Common Lumber Dimensions
Nominal vs. Actual Lumber Dimensions
Lumber sizes are usually given in "nominal" measurements. The nominal measurements are a board's size before it has been planed smooth (surfaced) on all 4 sides. The actual measurements are the final size. Actual sizes may vary slightly due to the moisture content.
| Nominal Size |
Actual Size |
Nominal Size |
Actual Size |
Nominal Size |
Actual Size |
| 1x2 |
3/4" x 1-1/2" |
2x2 |
1-1/2" x 1-1/2" |
4x4 |
3-1/2" x 3-1/2" |
| 1x3 |
3/4" x 2-1/2" |
2x3 |
1-1/2" x 2-1/2" |
4x6 |
3-1/2" x 5-1/2" |
| 1x4 |
3/4" x 3-1/2" |
2x4 |
1-1/2" x 3-1/2" |
6x6 |
5-1/2" x 5-1/2" |
| 1x5 |
3/4" x 4-1/2" |
2x6 |
1-1/2" x 5-1/2" |
5/4x6 |
1" x 5-1/2" |
| 1x6 |
3/4" x 5-1/2" |
2x8 |
1-1/2" x 7-1/4" |
8x8 |
7-1/4" x 7-1/4" |
| 1x8 |
3/4" x 7-1/4" |
2x10 |
1-1/2" x 9-1/4" |
| 1x10 |
3/4" x 9-1/4" |
2x12 |
1-1/2" x 11-1/4" |
| 1x12 |
3/4" x 11-1/4" |
