Log Board Foot Calculator: Easily Estimate Your Lumber Yield

If you're dealing with logs, whether for milling, selling, or woodworking, knowing how much usable lumber you can get is crucial. That’s where a Log Board Foot Calculator comes in handy. This tool helps you estimate the board feet in a log, making it easier to plan your projects, price logs accurately, and avoid unnecessary waste.

In this article, we'll explain what log board feet are, how to calculate them manually, and why using a calculator makes things much easier.

What is a Log Board Foot?

A board foot (Bd Ft) is a measurement of lumber volume. In the case of logs, it estimates how much usable wood can be milled from a raw log. Since logs are cylindrical, not rectangular like boards, their board footage is calculated differently.

There are several log scaling rules used to estimate board feet in a log, including:

• Doyle Rule – Common in the U.S., but less accurate for small logs.
• Scribner Rule – More precise but doesn’t account for saw blade thickness.
• International 1/4-Inch Rule – One of the most accurate for logs of various sizes.

How to Manually Calculate Log Board Feet

The International 1/4-Inch Rule is widely used and provides accurate results. The formula is:

$$\text{Board Feet} = \left(0.79 \times D^2 - 2D - 4 \right) \times L$$

Where:

• D = Diameter of the log (small end, inside bark) in inches
• L = Length of the log in feet

For example, if you have a log with a diameter of 14 inches and a length of 10 feet, the calculation would be:

$$\text{Board Feet} = (0.79 \times 14^2 - 2(14) - 4) \times 10$$ $$= (0.79 \times 196 - 28 - 4) \times 10$$ $$= (154.84 - 28 - 4) \times 10 = 1228.4 \text{ board feet}$$

Doing this calculation for multiple logs manually can be time-consuming and complex. That’s why using an online Log Board Foot Calculator is the best option!

Why Use a Log Board Foot Calculator?

A Log Board Foot Calculator simplifies the process and provides accurate estimates in seconds. Here’s why it’s beneficial:

✔️ Saves Time – No manual calculations; get results instantly.
✔️ More Accurate – Uses standardized formulas like Doyle, Scribner, or International 1/4-Inch Rule.
✔️ Handles Multiple Logs – Easily calculate board feet for an entire load of logs.
✔️ Better Planning – Helps you estimate milling output, pricing, and lumber needs for your project.

How to Use a Log Board Foot Calculator?

Using an online Log Board Foot Calculator is simple:

1. Enter Log Diameter – Measure the small end of the log (inside the bark) in inches.
2. Enter Log Length – Input the log length in feet.
3. Select a Scaling Rule – Choose between Doyle, Scribner, or International 1/4-Inch Rule.
4. Get Instant Results – The calculator will estimate the board feet for your log.

For multiple logs, simply repeat the process or use a tool that allows batch entry.

Optimize Your Lumber Estimation with a Log Board Foot Calculator

Whether you're a sawmill operator, logger, furniture maker, or DIY woodworker, accurately estimating the board footage of logs is crucial. A Log Board Foot Calculator makes the process effortless, helping you save time, reduce waste, and maximize profit.