Home About Resources Contact Plans

Woodworking Reference Tools

Essential calculators, charts, tables, and quick reference materials. Everything you need to work efficiently and accurately in your workshop.

Board Feet Calculator

Calculator Measurement Beginner
Board feet calculation
Purpose: Calculate board feet for lumber pricing
Inputs: Length, width, thickness
Output: Board feet and cost estimate
Formula: (L × W × T) ÷ 144

Calculate Board Feet

Board Feet: 0
Cost Estimate: $0.00

How to Use

  1. Enter the length in inches (e.g., 96 for 8 feet)
  2. Enter the width in inches (e.g., 6 for 6 inches)
  3. Enter the thickness in inches (e.g., 0.75 for 3/4 inch)
  4. Enter the price per board foot
  5. Click Calculate to see results

Common Lumber Sizes

  • 1×4: 0.75" × 3.5"
  • 1×6: 0.75" × 5.5"
  • 1×8: 0.75" × 7.25"
  • 2×4: 1.5" × 3.5"
  • 2×6: 1.5" × 5.5"

Tips

  • Actual dimensions are smaller than nominal sizes
  • Account for waste when calculating project needs
  • Consider buying extra for mistakes and future projects
  • Prices vary by species, grade, and supplier

Measurement Conversion Charts

Charts Measurement Beginner
Measurement conversion charts
Purpose: Convert between measurement systems
Systems: Imperial, Metric, Fractions
Format: Quick reference tables
Use: Project planning and execution

Common Conversions

Fractions to Decimals
1/16"=0.0625"
1/8"=0.125"
3/16"=0.1875"
1/4"=0.25"
5/16"=0.3125"
3/8"=0.375"
7/16"=0.4375"
1/2"=0.5"
Inches to Millimeters
1/4"=6.35 mm
1/2"=12.7 mm
3/4"=19.05 mm
1"=25.4 mm
2"=50.8 mm
3"=76.2 mm
4"=101.6 mm
6"=152.4 mm
Feet to Inches
1'=12"
2'=24"
3'=36"
4'=48"
5'=60"
6'=72"
8'=96"
10'=120"
Common Wood Thicknesses
1/4"=6 mm
3/8"=10 mm
1/2"=12 mm
5/8"=16 mm
3/4"=19 mm
1"=25 mm
1-1/4"=32 mm
1-1/2"=38 mm

How to Use

  • Find the measurement you're converting from
  • Read across to find the equivalent in other units
  • Use for project planning and material ordering
  • Keep a copy in your workshop for quick reference

Tips

  • Memorize common fractions (1/4, 1/2, 3/4)
  • Use metric for precision, imperial for common sizes
  • Always double-check critical measurements
  • Consider using digital calipers for precise work

Joinery Reference Guide

Charts Joinery Intermediate
Joinery reference guide
Purpose: Quick reference for joint dimensions
Joints: Dado, rabbet, mortise, tenon
Format: Tables and diagrams
Use: Layout and cutting

Joint Dimensions

Dado Joints
Stock ThicknessDado WidthDado Depth
1/4"1/4"1/8"
3/8"3/8"3/16"
1/2"1/2"1/4"
3/4"3/4"3/8"
1"1"1/2"
Rabbet Joints
Stock ThicknessRabbet WidthRabbet Depth
1/4"1/8"1/8"
3/8"3/16"3/16"
1/2"1/4"1/4"
3/4"3/8"3/8"
1"1/2"1/2"
Mortise & Tenon
Stock WidthTenon WidthTenon Length
2"1"1"
3"1-1/2"1-1/4"
4"2"1-1/2"
6"3"2"
8"4"2-1/2"
Dovetail Angles
ApplicationAngleRatio
Softwoods1:8
Hardwoods1:7
Drawers10°1:6
Decorative12°1:5
Boxes14°1:4

How to Use

  • Find your stock thickness in the left column
  • Read across to find recommended joint dimensions
  • Use these as starting points for your joints
  • Adjust based on your specific project needs

Tips

  • Always test on scrap wood first
  • Account for saw kerf in your measurements
  • Use sharp tools for clean, accurate cuts
  • Consider wood movement in your design
  • Ready to Use These Tools?

    Now that you have the reference materials, put them to work with our woodworking plans designed to practice these techniques.

    Browse Woodworking Plans