This Fret Scale and Fingerboard Length Calculator can be used to calculate fret scale and fingerboard length. By using this tool, you can determine the length of fingerboard you should purchase. This will also provide you with nut-to-fret and fret-to-fret dimensions. A typical Board Nut Offset (the distance from the end of the board to the nut slot) is .250″ (1/4) but it can be as little as .125″ (1/8). The parameter “board last fret offset” is not used by LMI when slotting your board, but if you want a decorative swoop to your fingerboard, for example, you can see whether or not you’ll have the room at the end of the board for this.

If you are replacing an existing board, you need to know the scale length of the board you’re replacing. This is a simple task. Simply measure from the edge of the nut to the 12th fret and double that number. If you’re ordering a slotted board from LMI, note that we slot the board where the edge of the nut should be and then we leave room behind that. You will need to cut the board off for a standard fingerboard. This can be done with a handsaw, a chop saw or by sanding or planing (carefully!!!).

Entries on the calculator must be made in decimal inches.

To convert a fraction to decimal simply divide the upper number by the lower number. For example, 1/4″ is 1 divided by 4 or .250″. You can also use this conversion calculator.

To convert metric to decimal inches, simply divide the metric mm by 25.4. For example: 650mm divided by 25.4 equals a 25.59″ scale. You can also use this conversion calculator.