Lumber Sizes / Dimensions
2×4 and 2×6 boards lose 1/2 inch in thickness and 1/2 inch in width before leaving the mill. That means a 2 x 4 board is actually 1-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches. The larger 2x boards (2×8, 2×10, etc.) lose 3/4 inch in width. That means a 2×10 is actually 1 1/2 inch in thickness by 9 1/4 inches.
Lumber Sizes
Simple, easy to understand definitions for the sizing of lumber.
Lumber is generally sized according to thickness, as in the case of rough sawn lumber, or in specific widths, thicknesses and/or lengths as in the case of dimensional lumber. Here we will define each to help you better understand the sizing methods used when referring to lumber “size”.
Dimensional Sizing
This measuring method is probably the most recognized by the average person. It is used in almost all “Do-It-Yourself” type stores that sell lumber, or any place selling lumber for construction purposes. We recognize such “sizes” as 2×4, 2×6, 4×4, 1×2, etc. This measurement refers to the thickness and width of the lumber, with the length varying. In reality, these measurements are not a true measurement of the lumber thickness or width. The true measurement of a 2×4 is actually about 1.5″ x 3.5″. When the board is first rough sawn from the log, it is a true 2×4, but the drying process and planning of the board reduce it to the finished 1.5″ x 3.5″ size. The lumber is then sold as a “2×4” because the cost of the drying and machining are figured in. It is also much easier to refer to a board as a “2×4”, rather than a “1.5 x 3.5”.
Below you can see the most common decking and siding sizes we offer:
| Nominal Size | Actual Size (Imperial) | Actual Size (Metric) |
|---|---|---|
| 1×4 | 0.75″ x 3.50″ | 19mm x 90mm |
| 1×5 | 0.75″ x 4.72″ | 19mm x 120mm |
| 1×6 | 0.75″ x 5.50″ | 19mm x 140mm |
| 1×4 +Plus® | 0.83″ x 3.50″ | 21mm x 90mm |
| 1×5 +Plus® | 0.83″ x 4.72″ | 21mm x 120mm |
| 1×6 +Plus® | 0.83″ x 5.50″ | 21mm x 140mm |
| 1×6 +Plus® XW™ | 0.83″ x 5.70″ | 21mm x 145mm |
| 5/4×4 | 1.00″ x 3.50″ | 25mm x 90mm |
| 5/4×5 | 1.00″ x 4.72″ | 25mm x 120mm |
| 5/4×6 | 1.00″ x 5.50″ | 25mm x 140mm |
| 5/4×8 | 1.00″ x 7.25″ | 25mm x 184mm |
| 5/4×10 | 1.00″ x 9.25″ | 25mm x 235mm |
| 5/4×12 | 1.00″ x 11.25″ | 25mm x 286mm |
| 2×2 | 1.50″ x 1.50″ | 38mm x 38mm |
| 2×4 | 1.50″ x 3.50″ | 38mm x 90mm |
| 2×6 | 1.50″ x 5.50″ | 38mm x 140mm |
| 2×8 | 1.50″ x 7.25″ | 38mm x 184mm |
| 2×10 | 1.50″ x 9.25″ | 38mm x 235mm |
| 2×12 | 1.50″ x 11.25″ | 38mm x 286mm |
| 3×4 | 2.50″ x 3.50″ | 64mm x 90mm |
| 3×6 | 2.50″ x 5.50″ | 64mm x 140mm |
| 3×8 | 2.50″ x 7.25″ | 64mm x 184mm |
| 3×10 | 2.50″ x 9.25″ | 64mm x 235mm |
| 3×12 | 2.50″ x 11.25″ | 64mm x 286mm |
| 4×4 | 3.50″ x 3.50″ | 90mm x 90mm |
| 6×6 | 5.50″ x 5.50″ | 140mm x 140mm |
Decking and siding is sold in linear feet. Use the calculator below to convert the square footage of your project into linear feet:
“Quarters” Sizing
In the case of rough sawn lumber, the “Quarters” sizing method is usually used by mills that sell rough lumber for woodworking purposes. The “Quarters” method refers only to the thickness of the wood as widths and lengths vary depending on the log the wood is cut from. Generally, a woodworker will plane the boards to the desired thickness and most likely rip the boards and glue them up into joined panels to get the desired width. Rough sawn lumber comes in “true” thicknesses as reflected by the “quarters” size. Lumber sized according to “Quarters” reflects the number of quarters of an inch thick the lumber is. To figure the thickness of a board referenced in “quarters” sizes, simply divide the second number (4) into the first number. The second number (4) means “quarters of an inch”, or “quarters”. So, a “4/4” board is four quarters, or 1 inch thick, an “8/4” board is eight quarters, or 2 inches thick, a “10/4” board is ten quarters, or 2.5 inches thick, etc.
Board Foot Sizing
Board Foot: Rough sawn lumber is usually sold by the “board foot” (bd. ft.). A board foot is equal to a piece of wood 12 inches long x 12 inches wide and 1 inch thick, or 144 cubic inches. To figure the board foot measurement of a piece of wood, multiply the length x width x thickness in inches, then divide by 144.
The calculator below will tell you how many board feet are in a piece of lumber based on its thickness, width, and length:
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Lumber Sizes / Dimensions
1×4 and 1×6 boards lose 1/4 inch in thickness and 1/2 inch in width before leaving the mill. That means a 1 x 4 board is actually 3/4 inches by 3 1/2 inches. The larger 1x boards (1×8, 1×10, etc.) lose 3/4 inch in width. That means a 1×10 is actually 3/4 inch in thickness by 9 1/4 inches.
2x Board Sizes
2×4 and 2×6 boards lose 1/2 inch in thickness and 1/2 inch in width before leaving the mill. That means a 2 x 4 board is actually 1-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches. The larger 2x boards (2×8, 2×10, etc.) lose 3/4 inch in width. That means a 2×10 is actually 1 1/2 inch in thickness by 9 1/4 inches.
See for Yourself
On your next trip to Home Depot or Lowes, take along a tape measure and head over to the dimensional lumber aisles. Measure the actual width and thickness of a pine board (like a 2×4) and then look at the sign above the rack. Hmm. Something doesn’t quite match up.
If you can stop someone in the store to help explain the inconsistency, they’ll start throwing around a few words like “nominal sizes” and “actual sizes” and “softwood lumber” and “hardwood lumber.” Hopefully they will take the time to explain exactly what these words mean, which will go a long way towards making you feel more comfortable about buying wood.
For starters, you’ll need to know that softwood (like pine, spruce, and fir) is measured and sold one way, and hardwood (like oak, maple, and cherry) is measured and sold in a totally different way. Don’t get the two mixed up or you’ll really be confused.