Log Weight
Calculate the weight of any wood log by species and dimensions. Uses Huber's formula for accurate volume estimation with 65+ wood species. Free online log weight estimator.
About This Calculator
The Log Weight Calculator helps construction professionals, lumber buyers, loggers, woodworkers, and DIY enthusiasts estimate the weight of any wood log based on its species and dimensions. Knowing the weight of a log is essential for safe transportation, logistics planning, structural calculations, and determining whether equipment can handle the load.
This calculator uses Huber's formula to determine log volume, which calculates the midsection diameter as the average of the small and large end diameters. The volume is then multiplied by the wood species' green density to obtain the weight. Our database includes over 65 common tree species with their green density values sourced from industry-standard references.
The weight output is provided in both imperial (lb) and metric (kg) units alongside volume in cubic feet and cubic meters, making this tool suitable for users across the US, UK, India, and worldwide.
Regional Notes
United States: Logs are typically measured in inches (diameter) and feet (length). Standard hardwood lumber is often sold by the board foot, but round log weights follow the same density principles. The calculator's default units match US industry standards.
United Kingdom: While timber is often sold in metric volumes (m³), logs are still commonly measured in inches and feet for diameter and length, especially in the hardwood and firewood trades. Results include metric equivalents for convenience.
India: Timber and log measurements in India often use metric units. Convert your log dimensions to inches and feet before entering them, and use the metric results (m³, kg) for your records. Common Indian timber species like Teak and Sal have density values comparable to the Oak and Mahogany families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is log weight and why is it important?
Log weight is the weight of a freshly cut or dried wood log. Knowing the weight of a log is important for transportation logistics, determining whether equipment can safely carry the load, estimating shipping costs, and planning construction or woodworking projects that involve moving and handling logs.
How do you calculate the weight of a log?
To calculate the weight of a log, multiply the log's volume by the wood species density. The volume is determined using Huber's formula which uses the average diameter at the log's midsection and the log length. Weight = Volume x Green Density. Our calculator handles all the math for you with over 65 wood species.
What is Huber's formula for log volume?
Huber's formula calculates log volume as V = L x π x dm² / 576, where L is the log length in feet and dm is the midsection diameter in inches calculated as (small end diameter + large end diameter) / 2. This formula accounts for the natural taper of tree logs from base to top.
What factors affect the weight of wood?
Three main factors affect wood weight: wood species (density), moisture content (green vs dried wood), and volume (log dimensions). Green wood contains significant moisture and can weigh 50-100% more than kiln-dried wood. This calculator uses green density values for freshly cut logs.
How does moisture content affect log weight?
Moisture content is the percentage of water weight in wood relative to its oven-dry weight. Freshly cut wood can have a moisture content of 150% or more, meaning the water weighs more than the wood fibers themselves. As wood dries, it becomes significantly lighter. The green density values used here represent freshly cut logs at their heaviest.
Which wood species is the heaviest?
Among common wood species, Live Oak is the heaviest with a green density of 76 lb/ft³, followed by California Black Oak (66 lb/ft³). Other heavy species include Hickory, Black Locust, and various Oak varieties (62-66 lb/ft³). The lightest common species are Western Red Cedar (28 lb/ft³) and Noble Fir (29 lb/ft³).
Can I use this calculator for metric measurements?
Yes. While the inputs use inches for diameter and feet for length (standard for log measurement in the US and UK), the results display both imperial units (ft³, lb) and metric units (m³, kg). For users in India and other metric countries, simply convert your measurements before entering them.
What is the typical weight of an 8-foot oak log?
An 8-foot Red Oak log with a 10-inch small end diameter and 14-inch large end diameter weighs approximately 377 lb (171 kg). The weight varies significantly by species - the same size log in Western Red Cedar would weigh only about 167 lb (76 kg), while Live Oak would weigh about 455 lb (206 kg).