Lumber Weight Calculator
Calculate lumber weight by species and moisture
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Enter lumber thickness in inches
- Enter lumber width in inches
- Enter lumber length in feet
- Select wood species (pine, oak, maple, cedar, fir, or spruce)
- Choose moisture content level (green, air-dried, or kiln-dried)
- Enter quantity of boards
- Click calculate to get weight per board and total weight
Wood Density Factors
Lumber weight is determined by volume and wood density. Density varies significantly between species and is heavily influenced by moisture content. Understanding these factors is crucial for accurate weight estimation in construction and transportation planning.
Wood Species Density Comparison
| Species | Green | Air-Dried | Kiln-Dried |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pine | 50 lbs/ft³ | 35 lbs/ft³ | 28 lbs/ft³ |
| Oak | 68 lbs/ft³ | 47 lbs/ft³ | 43 lbs/ft³ |
| Maple | 62 lbs/ft³ | 44 lbs/ft³ | 40 lbs/ft³ |
| Cedar | 38 lbs/ft³ | 23 lbs/ft³ | 22 lbs/ft³ |
| Fir | 50 lbs/ft³ | 33 lbs/ft³ | 27 lbs/ft³ |
| Spruce | 46 lbs/ft³ | 28 lbs/ft³ | 25 lbs/ft³ |
Moisture Content Impact
- Green (fresh-cut): 30-100% moisture, heaviest weight
- Air-dried: 12-20% moisture, moderate weight
- Kiln-dried: 6-12% moisture, lightest weight
- Moisture can add 50-100% to wood weight
Practical Applications
- Transportation planning and load calculations
- Structural load calculations
- Material cost estimation by weight
- Storage and handling requirements
- Equipment capacity planning
Frequently Asked Questions
- How accurate is this lumber weight calculator?
- This calculator uses average density values for common wood species. Actual weights may vary ±10-15% based on specific growth conditions, exact moisture content, and whether the wood is heartwood or sapwood. For critical applications, direct weighing is recommended.
- Why does moisture content affect weight so much?
- Wood is hygroscopic and can contain large amounts of water. Green lumber can have moisture content of 30-100% by weight, meaning water makes up a significant portion of the total weight. As wood dries, it loses this water weight.
- What's the difference between nominal and actual lumber dimensions?
- Nominal dimensions are the names used (like 2×4), while actual dimensions are smaller due to milling. For example, a nominal 2×4 actually measures 1.5" × 3.5". This calculator uses the exact dimensions you enter, so use actual measurements for accuracy.
- Which weighs more: hardwood or softwood?
- Generally, hardwoods (oak, maple) are denser and heavier than softwoods (pine, fir, cedar, spruce). However, moisture content has a larger impact on weight than species. Green softwood can weigh more than kiln-dried hardwood.
- How do I estimate weight for mixed lumber orders?
- Calculate each species/size/moisture combination separately, then add the totals together for your complete order weight.