Log Volume

International 1/4-Inch Log Volume (Board Feet)

Courtesy: Professor Gene Wengert

Note: An explanation follows the table

Notes: This is based on the small end diameter, inside bark. For oval logs, measure the average diameter.

This scale is really close to the actual yield of lumber in a circular mill with 1/4-inch wide teeth. For a band mill, actual yields will be a little higher. Often logs are bought and sold on the Doyle or Scribner scales--these two scales are very close to each other. They underestimate the volume in smaller logs. This is useful for the sawmill as smaller logs have more handling costs. So, you could either scale the logs with the International 1/4-inch scale but then pay a lower price for small logs due to the increased handling, or you could scale the logs lower and then pay the same $/BF for all logs regardless of size.

Logs may also be graded, which is a quality measure, not volume measure.

Scribner Log Volume (Board Feet)