This cubic-to-linear calculator converts between volume and length for timber of a known cross-section, in metric units. It answers the two questions merchants and makers swap between constantly: how many linear metres are in a cubic metre of a given section, and how much volume a length of stock represents.
Linking volume and length
For a board of fixed width and thickness, volume and length are directly proportional. The cross-sectional area (width × thickness) is the link: linear metres = volume ÷ cross-sectional area, and volume = length × cross-sectional area. The calculator does this both ways, so you can price timber sold by the cubic metre against a project measured in running metres.
Because timber is often sold wholesale by volume (per cubic metre) but used by length (running metres), being able to convert quickly stops you over- or under-ordering, and lets you compare suppliers who quote in different units.
Keeping sections consistent
The conversion is only as good as the cross-section you feed it. Use the actual finished dimensions of the timber, not the nominal label, and keep all measurements in the same metric units. A small error in width or thickness scales straight through to the volume.
How many linear metres are in 1 m³ of 100 mm × 50 mm timber?
- Cross-section = 0.10 m × 0.05 m = 0.005 m².
- Linear metres = 1 m³ ÷ 0.005 m² = 200 m.
One cubic metre of 100×50 timber contains 200 linear metres.
