🪵 Log Weight Calculator
Calculate log weight based on dimensions and wood type
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Log Dimensions
Input the diameter of your log in inches and the length in feet. Measure the log at its widest point (usually at the base) for diameter.
Select Wood Type
Select the type of wood. Different wood species have different densities. Oak and walnut are heavier than pine and cedar.
Specify Moisture Content
Select moisture content. Green wood (wet, freshly cut) is heaviest, kiln-dry (8-10% moisture) is lightest. Moisture content significantly affects weight.
Calculate and Review
Click "Calculate Log Weight" to see log weight, volume, and weight per cubic foot. Use this information for transportation, handling, and planning purposes.
Formula
Log Volume (cu ft) = π × (Diameter/2)² × Length
Radius (ft) = Diameter (inches) ÷ 2 ÷ 12
Volume (cu ft) = π × r² × L
Weight (lbs) = Volume (cu ft) × Density (lbs/cu ft)
Example 1: Pine Log (12" diameter, 8 ft length, green)
Step 1: Calculate radius: (12 ÷ 2) ÷ 12 = 0.5 feet
Step 2: Calculate volume: π × 0.5² × 8 = 6.28 cu ft
Step 3: Pine green density: 32 lbs/cu ft
Step 4: Calculate weight: 6.28 × 32 = 201 lbs
Example 2: Oak Log (18" diameter, 10 ft length, kiln-dry)
Step 1: Calculate radius: (18 ÷ 2) ÷ 12 = 0.75 feet
Step 2: Calculate volume: π × 0.75² × 10 = 17.67 cu ft
Step 3: Oak kiln-dry density: 44 lbs/cu ft
Step 4: Calculate weight: 17.67 × 44 = 777 lbs
About Log Weight Calculator
The Log Weight Calculator is an essential tool for loggers, sawmill operators, foresters, and anyone who needs to accurately determine the weight of logs for transportation, handling, and planning purposes. This calculator eliminates guesswork by providing precise weight calculations based on log dimensions, wood species, and moisture content, helping you plan logistics and estimate costs.
When to Use This Calculator
- Transportation Planning: Calculate log weight for truck and trailer loading capacity planning
- Sawmill Operations: Estimate log weight for sawmill processing and inventory management
- Forestry Management: Determine log weight for harvesting and inventory purposes
- Cost Estimation: Calculate log weight for pricing and cost estimation
- Equipment Planning: Verify equipment capacity for log handling and transportation
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Accurate Weight Calculation: Precise calculations based on log dimensions and wood density
- ✅ Multiple Wood Species: Supports different wood types with appropriate densities
- ✅ Moisture Content: Accounts for moisture content which significantly affects weight
- ✅ Volume Calculation: Shows log volume for additional calculations
- ✅ Weight per Cubic Foot: Displays density for reference and comparison
- ✅ Time Savings: Instant calculations eliminate manual math and measurements
Common Applications
Transportation Planning: Loggers and truckers use this calculator to determine log weight for truck loading capacity planning. Green logs are significantly heavier than dry logs, which affects transportation planning and costs.
Sawmill Operations: Sawmill operators use this tool to estimate log weight for processing and inventory management. Accurate weight calculations help optimize sawmill operations and pricing.
Forestry Management: Foresters use this calculator to determine log weight for harvesting operations and inventory management, helping plan equipment and transportation needs.
Tips for Best Results
- Measure Accurately: Measure log diameter at its widest point (usually at the base)
- Wood Type: Different species have different densities - oak and walnut are heavier than pine and cedar
- Moisture Content: Moisture content significantly affects weight - green wood is much heavier than dry wood
- Density Variations: Actual density may vary based on growing conditions, age, and specific species
- Transportation Capacity: Consider equipment and truck capacity limits when planning transportation
- Safety Margins: Add safety margins for equipment capacity to account for weight variations
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a log weigh?
Log weight depends on diameter, length, wood species, and moisture content. For example, a 12-inch diameter, 8-foot pine log weighs approximately 200-250 lbs when green, but only about 150-180 lbs when kiln-dried. Oak logs are heavier than pine logs of the same size.
Does moisture content affect log weight?
Yes! Moisture content significantly affects log weight. Green wood (wet, freshly cut) is much heavier than dry wood. A green pine log can weigh 25-30% more than the same log when kiln-dried. Always specify moisture content for accurate weight calculations.
Which wood species is heaviest?
Oak and walnut are among the heaviest wood species (44-50 lbs/cu ft when dry). Pine, cedar, and fir are lighter (25-32 lbs/cu ft when dry). Heavier wood species require stronger equipment for handling and transportation.
How do I measure log diameter?
Measure log diameter at its widest point, usually at the base (large end). Use a tape measure or calipers to measure across the log's cross-section. For tapered logs, measure both ends and use the larger diameter for weight calculations.
Can I calculate weight for multiple logs?
Yes! Calculate the weight for each log separately using this calculator, then add the weights together. For logs of the same dimensions and species, multiply the single log weight by the number of logs.
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator provides accurate estimates based on standard wood densities. Actual weight may vary based on specific growing conditions, age, and exact species. Use the calculator as a guide and add safety margins for equipment capacity.