If you've ever bought timber, stone, or sand for a construction project, you've likely encountered CFT — a unit that confuses newcomers but remains the trading standard across South Asia and many construction markets. Understanding CFT properly can save you from costly ordering mistakes.
What CFT Means
CFT stands for Cubic Feet — a volume measurement equal to a cube one foot on each side (1 ft × 1 ft × 1 ft). It's used to measure and price bulk materials like timber logs, dressed wood, stone blocks, and loose sand or aggregate.
The Basic Formula
CFT = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Height/Thickness (ft)
For a wooden beam 10 ft long, 1 ft wide, and 0.5 ft thick:
CFT = 10 × 1 × 0.5 = 5 CFT
Common Materials Measured in CFT
- Timber logs and planks — the most common use
- Stone blocks and slabs — especially in foundation and masonry work
- Sand and aggregate — often quoted per 100 CFT
- Packaging and shipping volume — freight calculations
Why CFT Persists in an Increasingly Metric World
Timber and stone trading in South Asia has used CFT as the standard pricing unit for generations. Suppliers, contractors, and pricing sheets are all built around it, making a full switch to cubic meters impractical — even though most other construction measurements have moved toward metric.
Converting CFT to Cubic Meters
1 CFT = 0.0283 cubic meters
So 100 CFT of timber equals approximately 2.83 cubic meters — useful when comparing prices against international or metric-based suppliers.
CFT vs Cubic Meter Quick Reference
| CFT | Cubic Meters (approx) |
|---|---|
| 10 | 0.283 |
| 50 | 1.415 |
| 100 | 2.83 |
| 500 | 14.15 |
A Practical Tip When Buying
Always confirm whether a quoted price is per CFT or for the total quantity — this is a common source of confusion, especially with larger orders. Ask for written confirmation to avoid disputes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing feet and inches without proper conversion
- Forgetting to convert thickness from inches to feet before calculating
- Assuming price is for total volume when it's actually per CFT
- Not adding wastage for cutting and handling
Calculate CFT Instantly
Our CFT Calculator includes a Pro mode with cost estimation and material breakdown for timber, stone, and sand calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I convert inches to feet for CFT calculation?
A: Divide inches by 12. For example, 6 inches = 0.5 feet.
Q: Is CFT the same as cubic meter?
A: No. 1 cubic meter = 35.31 CFT.
Q: Can I use CFT for liquids?
A: CFT is generally used for solids and bulk materials. Liquids are usually measured in liters or gallons.