2X3 Lumber Actual Size. After the board is dried and planed it becomes its actual size of 1 1/2″x3 1/2″. However, there is a difference between the nominal size (what the lumber is referred to) and the actual size. Nominal refers to the dimension the lumber was sawn.
Boards are referred to by their nominal size, not the actual size.
The actual size is always a little bit smaller. Show you the actual size image. For example, a 2 x 4 isn't 2 inches by 4 inches. Sizes such as the 2x4, or the 2x6 are well this causes the actual dimension of the board to be slightly smaller than the nominal dimension or size. Pass a nominal size and get the matching object in this format. Maximum lengths apply to molded grade only, extruded is continuous and limited only by actual dimensions may vary slightly between grades. Boards are referred to by their nominal size, not the actual size. The actual size of dimensional lumber is always smaller than its nominal size.