Lumber Size Chart | Nominal vs Actual
A lumber size chart lists standard dimensional lumber sizes with nominal and actual measurements, plus useful data like weight per linear foot and board-foot volume so contractors can plan loads, material takeoffs, and project costs accurately.
Lumber Size Chart and Dimensional Lumber Calculator
This lumber size chart is built for contractors, framers, and serious DIY builders who work with dimensional lumber every day. It is one of the reference charts available on this site. It puts nominal vs actual sizes, weight per foot, and cost in one place so you can size members, plan loads, and build estimates without digging through spec sheets.
Use the interactive calculator to:
- Look up standard lumber sizes like 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, 2x10, 2x12, 4x4, 4x6, and 6x6.
- See actual dimensions in inches alongside the nominal label printed at the yard.
- Check weight per linear foot and total weight for SPF or pressure-treated lumber.
- Estimate board feet and per-piece cost for studs, joists, beams, and posts on your current project.
Interactive Lumber Chart
1.10
lbs / ft
8.8
total lbs
5.33
bf / board
5.33
total bf
1
pieces
$5.48
$ / piece
$5.48
total cost
$1.03
$ / board ft
Material List
Use the calculator above, then click "Add to List" to build a material list.
Nominal vs Actual Size
2x4
Actual: 1.5" x 3.5"
Dashed = nominal label size | Solid = actual finished size
| Nominal | Actual Size | SPF Wt/ft | Board Ft/ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2x4 | 1.5" x 3.5" | 1.10 lbs | 0.67 |
| 2x6 | 1.5" x 5.5" | 1.70 lbs | 1.00 |
| 2x8 | 1.5" x 7.25" | 2.30 lbs | 1.33 |
| 2x10 | 1.5" x 9.25" | 2.90 lbs | 1.67 |
| 2x12 | 1.5" x 11.25" | 3.50 lbs | 2.00 |
| 4x4 | 3.5" x 3.5" | 2.40 lbs | 1.33 |
| 4x6 | 3.5" x 5.5" | 3.80 lbs | 2.00 |
| 6x6 | 5.5" x 5.5" | 6.00 lbs | 3.00 |
Truck Loading — 2x4x8' SPF
| Truck Type | Payload | Approx. Pieces |
|---|---|---|
| Half-ton pickup | 1,000 lbs | ~113 |
| 3/4-ton pickup | 1,500 lbs | ~170 |
| 1-ton pickup | 2,500 lbs | ~284 |
How to Use This Dimensional Lumber Chart
-
Choose lumber species
Switch between SPF framing lumber and pressure-treated lumber to reflect interior framing vs exterior or ground-contact work. Treated pieces show higher weight per foot to account for preservative and moisture content. -
Select size and enter length
Pick a standard size from the dropdown (such as 2x4 or 2x10) and enter the actual length in feet. The chart supports common stud and joist lengths like 8’, 10’, 12’, and 16’, as well as custom lengths for cut pieces and off-cuts. -
Set quantity and price per piece Enter how many pieces you plan to buy and the current price per piece from your lumber yard. The calculator outputs total cost, board feet, and the derived price per board foot so you can plug numbers straight into bids or material takeoffs.
-
Review weight, board feet, and cost
The results panel shows weight per foot, total weight, board feet per board, and total board feet and cost for the quantity you entered. This is useful for planning truck loads, elevator moves, and deliveries on tight job sites. -
Use the nominal vs actual visual
The visual overlay draws a dashed box for the nominal size and a solid box for the actual finished size so you can quickly see how much smaller the material is than the label suggests. This is helpful when laying out tight framing or working with finishes where every fraction of an inch matters.
Quick Reference: Common Dimensional Lumber Sizes
Contractors often just need a fast check for the most common framing sizes. This table summarizes the standard dimensional lumber sizes, actual dimensions, and typical weights per foot for SPF and pressure-treated stock.
| Nominal | Actual (inches) | Weight/ft (SPF) | Weight/ft (treated) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2x4 | 1.5 × 3.5 | 1.1 lbs | 1.25 lbs | Studs, plates, blocking |
| 2x6 | 1.5 × 5.5 | 1.7 lbs | 1.95 lbs | Floor joists, rafters, tall walls |
| 2x8 | 1.5 × 7.25 | 2.3 lbs | 2.6 lbs | Joists, ledgers, headers |
| 2x10 | 1.5 × 9.25 | 2.9 lbs | 3.3 lbs | Floor systems, beams, stair stringers |
| 2x12 | 1.5 × 11.25 | 3.5 lbs | 4.0 lbs | Main beams, long-span joists |
| 4x4 | 3.5 × 3.5 | 2.4 lbs | 2.7 lbs | Deck posts, porch columns |
Truck Loading and Job-Site Planning
Knowing how many pieces you can safely haul is as important as knowing the right size. The interactive truck loading table in the chart above updates automatically when you change the lumber size, length, or species so you can see approximate piece counts for half-ton, 3/4-ton, and 1-ton pickups. Use the material list builder to combine multiple sizes and compare the grand total weight against your vehicle’s payload rating.
Practical Tips When Reading Lumber Size Charts
- Check actual dimensions, not just nominal, before cutting or laying out critical spans.
- Remember that pressure-treated lumber is heavier and may stay wet longer, affecting handling and fastener choices.
- When pricing, track board feet as well as piece count so you can compare quotes from different yards.
- For structural design and code-compliant spans, use this dimensional lumber chart together with span tables from local building codes and engineered lumber manufacturers.
- Use the fraction to decimal chart to convert actual dimensions (like 1-1/2” and 3-1/2”) to decimal inches for layout calculations.
Related Tools
- Concrete Slab Calculator — Estimate concrete volume for footings and slabs where lumber forms and stakes are part of the prep work.
- Drywall Calculator — Calculate drywall sheets and materials for walls framed with the studs and plates listed in this chart.
- Roofing Calculator — Estimate shingle bundles for roofs framed with the rafters, joists, and sheathing boards shown above.
- Flooring Calculator — Plan flooring over subfloor systems built on the joist sizes listed in this chart.
- Fraction to Decimal Chart — Convert the fractional actual dimensions in this chart (1-1/2”, 3-1/2”, etc.) to decimal inches for precise calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straightforward answers to common questions about dimensional lumber sizes, nominal vs actual measurements, lumber weight, board feet, and pricing.
What is a dimensional lumber size chart?
Why is a 2x4 actually 1.5x3.5 inches?
How much does a 2x4 weigh?
How do I calculate board feet for framing lumber?
What is the difference between SPF and pressure-treated lumber?
How can I tell how much lumber my truck can safely carry?
Dimensional Lumber Size Chart
Easy lumber size chart showing nominal vs actual dimensions, weights, and board feet for common framing sizes. Use the built-in calculator to check lumber weight, truck load, and cost by size, species, and custom length.
Printable Lumber Size Chart (Nominal vs Actual)
Use the print button on the chart above, or press Ctrl+P to print this page as a reference sheet.