Weight of Wood and the Wood Density Chart
The weight of wood mainly depends on three factors: the wood species, the volume of the log, and its moisture content. The wood species determines the density of the wood. However, the density of the wood varies depending on its moisture content.
The moisture content of wood is the amount of water within the wood. It ranges between 150% or more for fresh wood and as low as 5% for processed and dried wood. The higher the moisture content, the heavier the wood. This calculator uses the green density — the density of freshly cut wood.
How Much Does a Log Weigh? — Huber's Formula
To calculate the weight of a log, we multiply its volume by its green density. Volume is calculated using Huber's Formula:
Where:
- V — volume of the log (ft³ or m³)
- d — mid-diameter of the log (diameter at the midpoint, in feet or meters)
- L — length of the log (ft or m)
Then the weight is: Weight = V × Density
Using Our Log Weight Calculator
- Select the unit system: Imperial (ft, in, lb) or Metric (m, cm, kg).
- Choose the wood species from the dropdown. The green density is shown in brackets.
- Enter the log length — total length of the log.
- Enter the mid-diameter — the diameter measured at the midpoint of the log.
- Set the number of logs if you need to calculate for multiple logs.
- Optionally, enter a price per lb or kg and select a currency to calculate the total cost.
- Click Calculate Weight.
The Importance of Knowing How to Calculate the Weight of a Log
Knowing the weight of a log is important for several reasons:
- Transport planning — trucks, trailers, and cranes have weight limits. Accurate weight estimates prevent overloading.
- Timber purchasing — wood is often sold by weight. Knowing the expected weight helps you estimate costs before purchase.
- Structural calculations — architects and engineers need log weight to assess load-bearing capacity in timber construction.
- Firewood estimation — knowing the weight of a log or cord helps estimate heating value and plan fuel needs.
Wood Density Chart (Green Density)
The table below shows the green density (density of freshly cut wood) for common North American tree species, measured in lb/ft³. These values are used by our calculator:
| Species | Density (lb/ft³) | Density (kg/m³) |
|---|---|---|
| Alder, Red | 46 | 737 |
| Apple | 55 | 881 |
| Ash, Green | 47 | 753 |
| Ash, Oregon | 48 | 769 |
| Ash, White | 48 | 769 |
| Aspen, Quaking | 43 | 689 |
| Bald Cypress | 51 | 817 |
| Basswood | 42 | 673 |
| Beech | 54 | 865 |
| Birch, Paper | 50 | 801 |
| Birch, Yellow | 57 | 913 |
| Butternut | 46 | 737 |
| Cedar, Incense | 45 | 721 |
| Cedar, Western Red | 28 | 448 |
| Cherry, Black | 45 | 721 |
| Chestnut | 55 | 881 |
| Cottonwood | 49 | 785 |
| Elm, American | 54 | 865 |
| Fir, Douglas | 39 | 625 |
| Fir, Noble | 29 | 465 |
| Fir, White | 47 | 753 |
| Hackberry | 50 | 801 |
| Hemlock, Eastern | 49 | 785 |
| Hemlock, Western | 41 | 657 |
| Hickory, Shagbark | 64 | 1025 |
| Horse Chestnut | 41 | 657 |
| Larch | 51 | 817 |
| Locust, Black | 58 | 929 |
| Locust, Honey | 63 | 1009 |
| Magnolia, Evergreen | 59 | 945 |
| Maple, Red | 50 | 801 |
| Maple, Silver | 45 | 721 |
| Maple, Sugar | 56 | 897 |
| Oak, Black | 62 | 993 |
| Oak, California Black | 66 | 1057 |
| Oak, English | 52 | 833 |
| Oak, Live | 76 | 1217 |
| Oak, Pin | 64 | 1025 |
| Oak, Post | 63 | 1009 |
| Oak, Red | 63 | 1009 |
| Oak, Scarlet | 64 | 1025 |
| Oak, White | 62 | 993 |
| Osage Orange | 62 | 993 |
| Pecan | 61 | 977 |
| Persimmon | 63 | 1009 |
| Pine, Loblolly | 53 | 849 |
| Pine, Lodgepole | 39 | 625 |
| Pine, Longleaf | 55 | 881 |
| Pine, Ponderosa | 46 | 737 |
| Pine, Slash | 58 | 929 |
| Pine, Sugar | 52 | 833 |
| Pine, White | 36 | 577 |
| Poplar, Yellow | 38 | 609 |
| Redwood, Coastal | 50 | 801 |
| Sassafras | 44 | 705 |
| Spruce, Red | 34 | 545 |
| Spruce, Sitka | 32 | 513 |
| Sweetgum | 55 | 881 |
| Sycamore | 52 | 833 |
| Tamarack | 47 | 753 |
| Walnut, Black | 58 | 929 |
| Willow | 32 | 513 |
FAQs
What is Huber's Formula?
Huber's Formula is a method to estimate the volume of a log by treating it as a cylinder with the cross-sectional area taken at its midpoint. It is commonly used in forestry and timber trade because it is simple, fast, and provides accurate enough estimates for practical purposes.
What is "green" density?
Green density refers to the density of freshly cut, unseasoned wood that still retains its natural moisture. Green wood is significantly heavier than dried lumber. For example, a freshly cut oak log weighs about 62 lb/ft³ (993 kg/m³), whereas dried oak is around 45 lb/ft³ (720 kg/m³).
How do I measure the mid-diameter?
Use a log caliper, tape measure, or diameter tape (D-tape) at the exact midpoint of the log. Measure across the widest point. If the cross-section is not perfectly circular, take two perpendicular measurements and average them.
Can I calculate board weight instead of log weight?
Yes — enter the board thickness as the diameter and use the appropriate length. For rectangular boards, a more precise calculation would use the board's cross-sectional area directly. However, for cylindrical logs, Huber's formula gives the best estimate.
Why does wood weight vary between species?
Different tree species have different wood structures (cell density, fiber arrangement, and amount of heartwood vs. sapwood) which directly affect the mass per unit volume. Dense hardwoods like live oak (76 lb/ft³) weigh more than twice as much as lightweight softwoods like western red cedar (28 lb/ft³).