Enter the total volume of wood (board foot), the density of the wood (lbs/ft^3), and the number of pieces into the calculator to determine the lumber weight.

Lumber Weight Formula

The following formula is used to calculate a lumber weight.

W = V * D * Q
  • Where W is the weight (lbs)
  • V is the volume (ft^3)
  • D is the density (lbs/ft^3)
  • Q is the number of pieces

To calculate lumber weight, multiply the lumber volume, density, and number of pieces together.

Lumber Weight Definition

What is lumber weight? A lumber weight is a measure of the total mass of a set of 1 or more pieces of lumber.

Common Lumber Densities

How much does lumber weigh? Lumber weight depends on the size and density of the lumber being used. Some common densities for lumber can be found in the list below.

  • Pine: 2.5 lbs/ft^3
  • Walnut: 3.3 lbs/ft^3
  • Cherry: 3 lbs/ft^3
  • Maple: 3.75 lbs/ft^3

Example Problem

How to calculate lumber weight?

  1. First, determine the density of the lumber.

    For this example, we will be working with pine wood. This has a density of 2.5 lbs/ft^3.

  2. Next, determine the board foot of lumber.

    This is also known as the volume in cubic feet. Multiply the length by the width by the height to calculate the volume. The lumber for this example has a volume of 10 ft^3.

  3. Next, determine the quantity of lumber.

    For this example, we have 10 equal pieces.

  4. Finally, calculate the lumber weight.

    Using the formula above: W = 2.5*10*10 = 250 lbs.

FAQ

How do you determine the density of the wood for calculating lumber weight?
The density of wood can vary based on its type and moisture content. Typically, wood density is measured in pounds per cubic foot (lbs/ft^3) and can be found in tables or databases of wood properties. For common types of wood like Pine, Walnut, Cherry, and Maple, densities are often provided in the specifications from suppliers or in woodworking resources.

Can the lumber weight calculator be used for any type of wood?
Yes, the lumber weight calculator can be used for any type of wood as long as you know the volume (in board feet or cubic feet), the density of the wood (in lbs/ft^3), and the number of pieces. The calculator is a versatile tool that applies the general formula for calculating weight, making it applicable to all wood types.

Why is it important to calculate the weight of lumber?
Calculating the weight of lumber is important for several reasons, including shipping cost estimation, load planning for construction projects, and ensuring the structural integrity of building designs. Knowing the weight of lumber helps in planning and executing projects more efficiently and safely, avoiding overloading structures or vehicles.

lumber weight calculator
lumber weight formula