Handy Wood Size Chart

By Author: Cedar Creek Woodshop
Total Articles: 7
Comment this article

Nominal Size - Refers to the size of a piece of lumber before it is dressed
and seasoned. It is used to designate a particular size piece of lumber,
such as 2x4, 2x6, etc.




Actual Size - Refers to minimum acceptable size after it has been
dressed and seasoned. A nominal 2x4 can have a minimum actual size of
1.5 in. x 3.5 in. When referring to a specific piece of lumber, the nominal
size is used.





Size Chart For Framing Lumber






Nominal Size


Actual Size



2 x 2

1 1/2 x 1 1/2



2 x 3

1 1/2 x 2 1/2


2 x 4
1 1/2 x 3 1/2


2 x 6
1 1/2 x 5 1/2


2 x 8
1 1/2 x 7 1/4


2 x 10
1 1/2 x 9 1/4


2 x 12
1 1/2 x 11 1/4


4 x 4
3 1/2 x 3 1/2


4 x 6
3 1/2 x 5 1/2


4 x 10
3 1/2 x 9 1/4


6 ...
... x 6
5 1/2 x 5 1/2






Boards




Nominal Size
Actual Size


1 x 2
3/4 x 1 1/2


1 x 3
3/4 x 2 1/2


1 x 4
3/4 x 3 1/2


1 x 5
3/4 x 4 1/2


1 x 6
3/4 x 5 1/2


1 x 8
3/4 x 7 1/4


1 x 10
3/4 x 9 1/4


1 x 12
3/4 x 11 1/4


About the Author None