The weight of a log is found by calculating its volume and multiplying by the density of the wood species.

1. Measure Dimensions: Measure the log's average diameter in inches and its length in feet. It's important to measure the diameter at the center of the log, away from the wider root flare.
2. Calculate Volume: The calculator treats the log as a perfect cylinder. It converts the diameter to a radius in feet, then uses the formula for the volume of a cylinder.
   Volume (ft³) = π × (Radius (ft))² × Length (ft)
3. Find Green Wood Density: Select the wood species. The calculator uses a built-in table of average green weights (in lbs per cubic foot) for various species. Green weight is used because freshly cut logs have a very high moisture content.
4. Calculate Total Weight: The log's volume is multiplied by the density to find the total estimated weight in pounds.

• Green Weight: The weight of freshly cut wood, which includes a significant amount of water within its cellular structure.
• Density: The mass of a substance per unit of volume. For logs, this is typically measured in pounds per cubic foot (lbs/ft³).
• Log Taper: The natural decrease in a log's diameter from its base to its top. This calculator uses an average diameter and assumes a perfect cylinder.
• Root Flare (Butt Swell): The pronounced widening of a tree's trunk at its base. Diameter measurements should not be taken here as it will inflate the volume calculation.

"This formula provides a good baseline, but remember that a real log isn't a perfect cylinder. There's always taper. For a more conservative (safer) estimate, I sometimes measure the diameter at the narrow end of the log instead of the middle. This guarantees I won't underestimate the weight, even if it means my calculation is a bit high." - Certified Arborist

"The weight of a species can vary significantly by region and growing conditions. A slow-grown oak from a dense forest will be heavier than a fast-grown oak from an open field. Always treat the calculated weight as a very good estimate, but leave yourself a 15-20% safety margin on your equipment's capacity."

Example 1: A Large Red Oak Sawlog
The log is 16 feet long with an average diameter of 24 inches. Red Oak weighs about 63 lbs/ft³.
Volume: `π * (1 ft)² * 16 ft = 50.26` ft³.
Weight: `50.26 ft³ * 63 lbs/ft³ ≈ 3,166` lbs. This is over 1.5 tons; you'll need serious equipment to move it.

Example 2: A Small Pine Log for a Project
A white pine log is 8 feet long and 10 inches in diameter. White Pine weighs about 45 lbs/ft³.
Radius: `(10 in / 2) / 12 = 0.417` ft.
Volume: `π * (0.417 ft)² * 8 ft = 4.35` ft³.
Weight: `4.35 ft³ * 45 lbs/ft³ ≈ 196` lbs. Manageable for two people.

• Using Dry Weight Density: Using the density for kiln-dried lumber will drastically underestimate a green log's weight. Green wood can be 50-100% heavier than dry wood.
• Measuring Diameter at the Wrong Spot: Measuring at the wide root flare instead of the average midpoint will lead to a significant overestimation of the weight.
• Forgetting Bark: Bark can add 5-15% to a log's weight, depending on the species and thickness. This calculator does not account for bark, so consider the result a baseline.
• Ignoring Log Taper: Assuming the log is a perfect cylinder is an approximation. For very long logs with significant taper, the estimate will be slightly high.

• Transportation Safety: Ensuring the weight of logs does not exceed the capacity of trucks, trailers, and loaders.
• Sawmilling: Determining if a log is within the safe lifting capacity of a sawmill's log handling equipment.
• Forestry & Arboriculture: Estimating tonnage for logging jobs or biomass calculations.
• Project Planning: Figuring out if you can physically move a log you've acquired for a special project.