Handy Lumber 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

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

►Reprint Rights◄

Log in to become a member of cedarcreekwoodshop's Fan Club!

Comments on this article:

» left by Anonymous (1 year 244 days ago.)

Exactly what I was looking for.
Respond to this comment

» left by Roman (1 year 140 days ago.)

yes, very helpful , consider doing the same thing in metric
Respond to this comment

Was this article helpful to you? Leave a Public Comment or Question: