Tree Value Calculator
Estimate the monetary value of a standing tree.
The value of a standing tree, known as its 'stumpage value', is a critical figure for landowners, loggers, and sawmills. It represents the tree's worth as raw material before any costs for felling, transportation, or milling are incurred. This calculator helps you estimate this value.
By first estimating the tree's board foot volume (using our Standing Tree Volume Calculator) and then multiplying by the current market rate per board foot for that species, you can arrive at a reasonable estimate. This is essential for fair negotiations when buying or selling timber.
The calculation is a straightforward multiplication.
- Estimate Board Foot Volume: First, you must determine the usable board foot volume of the tree. You can use our 'Standing Tree Volume Calculator' for this, which requires the tree's diameter and usable height.
- Determine Market Price: Research the current stumpage price for your specific wood species and grade in your region. This price is typically expressed in dollars per thousand board feet ($/MBF). You will need to convert this to a price per board foot (e.g., $850/MBF = $0.85/BF).
- Calculate Total Value: Multiply the estimated board feet by the price per board foot.
Stumpage Value = Total Board Feet × Price per Board Foot
- Stumpage Value: The value of a tree as it stands in the forest, before it is cut. It's the price a logger might pay a landowner for the right to harvest the tree.
- Board Foot (BF): A unit of lumber volume equal to 144 cubic inches.
- MBF: A unit representing one thousand board feet. Timber prices are often quoted per MBF.
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Always double-check your measurements before cutting.
Account for the kerf (the width of the saw blade) in your calculations.
Consider wood movement (expansion and contraction) in your final dimensions.
Buy 10-15% extra material to account for mistakes and waste.