Calculate log weight by dimensions, species, and moisture content. Free wood weight estimator with volume, cost, and detailed breakdown.
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Enter details and calculate to see breakdown.
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Whether you’re a lumber mill operator estimating truckload weights, a woodworker calculating material costs, or a logger assessing a timber stand, knowing the weight of logs is essential. A log’s weight affects everything from transportation costs and equipment requirements to the price you pay for lumber and the structural calculations for timber-framed buildings. But estimating log weight isn’t straightforward, it depends on the species, moisture content, and dimensions, all of which can vary significantly.
This log weight calculator takes the guesswork out of estimating wood weight. Enter the log dimensions, shape, species, and moisture content, the tool computes the volume in board feet and cubic feet, then calculates the weight in pounds and kilograms. It also provides cost estimates based on price per board foot, with a waste factor for added accuracy. Whether you’re a professional in the forestry industry, a hobbyist woodworker, or a homeowner planning a timber project, this calculator delivers instant, accurate results. All calculations run locally in your browser, keeping your data private.
Select the log shape: Round or Rectangular to match your lumber profile.
For round logs, enter the diameter. For rectangular, enter the width and height.
Enter the log length, the total length of the piece.
Choose the wood species from the dropdown the density updates automatically based on the selected species.
Adjust the moisture content percentage 15% is typical for kiln-dried lumber; green logs can be 30% or higher.
Enter the price per board foot and the number of logs to get a complete cost estimate.
Set a waste factor to account for cuts, defects, and breakage.
Review the summary or switch to the detailed breakdown tab for a full component list.
The calculator determines the volume of the log based on its shape and dimensions, then converts the volume to weight using the wood’s density adjusted for moisture content. The calculations follow standard forestry and lumber industry practices.
Formula: Volume = Shape-specific calculation
For round logs: Volume = π × (diameter/2)² × length
For rectangular logs: Volume = width × height × length
All dimensions are converted to inches before calculation, with volume computed in cubic inches.
Formula: Volume (cubic feet) = Volume (cubic inches) / 1728
There are 1,728 cubic inches in one cubic foot.
Formula: Volume (board feet) = Volume (cubic inches) / 144
One board foot equals 144 cubic inches (12 inches × 12 inches × 1 inch).
Formula: Adjusted Density = Base Density × (1 + (Moisture Content − 12) × 0.004)
Wood density increases with moisture content above 12%. This adjustment provides a more accurate weight estimate for logs with different moisture levels.
Formula: Weight = Volume (cubic feet) × Adjusted Density
Weight is calculated in pounds using the adjusted density in pounds per cubic foot.
Formula: Total Cost = Volume (board feet) × Price per Board Foot × Quantity
The cost is based on board feet — the standard unit for lumber pricing.
Consider a white oak log with a 12-inch diameter, 16 feet in length, at 15% moisture content. The density of white oak at 12% MC is 47 lbs/ft³. The woodworker wants to know the weight and cost of the log.
Step 1: Convert dimensions to inches
Diameter: 12 in
Length: 16 ft × 12 = 192 in
Step 2: Calculate volume for a round log
Radius = 12/2 = 6 in
Volume = π × 6² × 192 = 3.1416 × 36 × 192 = 21,714.7 in³
Volume (ft³) = 21,714.7 / 1728 = 12.57 ft³
Volume (BF) = 21,714.7 / 144 = 150.8 BF
Step 3: Adjust density for moisture content
Base density: 47 lbs/ft³
Adjusted density = 47 × (1 + (15 − 12) × 0.004) = 47 × 1.012 = 47.56 lbs/ft³
Step 4: Calculate weight
Weight = 12.57 × 47.56 = 597.8 lbs
Step 5: Calculate cost
Cost = 150.8 × $2.50 = $377.00
Interpretation: A 16-foot white oak log with a 12-inch diameter weighs approximately 598 lbs and has a lumber value of about $377 at $2.50 per board foot. This estimate helps the woodworker plan transportation and budget for the material.
The weight per cubic foot depends on the wood species and moisture content. Hardwoods typically range from 35 to 50 lbs/ft³ at 12% MC, while softwoods range from 25 to 35 lbs/ft³. Green logs can weigh 30–50% more. The calculator provides precise estimates based on your specific inputs.
A 12-inch diameter log, 16 feet long, in a medium-density wood like red oak at 15% MC weighs approximately 600 lbs. The exact weight depends on the species and moisture content.
Moisture content significantly affects log weight. Green wood (30–50% MC) can weigh 30–50% more than kiln-dried wood (6–12% MC). As wood dries, it loses water and becomes lighter. The calculator adjusts density for moisture content using a standard approximation.
A board foot (BF) is a volume unit equal to 144 cubic inches (12″ × 12″ × 1″). It’s the standard unit for lumber pricing and rough lumber volume. A cubic foot is a volume unit equal to 1,728 cubic inches. One cubic foot equals 12 board feet. The calculator displays both.
The calculator provides estimates that are typically within 5–10% of actual weights for average logs. Accuracy depends on the accuracy of your measurements and the species density data. The moisture adjustment is an approximation, actual moisture can vary significantly within a log.
Hickory is one of the heaviest commercially available species in North America, with a density of about 50 lbs/ft³ at 12% MC. Other heavy woods include white oak (47 lbs/ft³) and red oak (45 lbs/ft³). The calculator includes density values for 16 common species.
Yes, the calculator works for firewood as well as lumber. For firewood, you typically want to use the moisture content of the wood as you’ll be burning it (seasoned firewood is usually 15–20% MC). The calculator will give you the weight of the firewood, which is useful for estimating load weights and heating values.
For round logs, measure the diameter at the small end (or the average diameter) and the length. For rectangular logs, measure the width, height, and length. Measure in inches or feet and enter them with the correct units selected.
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