Log Board Foot Calculators
Choose a named log scaling rule and understand its validated range.
Log rules estimate lumber yield
A log scaling rule estimates potential board-foot recovery from a log. It is not a geometric volume conversion. Doyle, International ¼-inch and Scribner embody different assumptions and can produce different answers from the same small-end diameter and length. A defensible record names the exact rule and variant.
The released tools here use retained USDA Forest Service SOLVE table transcriptions for defined diameter and length cells. Inputs outside those cells fail closed. Scribner remains held because the reviewed evidence did not establish one unambiguous generic variant suitable for this label.
Required measurements
Diameter means small-end diameter inside bark, entered as a whole inch from 8 through 26. Supported lengths are 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 feet. A separate percentage deduction can reduce the gross table value for a documented defect allowance; it is shown separately and cannot exceed 100%.
Why the rules disagree
Rules were designed around different sawing assumptions, kerf allowances, taper treatment and historical markets. Doyle tends to be conservative for small diameters in many comparisons, while International ¼-inch models a quarter-inch kerf. These are interpretive characteristics, not guarantees for a particular mill.
Selecting a rule
Use the rule named by the contract, regulation or local market, not the one that produces the preferred total. Record measurement technique, bark convention, length class, source table, gross value and deduction. If the required variant is not released here, stop and use the controlling published table directly.
Questions about this topic
Which rule is most accurate?
Accuracy depends on the transaction, log mix and milling conditions; use the named governing rule.
Can I enter a 17-foot log?
No. The retained table supports only the listed length cells.
Why is Scribner held?
The generic label covers materially different published variants and rounding practices.
Related BoardFoot Bench pages
Method and content reviewed 3 September 2026.