How many boards in 1 m³ and how to calculate cubic metres
The number of boards in 1 m³ is 1 divided by the volume of one board: pieces = 1 ÷ (thickness × width × length in metres). For example, a 25x100 mm board 6 m long is 0.015 m³, so 1 m³ holds 66.7 boards, i.e. 66 whole boards, while 50x100 beams of the same length give 33 pieces. Below: the formula, examples, a table for all our sizes and square metres for floor, decking and cladding boards.
The formula
Sawn timber is sold by the cubic metre (m³), so first find the volume of one piece. Convert every dimension to metres: 25 mm = 0.025 m, 150 mm = 0.15 m.
- Volume of one piece (m³) = thickness × width × length (m);
- Pieces per 1 m³ = 1 ÷ volume of one piece;
- Total volume = number of pieces × volume of one piece.
The result is rarely a whole number. If you need at least 1 m³, round up; if you want to know how many whole pieces fit into a cubic metre, round down.
Worked examples
Example 1: 50x150 beams, 6 m
0.05 × 0.15 × 6 = 0.045 m³ per piece. 1 ÷ 0.045 = 22.2, so 22 beams make 0.99 m³ and 23 beams make 1.035 m³.
Example 2: 40 beams 50x100, 3.6 m
0.05 × 0.1 × 3.6 = 0.018 m³; 40 × 0.018 = 0.72 m³. Our minimum order for sawn timber is 1 m³; if your total is lower, call +371 29568256 to discuss options.
Example 3: price per piece
If the price is per m³, price per piece = price per m³ × volume of the piece. A 100x100 beam 3 m long is 0.03 m³, so it costs 3% of the cubic metre price.
Table: pieces per 1 m³
The table covers all standard cross-sections we saw ourselves at our own mill in Latvia; fresh-sawn, antiseptic-treated and pressure-treated boards and beams come in the same sizes. Figures have one decimal; the whole-piece count is the number without the decimal. 25x50 and 50x50 are available in 3 m only.
| Size, mm | 1 pc 3 m, m³ | Pcs per 1 m³ (3 m) | Pcs per 1 m³ (6 m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25x50 | 0.00375 | 266.7 | — |
| 25x100 | 0.0075 | 133.3 | 66.7 |
| 25x150 | 0.01125 | 88.9 | 44.4 |
| 32x100 | 0.0096 | 104.2 | 52.1 |
| 40x100 | 0.012 | 83.3 | 41.7 |
| 50x50 | 0.0075 | 133.3 | — |
| 50x100 | 0.015 | 66.7 | 33.3 |
| 50x150 | 0.0225 | 44.4 | 22.2 |
| 50x200 | 0.03 | 33.3 | 16.7 |
| 50x250 | 0.0375 | 26.7 | 13.3 |
| 50x300 | 0.045 | 22.2 | 11.1 |
| 75x150 | 0.03375 | 29.6 | 14.8 |
| 75x200 | 0.045 | 22.2 | 11.1 |
| 100x100 | 0.03 | 33.3 | 16.7 |
| 100x150 | 0.045 | 22.2 | 11.1 |
| 100x200 | 0.06 | 16.7 | 8.3 |
| 100x250 | 0.075 | 13.3 | 6.7 |
| 150x150 | 0.0675 | 14.8 | 7.4 |
| 150x200 | 0.09 | 11.1 | 5.6 |
| 200x200 | 0.12 | 8.3 | 4.2 |
| 200x300 | 0.18 | 5.6 | 2.8 |
| 300x300 | 0.27 | 3.7 | 1.9 |
| 350x400 | 0.42 | 2.4 | 1.2 |
| 400x400 | 0.48 | 2.1 | 1.0 |
For other lengths (3.6 and 4.8 m, some boards also 4.2 m) use the same formula or the calculator on the fresh-sawn boards and beams page.
Square metres: floor, decking and cladding boards
Floor boards, decking and cladding are sold per m², because coverage is what matters. Area of one board = width × length (m); boards needed = area ÷ area of one board.
| Boards | Size, mm | 1 board 3 m, m² | Pcs per 1 m² (3 m) | Pcs per 1 m² (4.8 m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| floor boards | 30x92 / 35x92 | 0.276 | 3.6 | 2.3 |
| decking boards | 35x95 | 0.285 | 3.5 | 2.2 |
| decking boards | 35x145 | 0.435 | 2.3 | 1.4 |
| cladding boards | 14x94 / 16x94 | 0.282 | 3.5 | 2.2 |
| cladding boards | 17x145 | 0.435 | 2.3 | 1.4 |
Example: a 20 m² deck with 35x145 boards, 3 m: 0.145 × 3 = 0.435 m²; 20 ÷ 0.435 = 46 boards. Add 5–10% for cutting, which gives about 49–51 boards. With tongue-and-groove boards the visible width after fitting is slightly less than nominal, while gaps on a deck slightly reduce the count.
From m² to m³: volume = area × thickness (m). 20 m² of 35 mm boards is 0.7 m³, and 1 m³ of 25 mm boards covers 40 m². See sizes and prices: floor boards, decking boards, cladding boards.
Our calculator does it for you
On each product page choose thickness, width and length and enter the quantity in pieces, m³ or m²; the calculator instantly shows pieces per m³ or m², total amount, approximate weight and price, with VAT for private buyers and without VAT for companies. The PDF invoice arrives by e-mail straight away, and we deliver with our own truck in Riga and the surrounding area (delivery) or prepare the order for pickup at Vējstūru iela 3.
FAQ
How many 25x100 boards are in 1 m³?
At 6 m, 66.7 (66 whole boards); at 3 m, 133.3 (133 whole).
How many 50x100 beams make a cubic metre?
At 6 m, 33.3 pieces; at 3 m, 66.7 pieces.
How many 100x100 beams are in 1 m³?
At 6 m, 16.7; at 3 m, 33.3 pieces.
What does 1 m³ of timber cost?
It depends on the treatment: fresh-sawn, antiseptic-treated or pressure-treated. The current price per m³ and per piece is shown instantly in the calculator on the product page.
How do I convert m² to m³?
Multiply the area by the thickness in metres: 10 m² × 0.03 m = 0.3 m³. All sizes are in sawn timber.