Log Weight Calculator
Whether you are loading a trailer, estimating firewood weight, or planning a milling job, knowing how much a log weighs keeps you safe and legal on the road. Enter the diameter, length, and species to get a weight estimate for green (freshly cut) logs.
Green Wood vs. Dry Wood
Freshly cut ("green") wood contains a lot of moisture, sometimes 50-100% of the dry wood weight. A green oak log can weigh nearly twice as much as the same log after a year of drying.
Approximate weight loss during drying:
- Oak: loses about 35-40% of green weight
- Pine: loses about 30-35%
- Cedar: loses about 25-30%
This calculator uses green wood densities because that is what you are dealing with when cutting, hauling, and loading logs.
How Log Diameter Affects Weight
Weight scales with the square of the diameter. A 24-inch log does not weigh twice as much as a 12-inch log -- it weighs roughly four times as much at the same length. That is because the cross-sectional area (pi x r²) quadruples when you double the diameter.
Truck Load Limits
A standard logging truck can carry about 25 tons (50,000 lbs). A flatbed trailer typically maxes out around 22-24 tons. Always check your local weight regulations before loading.