Softwood Lumber Size Chart

Nominal size in lumber refers to the idea that a piece of lumber is first cut to a size and then as it is prepared for use, it is still called by that original size. Planing will reduce the actual dimension as will reducing the moisture content (drying). This is why a 2x4 does not really measure a full two inches by a full 4 inches. Final sizes vary for different species and grades of wood. The following is a general chart to help in the selection of your material.

 

SOFTWOOD LUMBER SIZES (Inches)

(Nominal Size)

MINIMUM DRESSED SIZES

Unseasoned (green)

Seasoned (dry)

Softwood Lumber
1x2
25/32 x 1-9/16
3/4 x 1-1/2
1x3
25/32 x 2-9/16
3/4 x 2-1/2
1x4
25/32 x 3-9/16
3/4 x 3-1/2
1x5
25/32 x 4-9/16
3/4 x 4-1/2
1x6
25/32 x 5-5/8
3/4 x 5-1/2
1x8
25/32 x 7-1/2
3/4 x 7-1/4
1x10
25/32 x 9-1/2
3/4 x 9-1/4
1x12
25/32 x 11-1/2
3/4 x 11-1/4
5/4 x 2
1-3/16 x 1-9/16
1-1/8 x 1-1/2
5/4x3
1-3/16 x 2-9/16
1-1/8 x 2-1/2
5/4x4
1-3/16 x 3-9/16
1-1/8 x 3-1/2
5/4x6
1-3/16 x 5-9/16
1-1/8 x 5-1/2
5/4x8
1-3/16 x 7-1/2
1-1/8 x 7-1/4
5/4x10
1-3/16 x 9-1/2
1-1/8 x 9-1/4
5/4x12
1-3/16 x 11-1/2
1-1/8 x 11-1/4
2x2
1-9/16 x 1-9/16
1-1/2 x 1-1/2
2x3
1-9/16 x 2-9/16
1-1/2 x 2-1/2
2x4
1-9/16 x 3-9/16
1-1/2 x 3-1/2
2x6
1-9/16 x 5-9/16
1-1/2 x 5-1/2
2x8
1-9/16 x 7-1/2
1-1/2 x 7-1/4
2x10
1-9/16 x 9-1/2
1-1/2 x 9-1/4
2x12
1-9/16 x 11-1/2
1-1/2 x 11-1/4