🪵 Lumber Weight Calculator
Calculate lumber weight from dimensions
Typical: 12% (air-dried), 20% (green), 6% (kiln-dried)
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Lumber Dimensions
Input length in feet, width and thickness in inches. These define the lumber size for weight calculations.
Select Wood Type
Choose wood type (pine, cedar, oak, maple, etc.). Different wood types have different densities, affecting weight.
Enter Moisture Content
Input moisture content percentage (typical: 12% for air-dried, 20% for green, 6% for kiln-dried). Moisture affects weight.
Calculate and Review
Click "Calculate Lumber Weight" to see total weight in pounds, kilograms, and tons, volume, board feet, and weight per linear foot. Use this for shipping, handling, and structural analysis.
Formula
Volume (cu ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Thickness (ft)
Weight (lbs) = Volume (cu ft) × Density (lbs/cu ft)
Board Feet = (Length × Width × Thickness) / 144
Weight per Linear Foot = Cross-Section Area × Density
Example 1: 8 ft × 5.5" × 0.75" pine lumber (25 lbs/cu ft)
Step 1: Width = 5.5 / 12 = 0.458 ft, Thickness = 0.75 / 12 = 0.0625 ft
Step 2: Volume = 8 × 0.458 × 0.0625 = 0.229 cu ft
Step 3: Weight = 0.229 × 25 = 5.7 lbs
Step 4: Board Feet = (8 × 5.5 × 0.75) / 144 = 33 / 144 = 0.229 board feet
Example 2: 10 ft × 7.25" × 1.5" oak lumber (47 lbs/cu ft)
Step 1: Volume = 10 × (7.25/12) × (1.5/12) = 10 × 0.604 × 0.125 = 0.755 cu ft
Step 2: Weight = 0.755 × 47 = 35.5 lbs
About Lumber Weight Calculator
The Lumber Weight Calculator is an essential tool for contractors, lumberyards, and woodworkers who need to calculate lumber weight from dimensions and wood type. This calculator implements weight formulas based on wood density, dimensions, and moisture content to determine lumber weight for shipping, handling, and structural analysis.
When to Use This Calculator
- Shipping Calculations: Calculate lumber weight for shipping and freight
- Handling Planning: Determine weight for material handling and lifting
- Structural Analysis: Calculate weight for structural load calculations
- Material Estimation: Estimate total weight for bulk lumber orders
- Educational Use: Learn and understand lumber weight calculations
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Multiple Wood Types: Supports pine, cedar, oak, maple, and more
- ✅ Moisture Adjustment: Accounts for moisture content in weight calculations
- ✅ Complete Units: Shows weight in pounds, kilograms, and tons
- ✅ Board Feet: Calculates board feet for lumber industry standards
- ✅ Time Savings: Instant calculations eliminate manual math
Understanding Lumber Weight
Basic Principle: Lumber weight depends on volume and wood density. Weight = Volume × Density. Volume is calculated from length, width, and thickness. Density varies by wood type: lighter woods (pine, cedar) = 23-28 lbs/cu ft, heavier woods (oak, maple) = 44-47 lbs/cu ft.
Wood Densities: Typical densities at 12% moisture: Pine = 25 lbs/cu ft, Cedar = 23 lbs/cu ft, Fir = 28 lbs/cu ft, Oak = 47 lbs/cu ft, Maple = 44 lbs/cu ft, Cherry = 35 lbs/cu ft, Walnut = 38 lbs/cu ft. Densities vary by species and grade.
Moisture Content: Moisture content affects weight. Green wood (20% moisture) weighs more than air-dried wood (12% moisture). Kiln-dried wood (6% moisture) weighs less. The calculator adjusts density based on moisture content.
Tips for Best Results
- Accurate Dimensions: Measure length, width, and thickness accurately
- Correct Wood Type: Use appropriate wood type for accurate density
- Moisture Content: Account for actual moisture content if known
- Actual Dimensions: Use actual dimensions (not nominal) for accurate weight
- Verify with Testing: Weigh sample pieces to verify calculations
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate lumber weight?
Weight = Volume × Density. Volume = Length × Width × Thickness (all in feet). For example, 8 ft × 5.5" × 0.75" pine (25 lbs/cu ft): Volume = 8 × (5.5/12) × (0.75/12) = 0.229 cu ft, Weight = 0.229 × 25 = 5.7 lbs. The calculator does this automatically.
What is the density of different wood types?
Typical densities at 12% moisture: Pine = 25 lbs/cu ft, Cedar = 23 lbs/cu ft, Fir = 28 lbs/cu ft, Oak = 47 lbs/cu ft, Maple = 44 lbs/cu ft, Cherry = 35 lbs/cu ft, Walnut = 38 lbs/cu ft. Lighter woods (pine, cedar) weigh less, heavier woods (oak, maple) weigh more. Actual densities vary by species, grade, and growth conditions.
Does moisture content affect weight?
Yes, moisture content significantly affects weight. Green wood (20% moisture) weighs 8-10% more than air-dried wood (12% moisture). Kiln-dried wood (6% moisture) weighs 5-6% less than air-dried wood. The calculator adjusts density based on moisture content. For accurate weight, use actual moisture content if known.
How much does a 2×4 weigh?
A 2×4 (actual 1.5" × 3.5") weighs: Pine (8 ft) = 8 × (3.5/12) × (1.5/12) × 25 = 7.3 lbs, Oak (8 ft) = 8 × (3.5/12) × (1.5/12) × 47 = 13.7 lbs. Weight depends on length, actual dimensions, wood type, and moisture content. The calculator shows weight for your specific dimensions.
Should I use nominal or actual dimensions?
Use actual dimensions for accurate weight calculations. Nominal dimensions (2×4, 2×6) are larger than actual dimensions (1.5" × 3.5", 1.5" × 5.5"). For example, nominal 2×4 is actually 1.5" × 3.5". Actual dimensions give accurate weight. The calculator accepts both inches (width/thickness) and feet (length).