Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
com
Search ...
c Materials & Systems >> Wood / Plastic / Composites >> Dimensional Lumber Sizes: Nominal vs. Actual
Dimensional lumber is cut to a specific length, width, and depth. However, there is a difference between the nominal
size (what the lumber is referred to) and the actual size. The tables below provide both the nominal and actual sizes so
many common North American lumber sizes.
Table of Contents
Archtoolbox Products
Softwood Lumber Dimensions
Softwood lumber is generally used for framing walls and floors. In the United States, softwood lumber is governed by
the National Institute of Standards American Softwood Lumber Standard (PS 20).
North American Standard 2-by Lumber Wood Veneer Matching - End Matching
2x8 1 1/2 x 7 1/4 38 x 184 FF and FL Numbers - Floor Flatness and Leve
https://www.archtoolbox.com/materials-systems/wood-plastic-composites/dimensional-lumber-sizes-nominal-vs-actual.html 1/6
28/3/2018 Dimensional Lumber Sizes: Nominal vs. Actual - archtoolbox.com
https://www.archtoolbox.com/materials-systems/wood-plastic-composites/dimensional-lumber-sizes-nominal-vs-actual.html 2/6
28/3/2018 Dimensional Lumber Sizes: Nominal vs. Actual - archtoolbox.com
In North America, hardwood lumber is usually specified using the quarter system, where a board is identified by its
thickness in quarters of an inch. For instance, hardwood trim that ends up being just over 1" thick (surfaced on 2 sides)
is called a five-quarter (5/4) board.
Hardwood board widths vary. In most cases, hardwood boards come in random widths to be ripped to size by the
woodworker. However, in some cases, like the big-box hardware stores, the boards come in dimensional widths similar
to softwood widths. It is advisable to check with your contractor or lumber supplier before finalizing design details so you
aren't surprised by what you receive.
– 1/2 inch 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) 5/16 inch (7.9 mm)
– 5/8 inch 1/2 inch (13 mm) 7/16 inch (11 mm)
– 3/4 inch 5/8 inch (16 mm) 9/16 inch (14 mm)
4/4 inch 1 inch 7/8 inch (22 mm) 13/16 inch (21 mm)
5/4 inch 1 1/4 inch 1 1/8 inch (29 mm) 1 1/16 inch (27 mm)
6/4 inch 1 1/2 inch 1 3/8 inch (35 mm) 1 5/16 inch (33 mm)
8/4 inch 2 inches 1 13/16 inch (46 mm) 1 3/4 inch (44 mm)
12/4 inch 3 inches 2 13/16 inch (71 mm) 2 3/4 inch (70 mm)
16/4 inch 4 inches 3 13/16 inch (97 mm) 3 3/4 inch (95 mm)
https://www.archtoolbox.com/materials-systems/wood-plastic-composites/dimensional-lumber-sizes-nominal-vs-actual.html 3/6
28/3/2018 Dimensional Lumber Sizes: Nominal vs. Actual - archtoolbox.com
3" 2 1/2"
8" 6 3/4"
10" 8 3/4"
12" 10 3/4"
14" 12 1/4"
16" 14 1/4"
Lumber Manufacturers
The links below will take you to Archimat, our building product directory, which hosts a list of manufacturers.
H Help make archtoolbox better. If you found an error or out of date information in this article, please let us know.
Archtoolbox Monthly Newsletter: Website updates, industry news, career growth, and more. Sign up now!
Signup Now
https://www.archtoolbox.com/materials-systems/wood-plastic-composites/dimensional-lumber-sizes-nominal-vs-actual.html 4/6
28/3/2018 Dimensional Lumber Sizes: Nominal vs. Actual - archtoolbox.com
More Information Display and/or use of the information contained within this site constitutes acc
the Terms of Service.
About Archtoolbox
Contact It is important that all local codes and standards are adhered to. Please consul
professional architect, engineer, consultant, or agency for advice about specific
Advertise on Archtoolbox buildings, conditions, codes, and/or regulations.
Terms and Privacy Info
Archlinks News
Archimat: Manufacturers
Site Map
https://www.archtoolbox.com/materials-systems/wood-plastic-composites/dimensional-lumber-sizes-nominal-vs-actual.html 5/6
28/3/2018 Dimensional Lumber Sizes: Nominal vs. Actual - archtoolbox.com
https://www.archtoolbox.com/materials-systems/wood-plastic-composites/dimensional-lumber-sizes-nominal-vs-actual.html 6/6