Log Weight Calculator

Weight is volume times wood density. Work out the log’s volume as a cylinder — π ÷ 4 × diameter² × length — then multiply by the density of the species in its green or seasoned state.

For a log that narrows along its length, the tapered (frustum) formula uses both the small- and large-end diameters for a truer volume. A 16-inch, 8-foot green pine log works out to roughly 615 lb. The calculator does this for any size, species and moisture state.

A lot more — often 30 to 60 percent heavier. A fresh-cut (green) log is full of water, so for pine the green density is about 55 lb per cubic foot versus about 36 once seasoned; for oak it is roughly 64 green against 44 dry.

That water weight matters most for hauling and lifting, since you move the whole green weight even though much of it dries off later. The calculator lets you switch between green and seasoned so you plan for the weight you will actually handle.

It depends on the species and how wet it is. Seasoned softwoods like cedar are light at around 23 lb per cubic foot, pine around 36, while dense hardwoods like oak and hickory run 44 to 51 lb per cubic foot dry.

Green wood is much heavier because of its water: green oak is about 64 lb per cubic foot and green pine about 55. For comparison, water alone is about 62 lb per cubic foot, which is why a freshly cut log can feel almost as heavy as water.

Among common species, hickory and oak are the heaviest — green hickory is about 63 lb per cubic foot and green oak about 64 — while cedar and poplar are the lightest, cedar green at about 33 and seasoned near 23.

Weight tracks the wood’s density, which also roughly tracks its hardness and heating value. The by-species table ranks them side by side for your exact log size, so you can see the spread at a glance.

A tapered log is a frustum — a cone with the tip cut off. Its volume is π ÷ 12 × length × (d₁² + d₁·d₂ + d₂²), then multiplied by the wood density.

That is more accurate than using one diameter for a log that narrows noticeably from butt to tip. In the calculator, choose the Tapered shape and enter both end diameters; for a fairly straight log, the Average-diameter mode is simpler and close enough.

Weight decides whether a log is a two-person lift, a winch job or a loader job, and it sizes the trailer, the straps and the equipment. A single large green hardwood log can weigh well over a thousand pounds, which is easy to underestimate by eye.

For milling and firewood it also helps plan how much you can carry per load and how the stack will dry down. Knowing the green weight up front keeps a haul within the limits of your vehicle and rigging.

This calculator assumes over-bark diameters unless you measure inside the bark. Bark adds a little to the diameter and some weight, so an over-bark measurement gives a slightly higher volume than the clean wood alone.

For rough hauling and handling estimates, over-bark is fine and errs on the heavy side, which is the safe direction for rigging. For a milling yield estimate, measure or deduct the bark to get closer to the usable wood volume.

Wood is natural, so density varies between trees, between species, and even within one log from butt to tip. Moisture is the biggest variable — a log part-way through drying sits between the green and seasoned figures — and knots, defects and taper all shift the real weight.

The calculator uses typical densities and a clean geometric volume, which is accurate for planning hauling, lifting and milling. Treat it as a solid estimate rather than a scale reading, and lean on the green figure when sizing equipment.