MyYardCalc
Lumber & Woodworking · Material planning

Log Board Foot Calculator

Estimate board-foot yield from log diameter and length with Doyle or a continuous Scribner formula. See scaling assumptions and limitations.

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Example values are filled in. Replace them with your measurements.

in
ft

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The calculation

Doyle board feet = (small-end diameter in inches − 4)² × log length in feet ÷ 16.

  • Approximate sawn yield, not solid log volume, graded value or a rounded scaling table. No deductions for defects.

Saved on this device

Only estimates you choose to save are stored here.

    Measure with a little context

    How to use this log board foot calculator

    Measure the small-end diameter inside bark. Log scaling estimates sawn yield rather than the geometric volume of the whole cylinder.

    Rules and scaling tables differ. The Scribner option is a formula approximation, not a rounded Decimal C table or a timber appraisal; defects and mill recovery are not modeled.

    Doyle board feet = (small-end diameter in inches − 4)² × log length in feet ÷ 16.

    A worked example

    With the example values shown below, the calculated result is 144 board ft. These are demonstration inputs, not installation specifications.

    View the example measurements
    • Small-end diameter inside bark: 16 in
    • Log length: 16 ft
    • Identical logs: 1

    From estimate to order

    Whole packages and pieces round up; measured lengths, areas and volumes keep full precision during calculation. Match the product dimensions and units to your quote, and check cuts, minimum orders and delivery before purchasing.

    Read our formulas, rounding rules and limitations →

    Log board foot planning questions

    Where do I measure a log for board-foot yield?

    Use the small-end diameter inside the bark and the log length. Scaling estimates sawn yield rather than the volume of a solid cylinder. Keep the chosen rule with the result because different rules can give different estimates for the same log.

    Does this reproduce every log scaling table?

    No. The Doyle option uses its stated formula; Scribner is a continuous formula approximation. It does not reproduce rounded Decimal C tables, provide the International rule, deduct defects or appraise timber value. Check the rule required by the buyer or scaling practice.

    How do Doyle and Scribner log estimates differ?

    Both use small-end diameter inside bark and log length, but apply different scaling formulas. The same log can therefore have different estimated yields. Record which rule was used and check the buyer’s required method; neither result is a timber appraisal or a guarantee of usable boards.

    Calculation notes updated . Formulas, sources and limitations.

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