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The Actual Size of a 2×4. For example, a 2×4 board is actually 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″. The board is advertised and sold using nominal dimensions, which are a bit larger than the actual dimensions.
The typical nominal dimensions for wood, such as 2 x 4, refer to the thickness and the width of the wood. If a third number is added onto the nominal dimensions, such as 2 x 4 x 96, it indicates the length of the wood.
The actual size of a standard 2×4 is 1.5″x3.5″. Therefore, when you’re planning a construction project that involves several 2x4s, you need to make sure you use the actual dimensions and not the dimensions that are commonly used to describe these boards, i.e. 2″x4″.
A 2×4 is 3½ inches wide after it has undergone sanding and has been smoothened. After being cut and in raw condition, a 2×4 is approximately 4 inches wide. How long is a 2×4? A 2×4 is usually 8 feet long. This is the same length as a sheet of plywood or drywall. There are also 2×4 that are 92 ⅝” long, or roughly 7.7 feet.
Most lumber is sold in “nominal” (in name only) sizes. But these sizes are not the actual dimensions of the wood. The chart below shows the actual dimensions of lumber when it is dry (when wet, it will be slightly larger). This handy chart will help you translate the nominal into the actual (dry).
A 2×4 is actually 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches, so it’s a half-inch thick. A 2×4 is not actually 2×4 because a “2” and a “4” are next to each other on the board (1+1=2). How much smaller is nominal size lumber than actual size lumber? Nominal size lumber is the size of a piece of lumber that is measured in inches.
2x4 and 2x6 boards lose 1/2 inch in thickness and 1/2 inch in width before leaving the mill. That means a 2 x 4 board is actually 1-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches. The larger 2x boards (2x8, 2x10, etc.) lose 3/4 inch in width.
Today, a 2×4 is actually 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches. These dimensions are widely recognized and used in construction projects around the world. The nominal sizing system simplifies communication and design, ensuring that when someone asks for a 2×4, everyone knows the actual size to expect. Conclusion.
Here's everything you need to know about 2x4 lumber! What are the actual dimensions of a 2x4, the best saw to cut 2 by 4 wood, what screws to use in a 2x4 and project ideas to get you started!
For example, a 2×4 actual dimensions measure 1-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches. The actual size of a 2×4 is a ½ inch smaller than its nominal dimensions. Keep in mind that the actual size of a piece of lumber is anywhere from ¼ inch to ¾ inch less than the nominal size.