Log yield calculator
Small-end diameter, length, number of logs and sawmill recovery: you get log volume, estimated sawn lumber and board feet, including the Doyle log rule.
Estimated sawn lumber
0.327 yd³
- Estimated sawn lumber0.327 yd³
- Log volume0.654 yd³
- Board feet (recovery)106.51 bd ft
- Board feet (Doyle rule)113.2 bd ft
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How it's calculated (visible formula)
log = π/4 × D² × L × logs; sawn = log × recovery; Doyle = (D_in − 4)² × L_ft ÷ 16
- Net geometric measurement, no waste.
- Adjustable waste % for cuts and breakage.
- Purchase rounded up to sellable units (boxes, bags, buckets, boards).
How to calculate it, step by step
- Measure small-end diameter inside the bark.
- Measure log length, less trim allowance.
- Work out log volume as a cylinder.
- Apply sawmill recovery for the diameter and cutting pattern.
- Compare with the Doyle rule if trading in board feet.
Worked example: 15¾ in (40 cm) × 13 ft log, 50% recovery
- Log volume ≈ 0.5 m³
- × 50% ≈ 0.25 m³ sawn
- ≈ 107 bd ft; Doyle ≈ 113 bd ft
→ About 0.25 m³ (107 board feet) of lumber.
Common mistakes
- Measuring diameter with bark or at the butt.
- Expecting over 60% recovery from small logs.
- Using Doyle on small logs — it badly underestimates them.
Pro tips
- Logs with more taper and knots yield less.
- Plan the cut before sawing — thick boards yield more than thin strips.
- Sticker and weight sawn lumber so it dries flat.
- Allow 5–10% volume shrinkage on drying.
From calculation to quote
Add labour, overhead and your margin, and generate the professional PDF.
FAQs
- What recovery does a sawmill get?
- About 45–60% depending on diameter, taper and cutting pattern.
- What is the Doyle log rule?
- A classic US scale for board feet; it under-scales small logs. Scribner and International ¼ are alternatives.
- Where do I measure diameter?
- At the small end, inside the bark.
- What is the Doyle rule?
- A US log scale for board feet; it under-scales small logs.
- Doyle vs Scribner vs International?
- International ¼ in is closest to actual yield; Doyle is most conservative.
- How much does lumber shrink when drying?
- About 5–10% by volume down to 12% moisture, most of it tangentially.
Sources and standards
Maintained by Srikanta M · Formula v1.0.0 · Verified 2026-09-10 · Updated 2026-09-10 · Limits: quantity estimation, not structural design or site supervision.