---
title: "Nominal lumber sizes"
url: https://bkgreenstone.com/reference/nominal-lumber-sizes/
description: "Softwood is sold by a nominal call-out that describes the size before it was dried and surfaced, not the size you receive. The difference is consistent enough to work."
---

# Nominal lumber sizes

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## Reference sheets

- [Nominal lumber sizes](https://bkgreenstone.com/reference/nominal-lumber-sizes/)
- [Fastener and pilot sizes](https://bkgreenstone.com/reference/fastener-and-pilot-sizes/)
- [Insulation material guide](https://bkgreenstone.com/reference/insulation-material-guide/)

Softwood is sold by a nominal call-out that describes the size before it was dried and surfaced, not the size you receive. The difference is consistent enough to work from.

*Nominal call-outs against actual surfaced dimensions. Units: inches.*

| Nominal call-out | Actual surfaced size |
|---|---|
| 1 x 2 | 3/4 x 1 1/2 |
| 1 x 4 | 3/4 x 3 1/2 |
| 1 x 6 | 3/4 x 5 1/2 |
| 1 x 8 | 3/4 x 7 1/4 |
| 1 x 10 | 3/4 x 9 1/4 |
| 1 x 12 | 3/4 x 11 1/4 |
| 2 x 2 | 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 |
| 2 x 4 | 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 |
| 2 x 6 | 1 1/2 x 5 1/2 |
| 2 x 8 | 1 1/2 x 7 1/4 |
| 2 x 10 | 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 |
| 2 x 12 | 1 1/2 x 11 1/4 |
| 4 x 4 | 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 |
| 6 x 6 | 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 |

## Notes on using this sheet

- The nominal figure describes the rough sawn green section. Drying and surfacing on four sides remove the difference.
- Above nine inches nominal, the reduction is a quarter rather than a half inch, which is the step most often forgotten when setting out.
- Rough sawn stock sold undressed is closer to its nominal size and will not match dressed material in the same run.

[Back to all reference sheets](https://bkgreenstone.com/reference/)