Handy Wood Size Chart

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



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