Log Weight Calculator

A log weight estimate helps plan lifting, hauling, milling, and material handling before timber is moved. This calculator treats a straight log as a circular cylinder. It converts the entered diameter from inches to feet, finds the circular cross-sectional area, multiplies that area by length, and then multiplies cubic volume by the selected wood density. Quantity scales both volume and weight for a group of similar logs. The cylinder formula is a practical planning approximation, not a precise log-scaling rule. Natural stems taper from butt to top, and bark, knots, hollows, sweep, and irregular cross sections change actual volume. Measuring diameter near the middle usually gives a more representative cylinder estimate than using the large butt diameter. For strongly tapered logs, divide the stem into shorter sections, estimate each section with its average diameter, and add the weights. Wood density has the greatest uncertainty. Species tables may report green density, air-dry density, oven-dry density, or specific gravity, and those values are not interchangeable. Freshly felled wood contains water in cell cavities and walls, so green logs can be dramatically heavier than seasoned lumber from the same tree. Moisture also varies by season, growing conditions, sapwood proportion, and storage history. Use a density corresponding to the log's actual species and moisture condition whenever possible. Diameter should be measured across the log through its center, not around its circumference. If circumference is easier to obtain, divide it by pi to estimate diameter. Length should represent the usable log section. The output gives cubic feet, pounds, and short tons; one short ton is 2,000 pounds. These units support trailer payload checks and rough crane planning, but lifting points and dynamic forces still require professional judgment. Use the result as an early estimate and include a conservative margin for handling. Weighbridge tickets, calibrated load cells, or species-specific forestry equations provide better information when contracts, transportation limits, or safety-critical lifts depend on the answer. Always follow vehicle ratings, rigging plans, and local hauling regulations rather than relying solely on a geometric estimate.