Cubic Foot converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert cubic feet to board feet

  1. Write down the value in cubic feet (ft³).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 12.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in board feet (bf).
  4. To reverse, multiply the board foot value by 0.0833333333.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 ft³ to bf:
1 × 12 = 12 bf

Example 2 — Convert 100 ft³ to bf:
100 × 12 = 1200 bf

Real-world example — Ruler-scale measurements

A 30-cubic foot school ruler converts cleanly to board feet — useful when buying a desk accessory from a retailer whose product specs use a different unit.

30 ft³ × 12 = 360 bf

Real-world example — Hardware-scale dimensions

A 10-cubic foot fastener or component is about as long as a thumbnail. Mechanics and DIY enthusiasts convert between cubic feet and board feet daily when mixing metric and imperial tools.

10 ft³ × 12 = 120 bf

Real-world example — Postcard and small-object dimensions

A postcard is about 5 cubic feet wide. Converting to board feet is essential for international postal addressing forms that ask for dimensions in different units across countries.

5 ft³ × 12 = 60 bf

Cubic Foot to Board Foot conversion table

Standard reference values for converting cubic feet to board feet:

Cubic Foot [ft³]Board Foot [bf]
0.010.12
0.11.2
112
224
336
448
560
10120
20240
30360
40480
50600
1001200
5006000
100012000

Frequently asked questions

How many board feet is 1 cubic foot?
1 cubic foot equals 12 board foot.
How do I convert cubic feet to board feet?
Multiply the value in cubic feet by 12 to get board feet.
How do I convert board feet back to cubic feet?
Multiply the value in board feet by 0.0833333333, or use the Board Foot to Cubic Foot converter.
How many board feet is 100 cubic feet?
100 cubic feet equals 1200 board feet, because 100 × 12 = 1200.

Convert Cubic Foot to other volume units

Show all Cubic Foot conversions
Metric / SI (15 units)
US Customary (Liquid) (15 units)
US Customary (Dry) (5 units)
Imperial (UK) (14 units)
Cubic (length-derived) (3 units)
Cooking / Culinary (5 units)
Industrial / Specialized (6 units)

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 ft³ = 12 bf) verified against the following authoritative sources:

Results are provided for general reference. Verify critical measurements against an authoritative standard.