By Zencalcy Editorial TeamLast reviewed About us
A green log is mostly water, so it can weigh twice what the same volume of kiln-dried lumber does. Estimating from a tapered cylinder and a species density gets you close enough to choose a machine, plan a trailer load, or price timber by weight.
Estimate the weight of a fresh-cut log before you lift it.
V = π × (d/2)² × L m = V × ρ
Green density ranges from about 700 kg/m³ for spruce to 1,100 kg/m³ for oak. A 10% taper allowance is applied by using the small-end diameter without correction, which slightly understates the volume; add 5–10% for bark.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| d | Diameter at the small end. |
| L | Log length. |
| ρ | Green density of the species. |
The log holds about 16.7 cu ft of wood. At 1,000 kg/m³ that is roughly 475 kg, or 1,047 lb.
Continue with the Gravel Calculator, Sand Calculator, Rock Calculator, or the River Rock Calculator — or browse more materials & quantities and all construction calculators.
Freshly cut timber holds 40–60% moisture. Seasoned wood is lighter by 25–40%, so a log that is borderline for a trailer today may be fine after drying.
Results use standard construction estimating arithmetic: volumes from measured area and depth, unit weights from published material densities, and code-referenced spans or clearances where the page names a code. Quantities are rounded up to whole saleable units and include the stated waste allowance. These tools are planning aids, not structural design, and do not replace a licensed engineer, a local code check, or a contractor's site measurement.
Reference material used to build and check this calculator:
Last reviewed: September 2026. See how we build and check every tool on the about page.
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Content updated: September 2026