Lumber is cut to a standard length, width, and depth. However, there is a difference between nominal and actual lumber dimensions.
The standard for converting nominal to actual dimensions is as follows:
- Subtract ¼ inches for dimensions under 2 inches
- Subtract ½ inches for dimensions from 2 inches to 8 inches
- Subtract ¾ inches for dimensions equal to or larger than 8 inches
For quick reference, use the following tables to determine the actual lumber dimensions based on the nominal size.
Standard 1 x Lumber
|
Nominal Size (inches) |
Actual Size (inches) |
|
1 x 2 |
¾ x 1 ½ |
|
1 x 3 |
¾ x 2 ½ |
|
1 x 4 |
¾ x 3 ½ |
| 1 x 6 |
¾ x 5 ½ |
| 1 x 8 |
¾ x 7 ¼ |
| 1 x 10 |
¾ x 9 ¼ |
| 1 x 12 |
¾ x 11 ¼ |
Standard 2 x Lumber
|
Nominal Size (inches) |
Actual Size (inches) |
|
2 x 2 |
1 ½ x 1 ½ |
|
2 x 3 |
1 ½ x 2 ½ |
|
2 x 4 |
1 ½ x 3 ½ |
| 2 x 6 |
1 ½ x 5 ½ |
| 2 x 8 |
1 ½ x 7 ¼ |
| 2 x 10 |
1 ½ x 9 ¼ |
| 2 x 12 |
1 ½ x 11 ¼ |
Standard 3 x Lumber
|
Nominal Size (inches) |
Actual Size (inches) |
|
3 x 3 |
2 ½ x 2 ½ |
|
3 x 4 |
2 ½ x 3 ½ |
| 3 x 6 |
2 ½ x 5 ½ |
| 3 x 8 |
2 ½ x 7 ¼ |
| 3 x 10 |
2 ½ x 9 ¼ |
| 3 x 12 |
2 ½ x 11 ¼ |
Standard 4 x Lumber
|
Nominal Size (inches) |
Actual Size (inches) |
|
4 x 4 |
3 ½ x 3 ½ |
|
4 x 6 |
3 ½ x 5 ½ |
| 4 x 8 |
3 ½ x 7 ¼ |
| 4 x 10 |
3 ½ x 9 ¼ |
| 4 x 12 |
3 ½ x 11 ¼ |
Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Bitsey
Thursday 2nd of February 2017
P.S. I LOVE coffee too!
Bitsey
Thursday 2nd of February 2017
I nerded out with you! I love your lilting commentary. The information is thorough, helpful, and your humor is delightful. Thank you for sharing your everyday life ideas. :)