Is a 2x6 really 2 inches by 6 inches?

Framing
Accuracy

Nominal lumber sizing is a milling convention, not a measurement, and a cut list built on the number printed on the rack will not close up. Checking the stock with the T1M Utility gives the dressed size actually in your hands, 5 and 1/2 by 1 and 1/2 here, before it goes on the truck. Blocking, ripping and shim depths all work off the real figure.

What nominal actually means

Nominal is a milling convention, not a size
T1M gives the dressed size in your hands
5 and 1/2 by 1 and 1/2 on this 2x6
Checked before it goes on the truck
Blocking and rips work off the real figure

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No, and the shelf label will not tell you. Measured at the store, this 2x6x12 comes in at 5 and 1/2 inches wide and 1 and 1/2 inches thick. That is the nominal size, not the actual one. The length ran slightly over 12 feet, which does not make up the difference on a cut list.