Log Weight Calculator

About Log Weight Calculation

This Log Weight Calculator is a handy log weight estimator for round logs and a tree weight calculator for rectangular boards and beams. Enter average diameter (or two end diameters), length, and choose a wood species or set a custom density in kg/m³ to get mass and volume. You can subtract bark thickness, see the weight of one piece and totals for a batch, and keep everything strictly in the metric system.

The tool applies cylinder math for logs and a simple L×W×T formula for boards, reporting results in kilograms (kg) and cubic metres (m³). It suits quick site estimates, transport planning, storage, or sawmill prep when you need to know how much a log weighs without a physical scale.

Tips and Tricks

• Measuring diameter. For straight stems, measure the average diameter at mid-length. If the ends differ noticeably, switch to “Two end diameters” and the calculator will average them automatically. All dimensions are in centimetres and metres.
• Bark subtraction. Tick “Subtract bark thickness” when you want log weight without bark. Typical bark values are about 0.5-2 cm for many softwoods and 1-3 cm for some hardwoods; exact species can vary.
• Moisture matters. “Green” wood can be significantly heavier than air-dry. If your logs are freshly felled or water-soaked, increase the density value (many users add roughly 20-60% as a practical estimate) or enter your own density in kg/m³.
• Common size ranges. On building sites and at small mills you'll often see lengths of 2-6 m and diameters of 20-50 cm. For boards/beams, widths of 10-30 cm and thicknesses of 2-8 cm are common starting points.
• Formulas used. Log volume: V = (π/4) × d² × L (d and L in metres). Board/beam volume: V = L × W × T (all in metres). Weight: m = ρ × V, where ρ is density in kg/m³.
• Related European references. For background reading: EN 13183-1 (moisture content determination), EN 338 and EN 384 (structural timber properties and characteristic densities). These standards are informative here; they are not required to use the calculator.

FAQs

How much does a log weigh?

Use the calculator with your dimensions and species, or estimate quickly with the formula. Example: a 30 cm average diameter, 4 m pine log has volume ≈ 0.2827 m³; with ρ≈510 kg/m³ the weight is about 144 kg. This is an easy way to check log weight without a chart.

What's the best way to estimate log weight when the ends are different?

Select the “Two end diameters” option for estimating log weight. Enter both end diameters in centimetres; the tool averages them, subtracts bark if requested, and outputs weight and volume in kilograms and cubic metres.

Which density should I choose for pine, oak, and other species?

Pick the species from the list (e.g., pine, oak, spruce) to fill a typical density automatically, or use your own value if you know the actual moisture content. As a rule of thumb, many softwoods fall around 450-550 kg/m³ and many hardwoods around 600-750 kg/m³; green logs can be higher.

Can this work as a tree weight calculator for a whole tree?

Yes—treat the trunk as several logs, sum their weights, and optionally add a percentage for branches if needed. This gives a practical estimate for transport and handling; it is not a substitute for detailed forestry inventory.

Do you support imperial units or pounds?

The calculator operates only in the metric system. Convert your measurements to centimetres/metres and read the results in kilograms; this ensures consistent, accurate outputs for every log weight estimate.