# Log Weight Calculator

Estimate log weight from diameter, length, and wood species. Covers green oak, pine, maple, and more for hauling, firewood, and milling projects.

## What this calculates

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.

## Inputs

- **Log Diameter (at midpoint)** (in) — min 1, max 120 — Measure at the midpoint of the log for best accuracy
- **Log Length** (ft) — min 0
- **Wood Species** — options: Green Oak (62 lb/ft³), Green Maple (55 lb/ft³), Green Pine (50 lb/ft³), Green Spruce/Fir (46 lb/ft³), Green Hickory (58 lb/ft³), Green Ash (54 lb/ft³), Green Cedar (45 lb/ft³), Green Birch (56 lb/ft³), Green Poplar (42 lb/ft³), Green Cherry (60 lb/ft³) — Green (freshly cut) densities -- dried wood weighs 30-50% less
- **Number of Logs** — min 1, max 500

## Outputs

- **Volume Per Log** (ft³)
- **Board Feet (Doyle Rule)** (bd ft) — Estimated lumber yield per log
- **Weight Per Log** (lbs)
- **Total Weight** (lbs)
- **Total Weight** (tons)

## Details

## 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.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How much does a 12 inch diameter, 8 foot log weigh?**

A: A green pine log 12 inches in diameter and 8 feet long weighs about 314 lbs. A green oak log the same size weighs about 389 lbs. The species makes a big difference because wood densities vary from about 42 to 62 lb/ft³ for green wood.

**Q: How do I measure log diameter?**

A: Measure the diameter at the midpoint of the log for the best estimate. If the log tapers significantly, measure both ends and average them. Use a diameter tape or measure the circumference and divide by pi (3.14).

**Q: How many board feet are in a log?**

A: This calculator uses the Doyle Log Rule: (diameter - 4)² x length / 16. A 12-inch diameter, 8-foot log yields about 32 board feet. The Doyle rule is conservative for smaller logs and more accurate for logs over 20 inches.

**Q: Does bark add significant weight to a log?**

A: Bark typically adds 10-15% to the weight of a debarked log. This calculator includes bark in the estimate since the densities used are for whole logs. If your logs are debarked, the actual weight will be slightly less than the estimate.

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Source: https://vastcalc.com/calculators/construction/log-weight
Category: Construction
Last updated: 2026-04-08