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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 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. Actual Lumber Size Table. The table below shows the actual size versus the nominal size of various dimensional lumber products.
This chart shows the nominal (in name only) and corresponding actual (real) dimensions of common wood sizes like 2×4 dimensions and 1×4 lumber. Note: You can download and print the chart from Additional Information below.
When buying lumber, the nominal measurements differ from the actual measurements (so your 2x4 doesn't actually measure 2x4). Learn more.
A common 2×4 for example, is actually 1.5 inches thick by 3.5 inches wide. Hardwood lumber is a bit more complex. Nominal sizes often only indicate thickness, and the wood may be surfaced on one or two sides (S1S or S2S) which further reduces the size.
Dimensional lumber is cut to a specific length, width, and depth. However, there is a difference between the nominal size (what the lumber is referred to) and the actual size. The tables below provide both the nominal and actual lumber dimensions for many common North American lumber sizes.
Dimensional lumber has two size categories for width and thickness: nominal size and actual size. Dimensional lumber is wood lumber cut to pre-defined, standard sizes. A two-by-four (2x4) is an example of dimensional lumber.