Log Board Foot Calculator
Professional log board foot calculator - free, accurate, multi-rule comparison. This log board foot calculator supports multiple industry-standard log scales, shareable calculations, and instant results with Doyle, Scribner, and International rules for precise timber valuation. Try our log board foot calculator today.
Log Board Foot Calculator
Results
Board Feet (per log)
0
Total Board Feet
0
Scaling Rule Used
Doyle Rule
Guides and Knowledge
Log Board Foot Calculator Features
Our professional log board foot calculator is designed with logging industry needs in mind, offering advanced features that enhance accuracy and collaboration. This log board foot calculator includes:
Multi-Unit Support
Calculate log board feet using your preferred measurement units with automatic conversion:
- Imperial Units: Inches (in), Feet (ft)
- Metric Units: Millimeters (mm), Centimeters (cm), Meters (m)
- Smart Conversion: Automatically converts all inputs to standard units for accurate calculations
- Global Compatibility: Serves both North American and international lumber markets
Share Calculations
Collaborate efficiently with colleagues, clients, and suppliers:
- One-Click Sharing: Generate shareable links instantly
- Complete Context: Shared links include all input values and selected units
- Professional Communication: Perfect for quotes, estimates, and project planning
- No Registration Required: Share calculations without creating accounts
Multi-Rule Comparison
Compare different log scaling rules instantly:
- Three Standard Rules: Doyle, Scribner, and International
- Instant Switching: Change scaling rules without re-entering data
- Side-by-Side Analysis: Compare estimates for informed decision-making
- Regional Standards: Choose the rule appropriate for your market
Instant Results
Get immediate, accurate calculations:
- Real-Time Calculation: Results update as you type
- Professional Accuracy: Precise to industry standards
- Multiple Logs: Calculate total volume for multiple logs
- Mobile Responsive: Works perfectly on phones and tablets
Pro Tip: Use the unit selector tabs (in, ft, cm, m) for quick unit switching, or click the "⋮" button to access all available units including millimeters for precise measurements.
Why These Features Matter
In today's global timber market, flexibility and communication are essential. A reliable log board foot calculator should support:
- International Trade: Work seamlessly with suppliers and customers worldwide using their preferred measurement systems
- Precision Forestry: Use millimeter precision for scientific forestry and research applications
- Streamlined Workflows: Share calculations instantly instead of manually recreating measurements
- Rule Flexibility: Choose the appropriate scaling method for your specific market or contract requirements
Understanding Log Scaling Rules
Log scaling rules are mathematical formulas used to estimate the board foot volume of logs before they are sawn into lumber. Our log board foot calculator uses these industry-standard rules. Different rules account for various factors like saw kerf, taper, and defects. Each log board foot calculator rule provides different estimates.
Doyle Rule
BF = ((D-4)²/4) × L
Most conservative rule, accounts for significant waste. Commonly used in eastern United States. Underestimates volume for smaller logs.
Scribner Rule
Table-based values
Uses predetermined tables based on log diameter and length. More accurate than Doyle for smaller logs. Widely used across the US.
International Rule
Complex formula
Most accurate rule, accounts for 1/4" saw kerf. Provides the highest volume estimates and is considered the standard for scientific forestry.
How to Use This Log Board Foot Calculator
Follow these steps to use our log board foot calculator for accurate timber measurements:
- Measure the diameter: Measure the small end diameter of the log (inside bark) in inches
- Measure the length: Measure the log length in feet (standard lengths are 8, 10, 12, 16 feet)
- Select scaling rule: Choose the appropriate log scaling rule for your region or application
- Enter quantity: Input the number of logs with these dimensions
- Calculate: Click calculate to get your board foot estimate
Important Measuring Tips
- Always measure diameter at the small end of the log
- Measure inside the bark for accurate results
- Round down to the nearest inch for diameter
- Standard log lengths are typically in 2-foot increments
Professional Applications
Timber Harvesting
- Estimate log value before harvesting (using log board foot calculator)
- Plan logging operations efficiently
- Calculate timber sale contracts (with log board foot calculator)
- Determine optimal cutting strategies
Sawmill Operations
- Estimate lumber yield from logs (log board foot calculator essential)
- Price log purchases accurately (using log board foot calculator) - calculate total costs
- Optimize sawing patterns
- Track inventory and production
Forest Management
- Assess standing timber value (with log board foot calculator)
- Plan sustainable harvesting (using log board foot calculator)
- Monitor forest growth rates
- Calculate carbon sequestration
Timber Trading
- Negotiate fair timber prices (log board foot calculator required) - estimate your costs
- Verify log scaling accuracy
- Compare different scaling methods (with log board foot calculator)
- Calculate transaction values
Frequently Asked Questions
Which log scaling rule should I use?
The choice depends on your region and application. Doyle rule is common in eastern US but conservative for small logs. International rule is most accurate scientifically. Scribner rule is widely accepted and balanced. Check local industry standards or contract requirements.
How accurate are log scaling calculations?
Our log board foot calculator provides estimates that typically range from 60-95% of actual lumber yield, depending on the rule used, log quality, and sawing efficiency. These are industry-standard methods for timber valuation, not exact lumber production predictions. Any professional log board foot calculator will give similar estimates.
What's the difference between log scaling and standard board foot calculation?
Standard board foot calculation measures finished lumber dimensions. A log board foot calculator estimates how much lumber a log will yield, accounting for waste from bark removal, saw kerf, taper, and defects. Log board foot calculator tools are used before cutting, standard calculation after.
Why measure diameter at the small end?
Measuring at the small end provides a conservative estimate and is the industry standard. Since logs taper from butt to top, the small end diameter represents the minimum cross-sectional area throughout the log, ensuring calculations don't overestimate volume.
Can I use this for standing trees?
Yes, but you'll need to estimate the merchantable log dimensions. Measure diameter at breast height (DBH) and estimate the top diameter based on species-specific taper rates. Professional foresters often use more sophisticated formulas for standing timber cruising.
Table of Contents
Other Calculators
Board Foot Calculator
Calculate board feet from finished lumber dimensions. Different from log board foot calculator.
Cost Estimation Calculator
Calculate total lumber costs based on board feet and price per board foot. Essential for pricing log estimates.
Doyle Log Scale Calculator
Specialized Doyle rule calculator with detailed analysis.
International Log Scale Calculator
Professional International 1/4-Inch Rule calculator.