Nominal 2×2 → Actual 1½" × 1½"

What size is a 2×2, really?

Q: What size is a 2×2, really?

A nominal 2×2 actually measures 1½" × 1½". The difference comes from milling and drying — the board starts closer to its named size, then shrinks as it's surfaced smooth and dried to standard moisture content.

A 2×2 is sold and labeled as 2×2, but it actually measures 1½" × 1½". The difference comes from milling and drying — the board starts closer to its named size, then shrinks as it's surfaced smooth and dried to standard moisture content.

DASHED = WHAT IT'S CALLED · SOLID = WHAT YOU GET

A 2×2 is actually 1½" × 1½" — not 2×2.

What a 2×2 is actually used for

Furring strips, small frames, garden stakes, shelf cleats

Good to know before you buy

True 2x2 stock is less common than lumber ripped down from 2x4 — compare price and straightness between the two before buying.

How many 2×2s do you need?

USES ACTUAL WIDTH, NOT NOMINAL

Boards to span a width

Calculates how many 2×2 boards, laid edge to edge, are needed to cover a given width — using the real 1½" width plus any gap you leave between boards.

Width to cover (ft)

Gap between boards (in)

Board feet

Uses the actual 1½" × 1½" dimensions to calculate true board feet for pricing or ordering.

Length (ft)

Quantity

2×2 vs. every other size

FULL REFERENCE CHART

Nominal Size	Actual Size	Actual (decimal)

Other sizes

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