Carpentry & Lumber Calculators
Plan woodworking and carpentry projects: deck boards, joists and screws, stair layouts that meet code, board feet for hardwood purchases and baseboard trim for any room.
- Baseboard CalculatorFind out how much baseboard, quarter round or shoe molding you need.
- Board Feet CalculatorCalculate board feet for hardwood and lumber.
- Deck CalculatorWork out the decking boards, joists and screws for a new deck.
- Stair CalculatorLay out a straight staircase from the total rise.
Nominal vs actual sizes
Lumber is sold by nominal size, but the real board is smaller: a 2×6 measures about 1½ × 5½ in. Use actual sizes for layout (like deck board spacing) and nominal sizes when a supplier prices by the board foot.
Check your local code
Stairs and decks are structural. Riser height, tread depth, guard rails and joist spans are set by building codes, so confirm the requirements with your local building department before you build.