Lumber & framing calculator

Linear lumber calculator

Whole stock-board count from total linear run, selected stock length and visible allowance.

Calculator result and formula

Stock boards to order: 11 boards

Formula: Total run × (1 + waste) ÷ stock length → whole boards

Formula ID: LUM-LINEAR-001 · Version 1.0.0.

Inputs

  • Total linear run: Sum of trim, fascia, blocking or board runs Default: 120.
  • Stock board length: Length of one purchasable board Default: 12.
  • Waste factor: Allowance for cuts, defects and pattern selection Default: 10.

How this calculator works

This calculator divides a measured total linear run plus allowance by the selected stock-board length and rounds up to whole boards.

  1. Sum all like linear runs that share one stock material.
  2. Enter the purchasable stock length rather than a theoretical cut length.
  3. Use a visible allowance for cuts, defects, pattern matching or splice layout.

Worked example: Example: 120 ft of linear run at 10% allowance requires 132 ft. With 12 ft stock boards, the order rounds to 11 boards.

Assumptions and limitations

  • All runs are assumed to use the same stock material and stock length.
  • Waste is added before whole-board rounding.
  • Detailed cut lists and layout optimisation are excluded.

Common questions

Does this create a cut list?
No. A detailed cut list must account for each run, joint position, stock availability and field constraints.
Why round boards up?
Boards are purchased as whole stock lengths and cannot be ordered as fractions.

Reference notes

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