Actual size of a 2x6
| Nominal | Actual size | Actual size (mm) | End area (actual) | Board feet per linear foot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2x6 | 1-1/2" x 5-1/2" | 38 x 140 mm | 8.25 sq in | 1 |
That dressed size is set by the American Softwood Lumber Standard (PS 20). Lumber 2 to 6 inches wide loses 1/2 inch off its nominal width, and the 2 inch thickness comes down to 1-1/2 inches. Length is left alone, so an 8 ft 2x6 is a full 8 feet.
Board feet in a 2x6
Board feet go by the nominal size: 2 × 6 × length in feet ÷ 12. That lands a 2x6 at exactly 1 board foot per linear foot. Count the length in feet and you already have the board feet.
| Length | Board feet |
|---|---|
| 8 ft | 8.00 |
| 10 ft | 10.00 |
| 12 ft | 12.00 |
| 14 ft | 14.00 |
| 16 ft | 16.00 |
A 12 ft 2x6 works out to 2 × 6 × 12 ÷ 12 = 12 board feet. Pay $9 for it and you are paying $0.75 a board foot. Run a 2x4 or 2x8 through the lumber cost calculator the same way and you can see which one is the better buy.
2x6 compared with its neighbors
| Size | Actual size | End area | Board feet per ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2x4 | 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" | 5.25 sq in | 0.667 |
| 2x6 | 1-1/2" x 5-1/2" | 8.25 sq in | 1 |
| 2x8 | 1-1/2" x 7-1/4" | 10.88 sq in | 1.333 |
| 2x10 | 1-1/2" x 9-1/4" | 13.88 sq in | 1.667 |
A 2x6 gives you about 57% more end area than a 2x4, 8.25 against 5.25 square inches, at the same thickness. That extra depth is what stiffens a board across a gap. How far it can actually span is a separate question, and it rides on species, grade, spacing and load. Pull the span tables in your local code, and ask the building department or an engineer before you trust a board with anything structural.
Common lengths
You will find 2x6s in 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 ft lengths, and some yards stock longer. Before you buy, sight down the edge and look for twist, crown and bow. A board stamped KD or S-DRY has already been dried down, so it moves and shrinks less once it is in place.
See the full list of sizes on the lumber dimensions chart, and what a board foot is for the unit behind the table.
Frequently asked questions
What is the actual size of a 2x6?
1-1/2 by 5-1/2 inches, or about 38 by 140 mm.
How many board feet are in a 2x6x8?
8 board feet. A 2x6 is 1 board foot per linear foot, so the board feet equal the length in feet.
Why is a 2x6 only 5-1/2 inches wide?
The name is the rough sawn size. Drying and planing take about 1/2 inch from the width and thickness.
Is a 2x6 the same as 2 inches by 6 inches?
No. That is the nominal size. The real board is 1-1/2 by 5-1/2 inches.