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/// Deck-board takeoff

Decking Calculator for Board Count and Linear Feet

Use this decking calculator to estimate board rows, total linear feet, and whole stock boards from deck length, deck width, actual board face width, gap, and stock length. ProjectQty accounts for the fact that n boards create only n − 1 gaps, then applies your cutting allowance and rounds the final purchase quantity up to whole boards.

Content reviewed Jul 15, 2026 · Source records reviewed through Jul 15, 2026

01

Deck and board dimensions

Enter the actual board face width and planned gap. The estimate assumes boards run along the entered deck length.

ftExample starting measurement — replace it with your field measurement.
ftExample starting measurement — replace it with your field measurement.
inRequired — enter the value from the exact product label or current technical sheet. ProjectQty does not guess this value.Board Width must be greater than zero.
inRequired — enter the value from the exact product label or current technical sheet. ProjectQty does not guess this value.Gap must be greater than zero.
ftRequired — enter the value from the exact product label or current technical sheet. ProjectQty does not guess this value.Board Length must be greater than zero.
%Required — enter a project-specific planning value and verify it before ordering. ProjectQty does not apply an unsupported default.
USDOptional — enter your current local price per board.
View current estimate

/// Answer-first planning notes

How many deck boards and linear feet do I need?

Deck-board inputs and verification points
Planning inputCalculation roleProject check
Deck length and widthDefine the board run and the number of rowsMeasure the finished deck surface
Actual board face widthCombines with the gap to determine row spacingUse the selected product's actual width
Board gapn boards create only n − 1 gapsFollow the selected product and layout requirements
Stock board lengthConverts total row length into whole purchasable boardsConfirm available supplier lengths
Cutting allowanceApplies before the final whole-board roundingAdjust for the actual layout and cuts
Source-backed fact

ProjectQty uses the international foot for imperial-to-metric conversion; one international foot equals exactly 0.3048 meters.

Evidence: National Institute of Standards and Technology · NOAA National Geodetic Survey

/// Formula & field notes

How this decking estimate works

FormulaBoard rows = (deck width + one gap) ÷ (board width + gap), rounded up because n boards contain only n − 1 gaps. Stock boards = row length × rows × waste ÷ stock length, rounded up.

Worked example

A 12 × 10 ft deck using 5½ in boards, ⅛ in gaps, 12 ft stock, and 10% waste plans 25 deck boards.

/// Source trail

Data & assumptions

Every source has a declared scope. A reference can support a conversion or product assumption without turning this estimate into a supplier quote.

National Institute of Standards and Technology · Primary evidenceNIST Guide to the SI, Appendix B: Conversion Factors

Exact international-foot to meter conversion; U.S. survey-foot conversion is explicitly outside this claim.

Effective 2025-08-18 · Reviewed 2026-07-15 · Next review 2027-07-15
NOAA National Geodetic Survey · Prequalified fallbackThe DSDATA Format, Appendix D: U.S. Survey Foot vs International Foot

Independent confirmation that one international foot equals exactly 0.3048 meters; U.S. survey-foot conversion remains distinct.

Effective 2025-06-10 · Reviewed 2026-07-15 · Next review 2027-07-15

/// Common questions

Decking calculator FAQ

What should I verify before ordering decking?

Confirm field dimensions and actual board width, gap, direction, and stock length against the exact product or supplier information. ProjectQty shows the assumptions so you can replace planning defaults before ordering whole boards.

How does waste affect the decking estimate?

Waste is applied after the base geometry is calculated and before discrete packages or pieces are rounded up. Use a higher allowance for complex layouts, cuts, pattern matching, breakage, or uncertain field dimensions.

Is this decking result a professional design?

No. It is a quantity-planning result. Framing, spans, loads, guards, stairs, foundations, fastening, ventilation, and permits require approved project design.

/// Keep planning

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