Fonseca: The Measurement of Roundwood prelims Final Proof page i 20.9.

2005 1:24pm

THE MEASUREMENT OF ROUNDWOOD

Methodologies and Conversion Ratios
 Fonseca: The Measurement of Roundwood prelims Final Proof page iii 20.9.2005 1:24pm

THE MEASUREMENT OF
ROUNDWOOD
Methodologies and Conversion
Ratios

Matthew A. Fonseca
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
Trade and Timber Branch
Geneva, Switzerland

CABI Publishing
 Fonseca: The Measurement of Roundwood prelims Final Proof page iv 20.9.2005 1:24pm

CABI Publishing is a division of CAB International

CABI Publishing CABI Publishing
CAB International 875 Massachusetts Avenue
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ß M.A. Fonseca 2005. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronically, mechanically,
by photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of
the copyright owners.

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library,
London, UK.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Fonseca, Matthew A.
The measurement of roundwood : methodologies and conversion
ratios / by Matthew A. Fonseca.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN-13: 978-0-85199-079-8
ISBN-10: 0-85199-079-7 (alk. paper)
1. Forests and forestry--Mensuration. I. Title.

SD555.F62 2005
634.90 285--dc22
2005011482
ISBN-10: 0 85199 079 7
ISBN-13: 978 0 85199 079 8

Typeset by SPI Publisher Services, Pondicherry, India

Printed and bound in the UK by Cromwell Press, Trowbridge.
 Fonseca: The Measurement of Roundwood prelims Final Proof page v 20.9.2005 1:24pm

Contents

Acknowledgements ix
Foreword Harold E. Burkhart xi
Abbreviations xiii
List of Tables xv
List of Figures xvii

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2. LOG SCALING 5
2.1 Basic Concepts, Commonalities and Differences of Log Scales 6
2.2 Cubic Measure and the Major Cubic Log Scaling Methods in Use 9
2.2.1 The USFS National Cubic Log Scale (USA) 10
2.2.2 BC Firmwood Scale (Canada) 15
2.2.3 Alberta Cubic Metre Scale (Canada) 18
2.2.4 The Ontario Cubic Method (Canada) 22
2.2.5 Swedish National Board of Forestry Log Scale (Sweden) 26
2.2.6 Russian Government Standard (Russia and members
of the former USSR) 29
2.2.7 Cubage au Réel (France) 33
2.2.8 New Zealand 3-D and Mid-girth methods (New Zealand) 36
2.2.9 Brereton, ATIBT method (Africa, Oceania,
South America, Asia, Japan) 38
2.2.10 Hoppus (Africa, Oceania, South America, Asia) 42
2.2.11 JAS Scale (Japan, Chile, East Asia, Oceania, Australia) 44
2.3 The Major Product Output Rules in Use 47
2.3.1 Scribner Short Log Rule (western USA) 48
2.3.2 Scribner Long Log Rule (northwestern USA,
west coast Canada) 55
2.3.3 The Doyle Log Rule (central and eastern North America) 61
2.3.4 International 1⁄4-Inch Log Rule (eastern North America) 67
2.4 Other Methods of Scaling 73
2.4.1 Weight scale 73
2.4.2 Stacked wood scale 78
2.4.3 Automated measurement systems (scanners, photo-cells) 80
2.5 Converting between Log Scaling Methods 83
2.5.1 Modelling conversion factors 83

v
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vi Contents

2.5.2 Examples of using conversions 92

2.6 Sample Scaling 93
2.6.1 Determining sample size 94
2.6.2 Types of sample scaling 97
2.6.3 Population and subpopulations to be expanded (stratum) 99
2.6.4 Level of expansion 101
2.6.5 Expansion time window 102

3. MEASURING LOG YARD INVENTORIES AND MILL USAGE VOLUME 107

3.1 Basic Concepts 107
3.2 Methods of Measuring Log Yard Inventory 108
3.2.1 Stacked measure (deck factors) 108
3.2.2 Scaled inventory 110
3.2.3 Sample scaled inventory 111
3.2.4 Weight expanded inventory 112
3.2.5 Count (load or log) 112
3.2.6 Book estimated inventory 113
3.3 Calculating Mill Log Usage Volume 114
3.3.1 Measure the inventory and deliveries, and solve for the usage 114
3.3.2 Measure the production and solve for the usage by
utilizing a recovery factor 114
3.3.3 Measure usage directly 115

4. MEASURING LOG QUALITY 117

4.1 Log Grading 117
4.1.1 Grading sawlogs and peelers 118
4.1.2 Grading chip logs 120
4.2 Log Manufacturing Quality 121

5. ROUNDWOOD WEIGHT AND GENERAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES 125

5.1 The Variables that Determine Weight-to-Volume Ratios 125
5.1.1 Moisture content 125
5.1.2 Wood density 128
5.1.3 Bark volume and weight 129
5.1.4 Deducted defect volume 129
5.2 Conversions to and from Weight 129

6. METRICS OF LUMBER RECOVERY 131

6.1 Measuring Lumber Volume 133
6.1.1 Lumber board foot measure 133
6.1.2 Lumber cubic volume 138
6.2 Factors Affecting Lumber Recovery 139
6.2.1 Milling efficiency 139
6.2.2 Log characteristics 140
6.3 Recovery Trends by Log Size and Lumber Products Produced 145
6.3.1 Cubic scaled logs 151
6.3.2 Product output scaled logs 152

7. METRICS OF PLYWOOD/VENEER RECOVERY 159

7.1 Measuring Plywood and Veneer Volume 160
7.2 Factors Affecting Plywood and Veneer Recovery 160
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Contents vii

7.2.1 Milling efficiency 160

7.2.2 Log characteristics 161
7.3 Plywood and Veneer Recovery Trends by Log Size and Scaling Method 164
7.3.1 Cubic scaled logs 164
7.3.2 Product output scaled logs 164

8. METRICS OF WOOD CHIPS AND OTHER RESIDUE

RECOVERY FROM LOGS 169
8.1 Units of Measure 169
8.2 Product Recovery 171
8.2.1 Chips 171
8.2.2 Sawdust 176
8.2.3 Shavings 177
8.2.4 Bark 177
8.2.5 Residual wood fibre-to-product ratios 180
8.2.6 Wood energy 181

REFERENCES 185

Appendix 1 MEASURING LOG VOLUME 191

Appendix 2 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND WEIGHT-TO-VOLUME DATA 225
Appendix 3 GLOSSARY 255

INDEX 263
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Acknowledgements

The author wishes to express his gratitude to the following persons who
have contributed significant time, effort, expertise and knowledge to the
making of this book:

Harry Bagley, Head of Quality Control, Plum Creek Timber Company,

Columbia Falls, Montana, USA.
Ernie Bauer, Executive Director, Idaho State Board of Scaling Practices,
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA.
Lars Björklund, Swedish Timber Measurement Council, Tingvallavägen,
Sweden.
Bill Cooper, Timber Scaling Supervisor, Alberta Forest Management
Branch, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Jim Crover, Scaling Policy Forester, Revenue Branch, BC Ministry of
Forests, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
John Ellis, Group Technical Manager, Owens Cargo Company Ltd and
Managing Director of Scaling Research International, Mount Maunganui,
New Zealand.
Robert Frear, Technical Scaling Coordinator, Revenue Branch, BC Minis-
try of Forests, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Adrian Whiteman, Forestry Officer, Planning and Statistics Branch,
United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome, Italy.
Walter Zagrobelny, Provincial Measurement Supervisor, Wood Alloca-
tion and Measurement Section, Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada.

Two individuals need to be singled out for the tremendous assistance and
guidance that they have given:

Billy Dean, formerly the Manager of Measurements for Plum Creek Tim-
ber Company, also worked for the Inland Forest Resource Council and the
Western Wood Products Association (WWPA) as a roundwood measure-
ments expert. He spent many years dedicated to understanding the prin-
ciples outlined in this book and communicating them to the forest sector
at large and to the author of this book in particular. He is now retired and
living on his ranch in Colorado.

ix
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x Acknowledgements

Henry Spelter, Forest Economist, United States Forest Service Forest

Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin, USA. Mr Spelter was a great
source of information and council. The author benefited significantly
from Mr Spelter’s experience and knowledge, not only regarding the
subject matter in this book (of which he is a leading expert), but also
about the process of producing a book.

Further assistance and expertise were given by Romeo T. Acosta, Lyne

Bedard, Ernie Booth, Chris Bringloe, Mona Bynoe, Barber Cho, Clarence
Hoot, Sterling James, Jerry Kingsbury, Godfrey Marshall, Volker Sasse and
Caroline Stein.

Plum Creek Timber Company and its excellent staff deserve a great deal of
thanks for providing a forward thinking environment and an excellent
testing ground for learning the ‘ins and outs’ of roundwood metrics.

Finally, the author would like to thank his wife Cristina and daugh-
ters Tanya and Erin for their support and tolerance. Cristina, who is a
librarian at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland, assisted in
retrieving information and proof-reading. Much time was spent working
on this publication which could have been family outings or a night at the
cinema.

Disclaimer
The opinions and statements in this book are the author’s and not those of
present or past employers. Every effort was made to present accurate
information from the best sources available, but this information should
not be used in lieu of specific information sources or local knowledge
when physical risk, issues of legality, or damages (financial or otherwise)
could occur.

Note

A publication such as this is not possible without the contributions

and expertise of many individuals. No doubt, there are many of you
who have relevant information on roundwood metrics, which could
be used to expand upon, clarify, and improve future revisions of this
publication.
The author encourages any of you who wish to contribute infor-
mation, make comments and suggestions, or have questions to contact
him at: [email protected]
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Foreword

Estimating the contents of roundwood is fundamental to forest products

industries. Tree boles are irregular geometric solids with varying taper
rates, making estimation of product quantities a formidable task. The
wide array of products of possible interest – many of which involve
converting highly irregular roundwood into regular dimensions – adds
further complexity to the undertaking. Product specifications are subject
to change, and manufacturing methods are variable and are undergoing
constant evolution. Hence, it is not surprising that a bewildering span of
metrics and methods for assessing roundwood has been promulgated.
While it would seem a relatively simple matter to estimate the prob-
able product yield from roundwood, a wide variety of possible products
must be considered. Furthermore, many primary forest products are
bought and sold on a weight basis, as well as on volume measure,
thus necessitating a thorough understanding of weight-to-volume
relationships.
In the case of lumber, for example, the various dimensions of boards
that may be produced from a log, variation in the equipment used in
producing lumber, skills of various operators, and inherent variability in
the logs makes for a multifarious estimation problem. In addition, the
application of the log scaling procedures often varies by locality, with
different definitions for obtaining scaling diameter and length. Scaling
straight, sound logs is problematical, but many pieces have defects, which
further complicates an already onerous job. Value depends on log quality
or grade, as well as log volume and product quantity, thus adding yet
another tangled layer to the knotty problem of assessing roundwood.
For many regions of the world, there is no industrial association or
government agency with control over the measurement of roundwood.
Therefore, it is essential that the various measurement standards and
methods be clearly described and compiled in a readily available source.
Because of the puzzling array of log rules, the difficulty of converting
between different rules and units of measure and the scattered and in-
complete documentation of the many assessment methods being applied

xi
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xii Foreword

by the forest products industry, pulling the material together in a logical

and coherent manner under a single cover is a daunting endeavour.
Matthew A. Fonseca accepted the challenge of systematically sum-
marizing a plethora of information on measuring roundwood with this
volume entitled The Measurement of Roundwood: Methodologies and
Conversion Ratios. In this ambitious effort, he summarizes the basic
concepts, commonalities and differences of the principal log rules.
He covers methods for measuring log yard inventories and mill usage
volume, discusses measuring log quality, gives information on round-
wood weight and general physical properties, details metrics of lumber
recovery as well as plywood/veneer recovery, and ends with information
on metrics of wood chips and other residue recovery from logs. This
comprehensive volume on the metrics of roundwood includes coverage
from major timber-producing regions of the world. With the increasing
globalization of the forest products industry, having a ready reference to
help sort through the maze of metrics and methods applied to assessing
roundwood is certain to prove highly beneficial to foresters and forest
products specialists.

Harold E. Burkhart
Department of Forestry
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA
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Abbreviations

– missing data
0
foot
00
inch
# or n number
< less than
>
pffi greater than
square root
@ at
BC British Columbia
BD bone-dry
BDMT bone-dry metric tonne
BDT bone-dry ton
BDU bone-dry unit
bf board foot
BTU British thermal unit
C Celsius
ccf cunit
cm centimetre
CO2 carbon dioxide
CT computer tomography
CTL cut-to-length log processor
CV coefficient of variation
D large-end diameter
d small-end diameter
DBH diameter at breast height
dia. diameter
dm3 cubic decimetre
F Fahrenheit
EXP antilog of natural logarithm
ft2 square foot
ft3 cubic foot
GJ gigajoules
GTS green target size

xiii
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xiv Abbreviations

H height
JAS Japanese agricultural standard
kg kilogram
L length
lb pound
LF lineal foot
LL long log
LN natural logarithm
LRF lumber recovery factor
m metre
m2 square metre
m3 cubic metre
mbf 1000 board feet
MBTU 1000 BTU
MDF medium density fibreboard
mc moisture content
mm millimetre
msf 1000 square feet 3⁄800 basis
MT metric tonne
ns not specified
OR overrun
OSB oriented strand board
PC personal computer
PLE prior load expansion
PNG Papua New Guinea
Rt revised t value
rw random width
S segment
SD standard deviation
SE sampling error
SG specific gravity
SL short log
spp species
t ton
UR underrun
USFS United States Forest Service
VRF veneer recovery factor
W width
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List of Tables

Table 2.1 Russian regional taper and correction factors

for bark 32
Table 2.2 Scribner log volume chart, lengths 1–200 52
Table 2.3 Scribner Long Log Rule segment length and trim
allowance chart 57
Table 2.4 Scribner Long Log volume chart, lengths 21–400 58
Table 2.5 Doyle Log Rule volume chart 65
Table 2.6 International 1⁄400 Log Rule volume chart 71
Table 2.7 General guidelines for components of area of stacked
roundwood 79
Table 2.8 Swedish National Board of Forestry stacked measure
guidelines for pulp logs 80
Table 2.9 Volume index by length and small-end diameter class 85
Table 2.10 Revised t value 96
Table 5.1 Average physical characteristics of logs from some
common North American tree species 126
Table 6.1 Typical distribution of fibre in the lumber manufacturing
process 132
Table 6.2 Comparison of sawmill lumber volume as measured
when rough-green, rough-dry, and finished-dry 133
Table 6.3 Example of lumber width yield in North American sizes
by small-end diameter of log 135
Table 6.4 Board foot actual to nominal sizes and volumes
by lumber product type 136
Table 6.5 Shrinkage rates of common North American trees 144
Table 6.6 Board mill, lumber and residual product recovery
by small-end diameter of cubically scaled logs 146
Table 6.7 Stud mill, lumber and residual product recovery
by small-end diameter of cubically scaled logs 147
Table 6.8 Dimension mill, lumber and residual product recovery
by small-end diameter of cubically scaled logs 148
Table 6.9 Hardwood mill, lumber and residual product recovery
by small-end diameter of cubically scaled logs 149

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xvi List of Tables

Table 6.10 Board mill, lumber recovery by small-end diameter

of product output scaled logs 153
Table 6.11 Stud mill, lumber recovery by small-end diameter
of product output scaled logs 154
Table 6.12 Dimension mill, lumber recovery by small-end
diameter of product output scaled logs 154
Table 6.13 Hardwood mill, lumber recovery by small-end
diameter of product output scaled logs 155
Table 7.1 Plywood recovery by small-end diameter of cubically
scaled logs 165
Table 7.2 Plywood recovery by small-end diameter of product
output scaled logs 166
Table 8.1 Bone-dry weight and volume conversions for selected
tree species of North America 172
Table 8.2 Examples of residual product recovery by product type 175
Table 8.3 Physical characteristics and heat content of common
North American tree species 178
Table 8.4 Composite panels and pulp recovery ratios 180
Table 8.5 Heating value of common North American tree species
by volume 181
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List of Figures

Fig. 2.1 Typical geometric shape of a log 7

Fig. 2.2 Examples of the Smalian cubic formula and the Huber
cubic formula 9
Fig. 2.3 USFS diameter measurement methodology 11
Fig. 2.4 USFS taper distribution 12
Fig. 2.5 USFS National Cubic Log Scale gross volume determination 13
Fig. 2.6 BC Firmwood diameter measurement methodology 16
Fig. 2.7 BC Firmwood Scale gross volume determination 17
Fig. 2.8 Alberta Cubic Metre Scale diameter measurement methodology 19
Fig. 2.9 Alberta Cubic Metre Scale gross volume determination 21
Fig. 2.10 Ontario Cubic Method diameter measurement methodology 24
Fig. 2.11 Ontario Cubic Method gross volume determination 25
Fig. 2.12 Swedish National Cubic Log Scale diameter
measurement methodology 27
Fig. 2.13 Swedish National Cubic Scale gross volume determination 28
Fig. 2.14 Russian Standard diameter measurement methodology 30
Fig. 2.15 Russian Standard gross volume determination 33
Fig. 2.16 Cubage au Réel diameter measurement methodology 34
Fig. 2.17 Cubage au Réel gross volume determination 35
Fig. 2.18 New Zealand 3-D diameter measurement methodology 37
Fig. 2.19 New Zealand 3-D gross volume determination 38
Fig. 2.20 Brereton diameter measurement methodology 40
Fig. 2.21 Brereton gross volume determination 41
Fig. 2.22 Hoppus gross volume determination 44
Fig. 2.23 JAS Scale diameter measurement methodology 46
Fig. 2.24 JAS Scale gross volume determination 47
Fig. 2.25 Product output diagram rule vs. formula-based rule 48
Fig. 2.26 Scribner scaling cylinder 49
Fig. 2.27 Scribner Short Log Rule gross volume determination 54
Fig. 2.28 Scribner Short Log Rule cull log example 54
Fig. 2.29 Scribner Long Log Rule diameter measurement methodology 56
Fig. 2.30 Scribner Long Log Rule taper distribution 57
Fig. 2.31 Scribner Long Log Rule gross volume determination 60

xvii
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xviii List of Figures

Fig. 2.32 Doyle Log Rule diameter measurement methodology 63

Fig. 2.33 Doyle Log Rule gross volume determination 64
Fig. 2.34 International 1⁄4-Inch Log Rule 40 scaling cylinder
methodology (160 scaling length) 68
Fig. 2.35 International 1⁄4-Inch Log Rule gross volume determination 70
Fig. 2.36 Pounds per lineal foot 77
Fig. 2.37 Converting load A to Doyle bf using ‘pounds per lineal foot’ 78
Fig. 2.38 Converting load B to Doyle bf using ‘pounds per lineal foot’ 78
Fig. 2.39 Measurements to determine stacked measure volume 79
Fig. 2.40 Three-dimensional log scanning and images 81
Fig. 2.41 Net volume index by small-end diameter class 89
Fig. 2.42 Effects of log taper on converting between selected log scales 90
Fig. 2.43 Net volume index by small-end diameter class for
product output (bf) rules 91
Fig. 3.1 Determining log deck volume using stacked measure 109
Fig. 3.2 Optimizer production report 116
Fig. 6.1 Effects on lumber recovery from taper in cubic and board
foot scaled logs 143
Fig. 6.2 Lumber recovery by small-end diameter of log
and mill type, actual log volume (BC Firmwood) 150
Fig. 6.3 Lumber recovery by small-end diameter of log and mill type,
actual log volume (BC Firmwood) 150
Fig. 6.4 Cubic lumber recovery trends by log length 151
Fig. 6.5 Scribner Short Log Rule recovery by lumber product
and log diameter 156
Fig. 6.6 Scribner Short Log Rule recovery trends by log length
for selected diameters 156
Fig. 6.7 Scribner Long Log Rule recovery by lumber product
and log diameter 157
Fig. 6.8 Scribner Long Log Rule recovery trends by log length
for selected diameters 157
Fig. 6.9 Doyle Log Rule recovery by lumber product and log diameter 158
Fig. 6.10 International 1⁄4-Inch Log Rule recovery by lumber product
and log diameter 158
Fig. 7.1 Effects on plywood recovery from taper in cubic and board
foot scaled logs 163
Fig. 7.2 Plywood recovery by small-end diameter (BC Firmwood) 166
Fig. 7.3 Plywood recovery by small-end diameter,
product output scaled logs 167
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1 Introduction

The ability to measure roundwood quantity and quality, and to predict

product yields is of great importance to forest industries. In most
areas, the cost of logs is the single largest operating expense that a forest
product manufacturing company incurs. Despite the need for insight
into roundwood metrics, it remains an area that is difficult to understand
due to counterintuitive trends, complicated and inconsistent measure-
ment logic, tremendous variability between regions, species, products,
sizes, age classes, and the misnomers that exist regarding the units of
measure. Further complicating one’s ability to understand roundwood
measurement is the proprietary nature of the industry: roundwood trade
and conversion is highly competitive, and knowledge of round-
wood metrics is often seen as a competitive advantage, not to be dis-
seminated.
Beyond the obvious need for accurate volume and quality information
on roundwood is the need to be able to use that information to make
predictions, appraisals and forecasts, and conduct strategic analysis into
core strengths and alternative scenarios that could provide improved
efficiency and realization. This book has been written with the primary
design to guide and provide reference to resource and manufacturing
managers, professionals, analysts and log-scaling organizations. It is
hoped that the data on product recovery will give the reader a good
basis of understanding of the drivers that affect product recovery, and
provide procedures and recommendations to implement or improve
accounting procedures for measuring roundwood and product recovery.
Another intent of this book is to include a listing of comprehensive
conversion ratios for log volume to weight, product volumes, and between
various log-scaling methods. While there are few exact and universal
conversions due to the variable physical characteristics of logs and
inconsistencies in measurement methods, every effort has been made to
obtain specific and accurate conversion ratios, and to present them with
the necessary qualifiers.
In order to accomplish the stated aims, the following categories of
roundwood metrics are covered:

ßM.A. Fonseca 2005. The Measurement of Roundwood: Methodologies

and Conversion Ratios (M.A. Fonseca) 1
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 001 Final Proof page 2 6.9.2005 2:55am

2 Chapter 1

Log scaling. Fifteen basic scaling methods utilized for the measurement of
roundwood from various geographic regions around the world were
chosen based on significance and availability of information. There is
also an appendix table (Table A.1.B), which provides a brief description
of ten more scaling methods. The key conventions used in these log scales
are summarized, and relative volume trends compared to each other via a
modelled log population in order to provide approximate conversion
factors from one method of scaling to another. Because in many regions
logs are scaled and traded by means other than physically measuring
diameters and lengths, other methods of log scale are discussed, such as
weight, stacked measure and the use of electronic scanning with neces-
sary linkages provided to develop conversion ratios. As statistical sam-
pling is a very common component used with log measurement systems,
basic statistical methods and general guidance to methods and applica-
tions of different types of sample scale systems are discussed and dia-
grammed.

Log yard inventory management. Methods of measuring and managing

log yard inventories are presented, discussed and tied together with the
associated statistical methods. The use of weight, stacked measure, count,
scaled and ‘book determined’ inventory methods are covered. Accounting
procedures for reconciling inventory to usage and delivery volumes are
discussed and illustrated with examples.

Measuring log grade and manufacturing quality. Relevant log character-

istics which indicate the quality of products that can be produced are
listed, and log manufacturing errors, which destroy value, are discussed
in terms of accounting for these errors.

Roundwood weight and physical characteristics. Many systems of scal-

ing, inventory and payments for transport and harvesting of timber, are
dependent on weight. Weight-to-volume ratios are a key parameter for
understanding costs and efficiency levels related to the conversion of
trees into forest products. It is difficult to do meaningful realization
analysis without understanding weight ratios, and this is especially true
given the current trend toward purchasing wood and paying for timber
harvest via weight. Weight is a key parameter along with bone-dry weight,
which is critical to understanding value and making good allocation
decisions for pulpwood and the manufacture of residual wood products.
This book also includes a list of published weight-to-volume ratios and
bone-dry weights for many worldwide commercial timber species in the
form of raw logs. Bark content is shown for most major North American
and some European timber species.

Product recoveries from roundwood. The key drivers that determine

lumber, veneer, plywood, chip and residual wood fibre recovery from
roundwood are discussed and diagrammed. Effects such as log size and
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Introduction 3

characteristics, products manufactured, physical properties of wood,

milling efficiency and log-scaling method used are quantified and
reflected through graphs and tables, which show estimated recovery
ratios within product lines, scaling methods and small-end diameter.
The associated methods of measuring products are covered and quanti-
fied, including cubic content, board foot, surface measure and bone-dry
measure. Product recovery from residual wood fibre such as composite
panels, pulp and paper, and wood energy are covered briefly.

As stated earlier, every attempt has been made to present accurate infor-
mation. But as with any information on variable subject matters such as
the weight of wood, scaling method, conversion factors and recovery
ratios, the reader needs to be aware that the listed data may not be
reflective of every situation. It is best to obtain conversion ratios specific
to the intended population; nevertheless, much of the content of this book
exists because this is not always possible, nor is it always necessary.
Much of the matter in this book has been accumulated over many
years by the author in his professional capacity, and much of it has come
from published information on the subjects discussed. Official sources,
such as Forest Services and Forest Ministries, and mensuration organiza-
tions provided much of the previously published information contained
herein. There is undoubtedly a ‘North American bias’ in content as it is an
important region in terms of the sheer size of the forest sector; it has many
old and complicated systems of measure, and it is also where the author
obtained his experience. Readers are encouraged to utilize the publica-
tions, papers and websites listed in the reference for further research.
Finally, it should be said that the forest products industry, while
always accepting of new technology, is also steeped in tradition, and
sometimes resistant to change. Many of the complexities contained in
this book on understanding and managing roundwood are due to old
systems of measurement that no longer apply well to the current state of
forestry and the timber industry (particularly in North America). It is the
author’s hope that support for improved accuracy, simplification and
harmonization of systems will eventually bring about an end to using
systems, some of which have been utilized for more than 150 years and
which no longer provide the users with much value.
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 002 Final Proof page 5 20.9.2005 9:39pm

2 Log Scaling

Log scaling is the process by which the gross and net content of timber is
ascertained and expressed in an acceptable unit of measure. It may be
expressed in cubic volume, predicted product output (e.g. bf), piece
count, stacked measure or by weight. Normally, scaling is specifically
associated with the measurement of volume, but it also provides a vehicle
for measuring value via species, grade, dimensions and quality of log
manufacturing. The purposes of log scaling are as follows:
1. As a unit of measure for transaction purposes.
2. As a gauge for work accomplished.
3. As a measure of inventory.
4. As a measure of mill efficiency (recovery).
5. As a predictor of output in finished products.
As much as 60–85% of the cost of producing wood products can be in the
purchase of logs, so it is extremely important to fully understand the
variables of the unit of measure used, and to control its consistency and
accuracy. A typical log scaler measures a great deal of value in a year’s
time, and has the difficult task of obtaining accurate measurements while
maintaining productivity. This situation can easily lead to inaccurate
measurements, which are often biased toward an overstatement of vol-
ume. This happens, not because of personal bias, but because diameter
measurements tend to be overstated and log defects tend to be missed in
the production environment.
To ensure that the logs are scaled accurately, it is very important that
the scalers are well trained and competent, have sufficient time, as well as
good working conditions to do their scaling in. It is also important that
scalers are regularly check-scaled, in order to measure their accuracy and
correct any deficiencies.
To successfully manage a log conversion facility or market delivered
logs, it is necessary to have accurate and consistent log scale, understand
the nuances of log scale, be able to measure value, predict product output
and establish accurate inventory methods. With the ongoing trend toward
more globalization of roundwood trade, it is increasingly important to
be able to work with a variety of scaling methods. Regardless of the unit
ßM.A. Fonseca 2005. The Measurement of Roundwood: Methodologies
and Conversion Ratios (M.A. Fonseca) 5
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6 Chapter 2

of measure chosen for internal accounting, one may need to purchase

and appraise logs based on a very different log-scaling method or by
weight.
The desirable characteristics of a log-scaling system are accurate,
consistent and relative scales through which one is able to measure
volume and value, predict product output, establish accurate inventory
and usage volumes, and to convert from one unit/method of measure to
another (cubic volume to weight, weight to volume, scaled volume to
cruised stand volume, etc.). Some methods are better than others for
accomplishing these aims, but all can be managed and converted if one
understands the variables and has enough data to work with. However, it
is the author’s opinion and experience that the cubic-based measures are
the best for accomplishing the aims listed. Even when one is forced by
regional acceptability or law to use other types of scaling systems, like
weight or product output rules (Scribner, Doyle, International 1⁄4-Inch,
etc.), it is worthwhile determining and tracking cubic volume in parallel
for ‘internal’ bookkeeping.

2.1 Basic Concepts, Commonalities and Differences of Log Scales

There is a wide variety of scaling methods utilized in the world. Choice of

method is sometimes mandated by law or dictated by acceptability within
a region, and often a company may utilize more than one method of
scaling simultaneously on the same logs. Most scaling methods utilize
length and diameter information to determine volume in cubic volumetric
units, or in product output units (bf). Even simple weight scale (just
weighing the logs) is typically converted to cubic or product output
volumes based on conversions from sample scaling. There are two types
of product output rules: diagram rules such as the Scribner rule, and rules
based on mathematical formulas such as the Doyle log rule and the
International 1⁄4-Inch. Most of the world utilizes cubic measure, which
measures all the wood fibre in cubic volumetric units and makes no
assumption as to product output. Most scaling systems make deductions
for defects (volume assumed not usable). Given that the same basic inputs
(diameter, length and defects) are used in the different scaling methods,
one would assume that there is a good level of uniformity and harmon-
ization of methods; unfortunately, this is not often the case. In combin-
ation, the determination of diameters, length, taper, gross volume and
defect can contribute to substantial discrepancies in volume determin-
ation between scaling systems even when the procedures appear very
similar. To some degree, all of the scaling methods are arbitrary, and
only through close examination can they be accurately assessed. Without
analysing the actual log-scaling methods at this point, the major proced-
ural differences causing disparities between the various log scales are as
follows.
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Log Scaling 7

Diameter measurements. Many log-scaling methods require that diameter

measurements be taken at both ends of the log while others only require
one. The Scribner Long Log Rule only requires the small-end diameter for
logs up to 410 long (12.5 m). Other scaling methods also only utilize one
diameter measurement, but taken in the middle of the log. There are also
some rules that require three diameter measurements (both ends and the
middle) for particularly long logs, or logs with a great deal of taper (in this
situation a log is scaled as two log segments).
The diameter measurement itself may differ substantially from one
log scale to the next. As already stated, some log-scaling methods
utilize measurements taken outside bark (meaning that normally an
assumed thickness of bark is subtracted), and circumference measure-
ments that are converted to a diameter via p. Diameters converted
from circumferences have a predisposed bias to be overstated because
logs are not generally perfectly round; they all are at least somewhat
elliptical. The more elliptical a log is, the more the volume will be
overstated.
The rounding rules utilized for diameters can also create substantial
differences. Both of the Scribner log rules use inches as a unit. Scribner
Long Log truncates diameters (13.99’’ rounds down to 13’’), while Scribner
Short Log and most other log scales use conventional rounding (13.51’’
rounds up to 14’’). To account for the elliptical nature of many diameters,
most log scales request that two measurements be taken on each log end
(narrow and perpendicular or narrow and wide axis), which also creates
differences. For example, with both short and long log Scribner, an aver-
age that falls on the half inch is always rounded down (narrow measure-
ment of 13’’, right angle measurement of 1400 ¼ 13:500 ; rounds down to 13’’);
while with many other log scales, the average goes up or down to the
closest even number.
Another reason that diameters create differences in log volume is
because of the different methods of determining the large-end diameter
for logs that are butt-cuts (first log in the tree taken above the stump). It is
commonly accepted that the diameter taken at the butt-cut does not give a
representative profile of the tree. Butt-cut logs are frustums of a neiloid in
shape owing to the flare and buttressing that occurs from the ground level
up to about 1.4 m (4:50 ) above the ground or higher (Fig. 2.1). Methods for
obtaining a representative butt diameter range from applying an assumed

Conic Paraboloid Neiloid

Fig. 2.1. Typical geometric shape of a log.

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8 Chapter 2

increase over the small-end diameter (‘standard taper’), measuring the log
over the bark above the butt-swell (and possibly estimating the diameter
inside bark), or in the case of some scale methods, only using small-end
or mid-point diameters (thus alleviating the need to obtain a butt-cut
diameter).
Length measurements. Log lengths are measured much more consistently
than diameters, but there are still differences. Some log-scaling methods
include unmeasured additional length to allow for checking at the end of
the log, shrinkage and unsquare cuts, while other log scales measure the
entire length. This unmeasured length (trim allowance) can be as much as
7% of the log length (typically around 3%).
Log taper. Assumptions of how log taper is used to account for log shape
have a great deal to do with the calculated volume. Most trees have
similar shapes in that they tend to be frustums of a neiloid (concave)
near the stump, paraboloid in the centre, and paraboloid or conic near the
top (see Fig. 2.1). Without getting into the particulars of each log scale yet,
it is important to understand that log scales may assume taper, measure
the actual taper (with or without accounting for the actual profile of the
stem) or ignore the taper altogether, and these differences can cause
substantial volumetric disparities between scaling methods.
Gross volume determination. As stated earlier, the various scaling
methods are expressed in either units of predicted output, such as the bf
rules, or in cubic volumetric units (which make no output assumptions
except in some cases where defects are concerned). The product output
rules are generally based on assumptions that may have been accurate 100
years ago in a particular region and given particular products produced,
but that may no longer be appropriate for predicting output based on
current manufacturing standards and products. Of the product output
rules listed in this publication, none correlate well with cubic scale,
unless diameter and length data can be factored in, and even within the
output rules, there is a great deal of variation. Further exacerbating these
differences are the rounding rules for volume, which in some log rules
can create huge differences in volume at key points. These abrupt and
large changes (step functions) can be inadvertently or purposely manipu-
lated to affect the volume assigned.
While volume determination for cubic is more consistent, there are
differences in formulas that can also create substantial differences in the
volume assigned. There are several different formulas for determining
cubic volume, and they can all yield rather similar or different results
depending, in great part, on the parameters of the logs, e.g. short, long,
high taper, low taper, etc.
Defect deductions. There are many differences between scaling methods
on what constitutes a deductible defect and procedures for determining
the appropriate defect volume to deduct. There are three main ways for
accounting for defect that are particular to the various scaling methods:
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Log Scaling 9

1. Ignore defects and just determine gross volume.

2. Deduct only for void, soft-rot and char.
3. Deduct anything that reduces the yield of primary products; this
includes not only void, soft-rot and char but firmwood defects such as
big knots, crook and sweep, checks, shake and twist.

2.2 Cubic Measure and the Major Cubic Log-Scaling

Methods in Use

The methods listed below are some of the most common cubic log scales
used around the world. There are more (some of which are described
briefly in Table A.1.B), but the methods listed in this section are limited
to those that the author was familiar with or on which information was
readily available.
All but two of the cubic rules listed below are based on the formula
‘area of a circle ¼ p
radius2 ’. The other methods listed are the JAS Scale,
which utilizes a formula for the area of a square to calculate cubic volume,
and Hoppus, which uses the area of one-fourth of the girth (circumfer-
ence). There are two main variations of the ‘area of a circle formulas’
in use for log scaling: the Smalian formula and the Huber formula
(Fig. 2.2).
The 0.7854 constant used in Fig. 2.2 is derived from p  4, which is
the relative area of a circle to a square with the same dimensions, e.g. a
circle with 20 cm diameter is 78.54% the area of a 20
20 cm square.

Smalian formula L = 5.0 m

Log volume = ((d +2 D2) ÷ 2)
L
0.7854.

Simply put, it measures the area of two cylinders, each

for half the log length, one having the diameter of the
small-end, the other having the diameter of the large-
end.

Example: [(0.252 + 0.312) ÷ 2]
5
0.7854 = 0.311 m3 d = 0.25 m D = 0.31 m

Huber formula L = 5.0 m

Log volume = ((d + D) ÷ 2)2
L
0.7854.

The Huber formula measures the area of a cylinder
having the diameter equal to the mean of the small-
end and large-end diameters or having a diameter
equal to the midpoint.
Example: 0.282
5
0.7854 = 0.308 m3
d = 0.25 m mid = 0.28 m D = 0.31 m

Fig. 2.2. Examples of the Smalian cubic formula and the Huber cubic formula.
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10 Chapter 2

Listed below is a brief summary of the principal methodology for

some cubic log scales in use in the world today. The information on log
scales contained herein should not be used in lieu of the actual scaling
manuals.

2.2.1 The USFS National Cubic Log Scale (USA)

The benefits of measuring volume via a cubic log scale have been recog-
nized for many years. Despite attempts by some in the United States
Forest Service (USFS) to gain widespread acceptance and use of the
cubic log method as far back as the 1920s, the product output rules (‘bf
measure’) have maintained predominance in the USA. That is not to say
that many companies and agencies in the USA have not used cubic
measurement. Many companies, scaling bureaus and some agencies
have used, and continue to use, cubic measurements for ‘in-house’ data
and transactions.
It was not until 22 May 1991 that the USFS published the National
Forest Cubic Scaling Handbook. Unfortunately, the timing was not good
for obtaining universal acceptance of these guidelines, as they came
during a time when the Forest Service was experiencing diminished
influence amongst the timber community. This was due to a huge reduc-
tion in their timber sales programme (the spotted owl court decision and
overall environmental agenda becoming politicized during these times),
and because of tremendous pressure to improve accountability on re-
moved volumes by switching from ‘scaled sales’ to other means such as
‘lump sum’ and ‘ton rate’. Despite the slow acceptance rate in the USA by
private companies and non-USFS agencies, some larger companies are
using cubic log scale (notably in western USA) in parallel with bf meas-
ure. The USFS National Cubic Log Scale is normally reported in units of
cubic feet (ft3 ) or in units of 100 cubic feet (ccf), which is called a cunit.
Listed below is a summary of the procedures for determining volume
based on the National Cubic Scaling Handbook (USFS, 1991).

2.2.1.1 Diameter measurements

1. Measure diameters inside of bark and cambium layer.
2. Measure through the true centre of the log (ignore pith).
3. Take two measurements, narrow-way first, and right angle to the first
measurement (the right angle measurement is generally, but not necessar-
ily, the wide dimension).
4. Round diameters to the nearest inch; when one diameter falls exactly
on the 0.5’’, round it up; when both diameters fall exactly on the 0.5’’,
round one diameter up, and the other down.
5. Determine the average of both measurements (if the average is on the
0.5’’, always round down).
6. Disregard bumps and depressions.
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Log Scaling 11

Narrow measurement = 8.84
Narrow measurement = 15.21
Narrow measurement = 39.52

Right angle measurement = 9.62
Right angle measurement = 16.72
Right angle measurement = 44.74

∑ 8.84 rounds to 9
∑ 15.21 rounds to 15
∑ 39.52 rounds to 40

∑ 9.62 rounds to 10
∑ 16.72 rounds to 17
∑ 44.74 rounds to 45

(9
+ 10
) ÷ 2 = 9.5
; round down to 90 (15
+ 17
) ÷ 2 = 16
; diameter is 160 (40
+ 45
) ÷ 2 = 42.5
; round down to 420

Fig. 2.3. USFS diameter measurement methodology.

7. Forked tops or swelled ends should be measured behind swell.

8. For butt-cut ends, measure diameter 4’ above the butt-end (which
correlates with breast height, assuming a stump height of 6’’).
Examples of diameter measurements and rounding conventions are
shown in Fig. 2.3.

2.2.1.2 Length measurements

1. Measure short side to short side.
2. Recorded scaling length is actual length minus trim, recorded to the
nearest foot. Maximum trim is normally 0.5’ per segment for logs 8–20’
in nominal length, 1’ for logs 21–40’ in nominal length, and 1.5’ for logs
41–60’ in nominal length. When the timber is from a stumpage sale, if the
actual length minus trim allowance exceeds the whole foot, the recorded
length is rounded up to the next higher foot in length (see Table A.1.C). If
logs are purchased already cut, trim allowance is usually negotiated with
insufficient trim allowance resulting in a log being scaled back to the next
desired length multiple.
3. Maximum segment length is 20’ plus trim.
. Logs longer than 20’ are divided into two or more segments as
necessary and scaled as individual log segments.
. Multisegment logs are divided evenly, if possible, into 2’ mul-
tiples, with the shortest segment(s) on the small-end of the log (in
the event that the log cannot be divided evenly).
. Under no circumstances should there be more than a 2’ difference
between the longest and shortest segment or more than one odd-
length segment in any multisegment log (see Appendix Table A.1.C).

2.2.1.3 Taper distribution

1. One-segment logs (logs with a nominal length of 8–20’) are assumed to
be conic, with a constant taper between the small-end and large-end.
2. Two-segment logs (logs with a nominal length greater than 20’ but less
than 40’): total taper 7 number of segments added to the small-end
diameter of segment 1 ¼ the small-end diameter of segment 2; if total
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12 Chapter 2

Two-segment log

Small-end Large-end
diameter (d) S2d diameter (D)

Segment 1 (S1) Segment 2 (S2)

Recorded length 32

Even taper example: d = 12
; D =14
Odd taper example: d = 12
; D =15

14 – 12 = 2
of taper; 2 ÷ 2 segments = 1
; 15 – 12 = 3
of taper; 3 must be raised to 4 to
S2d = d + 1; S2d is 130 be divisible evenly by 2; 4 ÷ 2 segments = 2
;
S2d = d + 2; S2d is 140
Note: The small-end diameter of segment 2 (S2d) is also the large-end diameter of segment 1 (S1D).

Fig. 2.4. USFS taper distribution.

taper is not evenly divisible by the number of segments, raise taper to next
number evenly divisible by the number of segments.
3. Three-segment logs (logs with a nominal length of 40’–60’): use
same procedure as for two-segment log to find small-end diameter of the
middle segment; repeat procedure for the remaining two segments (as
if the small-end segment did not exist) to find the small-end diameter of
the butt segment (segment 3).
Figure 2.4 shows taper distribution for a two-segment log with both odd
and even taper examples. Taper distribution can also be determined by
using Table A.1.D.

2.2.1.4 Gross volume determination

The USFS National Cubic Log Scale uses the Smalian formula to deter-
mine log volume. To determine the volume of a log segment apply the
formula:
log volume ¼ [(small-end diameter2 þ large-end diameter2 )
L]

0:002727, round to nearest tenth of a cubic foot:
Note that the constant in the above version of the Smalian formula
is 0.002727 rather than the 0.7854 constant from Fig. 2.2; this is because
there are 144 square inches in a square foot: 0:7854  144 ¼ 0:005454.
Because two diameters are used with the Smalian formula,
0:005454  2 ¼ 0:002727.
Figure 2.5 shows an example of calculating gross volume. Volume can
also be determined by using Table A.1.E, which is a half cylinder cubic
foot volume chart.

2.2.1.5 Defect deduction rules

A defect is anything that causes a loss in volume of lumber. Stain is not
considered a defect. The following is a list of deductible defects:
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Log Scaling 13

Two-segment log
Small-end Large-end
diameter (d) S2d diameter (D)

Segment 1 (S1) Segment 2 (S2)

Recorded length 32

d = 15

D = 18

S2d (and S1D) are interpolated as 17

Segment 1 calculation: (152 + 172)  16  0.002727 = 22.4 ft3 (0.634 m3)

Segment 2 calculation: (172 + 182)  16  0.002727 = 26.7 ft3 (0.756 m3)
Total log volume = 49.1 ft3 (1.390 m3)

Fig. 2.5. USFS National Cubic Log Scale gross volume determination.

Bark seams Crook (pistol grip butt) Lightning scars Conk rot
Breaks and splits Crotch (forks) Massed pitch Heart rot
Burls Fire scars Pitch seams Stump rot
Cat faces (basal scars) Large knots (> 4:500 ) Pitch spangles Sap rot
Heart checks Knot clusters Pitch rings Twisted grain
Weather checks Rotten knots Stump pull Worms and bug holes
Frost cracks Metal Shake
There are four major methods for deducting for defects:
1. Squared area deduction.
2. Percentage deduction.
3. Length deduction.
4. Diameter deduction.

This is used primarily for interior defects that lend

SQUARED AREA DEDUCTION.
themselves to being partitioned into a square or rectangular area. The
volume of a defect is calculated by the formula:
defect deduction ¼ W00
H00
L0  144:

PERCENTAGE DEDUCTION. This is used for defects that go from the perimeter to
the heart area of the log and can best be reckoned with by enclosing the
defect in a ‘pie-shaped’ sector with a fractional representation for the
length affected. This fraction is then applied to the length of the log
segment, e.g. if a log segment has a scaling length of 16’, with one half
of 6’ (1⁄2 of 6 ¼ 3) of the log having a defect requiring a deduction, the net
scale of the log is equal to that of a 13’-long log.

This is normally used for defects that cause a loss of

LENGTH DEDUCTION.
volume for all or some of the length affected. This deduction rule is
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14 Chapter 2

commonly used in combination with the pie-cut method, e.g. 1⁄2 of an 8’

length reduction. The defect equals the difference between the volume as
calculated from the gross length and the volume as calculated from the
net length. Sweep (a gradual bow in the log) and crook (a sharp change
of direction) deductions are taken by projecting a theoretically straight
log through the straightest portion of the log segment and deducting for
the volume that falls outside of the actual log segment. For example, a 16’
log with a crook affecting 6’ in length, of which 2⁄3 of the theoretical
straight log falls outside of the actual log, would result in a 4’ length
reduction: 4  16 ¼ 0:25, so the defect volume is equal to 25% of the
gross volume.

This is used for defects that occur in the perimeter of the

DIAMETER DEDUCTION.
log, such as rotten sapwood, surface checks and twist (excessive slope of
grain). This deduction is made by establishing net diameters under the
defective portion of the log. The defect deduction is the difference
between the volume as calculated from the gross diameters and the
volume as calculated from the net diameters.

2.2.1.6 Net volume and merchantability

Net volume is the gross volume minus defect. There is a point where a log
is no longer considered merchantable and will be culled (giving it no net
volume). This merchantability factor is designed to eliminate payment
and/or mandatory utilization of logs that are not financially viable. The
factor is based on the 1⁄3 sound rule from the Scribner bf rule. As the
Scribner merchantability factor will be discussed in Section 2.3.1, we will
not go into the particulars at this point. A good ‘rule of thumb’ is that a log
will be culled when the net volume is less than 40% of the gross volume,
but this is not always the case as the merchantability factor is actually
based on net volume Scribner (generally 1⁄3 minimum net volume). A
cull sawlog can be reclassified as a merchantable pulp log or specialty
product log, depending on the purchase agreement. Figure 2.28 on page
54 shows a log that has a gross volume of 39:5 ft3 and a rotten core that
creates a defect deduction of 16:8 ft3 (42.5% defect). As this log has less
than 331⁄3% net scale Scribner, it is a cull in cubic despite the percentage
loss in cubic volume.

2.2.1.7 Pulp log scale

The USFS National Cubic Log Scale handles pulp log scaling in much the
same way as listed above, with the following exceptions:
1. Log lengths used are actual (no trim allowance is given), with lengths
rounded and recorded to the nearest foot.
2. Void, soft-rot and char are the only defects that can be deducted.
3. Round-shaped defects (such as centre rot) are deducted with a circu-
lar area formula rather than with squared defect (thus reducing the de-
fective area by 21.46% vs. the same sawlog deduction).
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Log Scaling 15

2.2.2 BC Firmwood Scale (Canada)

Cubic log scale received its official start in British Columbia in 1945 via
an amendment to the Forest Act, which introduced cubic scale as an
improvement for usage and depletion of the forest inventory. As intro-
duced, the scaling method, which at that time was called the ‘BC Lumber
Cubic Scale’, was optional, and deducted for all defects that caused a loss
of lumber volume (much like the current US National Cubic Log Scale).
Volumes were presented in cubic feet or cunits (units of 100 ft3 ). In the
1960s, the use of lumber recovery as a guide for defect deductions was
dropped, and a system that only deducted for void, soft-rot and char was
put in place, which was called the BC Firmwood Scale. In 1972, the
government stopped authorizing the use of both the bf scaling rule and
the ‘BC Lumber Cubic Scale’. In 1978, the BC Firmwood Scale was made
the only authorized log scale in British Columbia, and was converted to
the metric system. The Yukon Territory uses essentially the same proced-
ures as BC Firmwood. Listed below are the basic rules of the BC Firm-
wood Scale taken from the British Columbia Scaling Manual (British
Columbia Ministry of Forestry, 1999).

2.2.2.1 Diameter measurements

1. Diameters are measured in units called ‘rads’, with each rad being
2 cm in length, e.g. a diameter of 20 rads is the equivalent of 40 cm, or put
another way, having a radius of 20 cm (thus the name rad).
2. Measure through the true centre of the log (ignore pith).
3. Take two measurements at right angles to each other, through the
narrow axis and the wide axis.
4. Disregard bumps and depressions.
5. Forked tops or swelled ends should be measured behind swell with
line of taper projected toward the top and the appropriate reduction made
to the diameter.
6. For butt-cut ends, measure diameter above the swelled end by calli-
pering the log at a point just above the butt flare (theoretically inside the
bark with a narrow and right angle measurement), and projecting the
normal line of taper from the calliper point to the butt-end.
7. Measure diameters to the nearest rad diameter class, e.g. the diameter
class of 18 rads includes all measurements from 35.0 to 36.99 cm; the
diameter class of 19 rads includes all measurements from 37.0 to
38.99 cm.
8. Determine the average of both measurements; if the average is on the
0.5 rad, round to the closest even number, e.g. the average of 21 rads and
24 rads is 22.5, which rounds down to 22; the average of 21 rads and 22
rads is 21.5, which rounds up to 22.
Figure 2.6 is an example of diameter measurements using the BC Firm-
wood Scale.
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16 Chapter 2

Narrow measurement = 22.5 cm Narrow measurement = 38.6 cm Narrow measurement = 100.4 cm

Right angle measurement = 24.4 cm Right angle measurement = 42.5 cm Right angle measurement = 113.6 cm
∑ 22.5 is equal to 11 rads ∑ 38.6 is equal to 19 rads ∑ 100.4 is equal to 50 rads
∑ 24.4 is equal to 12 rads ∑ 42.5 is equal to 21 rads ∑ 113.6 is equal to 57 rads
(11 + 12) ÷ 2 = 11.5; round to 12 rads (19 + 21) ÷ 2 = 20; diameter is 20 rads (50 + 57) ÷ 2 = 53.5; round to 54 rads

Fig. 2.6. BC Firmwood scale diameter measurement methodology.

2.2.2.2 Length measurements

1. Lengths are measured in metres to the nearest tenth of a metre, e.g.
12.34 is recorded as 12.3 and 12.35 is recorded as 12.4.
2. Actual length is the scaling length (no unmeasured trim allowance is
given).
3. Lengths are measured through the geometric centre of the log.
4. Logs that have a large-end diameter which is 1.5 times or larger than
the small-end diameter may be required to be cut into two separate logs in
order to improve the accuracy of the scale (the Smalian formula becomes
less accurate as taper increases).

2.2.2.3 Taper distribution

1. Taper distribution is considered linear unless the large-end diameter
is greater than 50% larger than the small-end diameter, e.g. 12 rads d and
20 rads D.
2. In the event that the large-end diameter oversteps the small-end
diameter by 50% or more, the recommended procedure is to cut the logs
into mill-preferred lengths and scale the individual segments (this pro-
cedure is generally implemented on sample scaled logs).

2.2.2.4 Gross volume determination

The BC Firmwood Scale uses the Smalian formula to determine log
volume. To determine the volume of a log apply the formula:
m3 ¼ (small-end diameter in rads2 þ large-end diameter in rads2 )
L

0:00015708; round to three decimal places
Figure 2.7 is an example of gross volume determination using the BC
Firmwood Scale. Volume can also be determined by using Table A.1.F,
which is a half cylinder volume chart.

2.2.2.5 Defect deduction rules

The BC Firmwood Scale only deducts for void, soft-rot and char (fibre
loss defects). It should be noted, however, that the grading rules differ-
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Log Scaling 17

Small-end Large-end
diameter (d) diameter (D)

Recorded length 10.0 m

d = 19 rads
D = 24 rads
(192 + 242)
10
0.00015708 = 1.472 m3 (52.0 ft3)

Fig. 2.7 BC Firmwood Scale gross volume determination.

entiate between logs based on their suitability to make primary wood

products such as lumber and plywood, and degree of lumber (or veneer)
volume reducing defects such as sweep, crook, shake, check, spangle and
twist are included in the grading criteria. The grading rules also handle
void, soft-rot and char differently from the scaling procedures, e.g. the
loss is considered to be much greater, as waste allowance is added to the
defect size, and the physical limitations of producing primary products
such as lumber and veneer are accounted for. In effect, the log scale only
accounts for firm wood fibre, but the logs are virtually rescaled with end
use in mind as part of the ‘log-grading’ procedures.
In general, depending on the actual numeric grade, the sawlog grades
require a log to be > 50% or > 75% available for the manufacture of
lumber, of which a minimum of 50% or more of the lumber will be
merchantable (‘strong general purpose lumber’). Peeler grades require
80% available volume for the manufacture of rotary peeled veneer. Utility
grade requires > 50%, > 662⁄3%, or > 75% (again depending on numeric
grade) of the log volume available for the manufacture of lumber, of which
> 35% is merchantable. The lumber reject grade (chip log) is a log that will
not make a utility grade, but is better than a firmwood reject. A firmwood
reject is a log where either the net volume is less than 50% of the gross
volume due to rot, or where there is less than 1.2 m of merchantable
length due to rot.
There are three major methods for deducting for defects:
1. Squared area deduction.
2. Length deduction.
3. Diameter deduction.

This is used primarily for interior defects that lend

SQUARED AREA DEDUCTION.
themselves to being partitioned into an area shaped like a square,
rectangle, triangle, circle, semicircle, ring or portion of a ring. The
defect volume is calculated by determining the cubic volume occupied
by the defective area using the appropriate mathematical formula for the
geometrical shape of the defective area.
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18 Chapter 2

This is normally used for defects that can easily be

LENGTH DEDUCTION.
enclosed in a fractional area for the length affected, e.g. 1⁄4 of a 1.2 m
length cut. The defect equals the difference between the volume as
calculated from the gross length and the volume as calculated from
the net length. In this case, 1⁄4 of 1.2 is the same as a 0.3 m length
reduction: assuming the log is 5.0 m in length, 0:3  5 ¼ 0:06, so the
defect volume is equal to 6.0% of the gross volume.

This is used for defects that occur in the perimeter of the

DIAMETER DEDUCTION.
log. This deduction is accomplished by establishing net diameters (under
the defective portion of the log) and applying this reduction for the whole,
or a percentage, of the log as needed. The defect deduction is the
difference between the volume as calculated from the gross diameters
and the volume as calculated from the net diameters.

2.2.2.6 Net volume and merchantability

Net volume is the gross volume minus defect. There is technically no
minimum merchantability for logs in regard to volume, excepting that
volume is not calculated for stem volume with a diameter of less than
10 cm. It should also be noted that logs containing less than 50% firm
wood fibre are graded as grade ‘Z’, which means that there is no stumpage
cost charged (even though there will be a volume reported).

2.2.2.7 Pulp log scale

Scaling procedures are the same for pulp and sawlogs as there is no
differentiation between end use in the scaling procedures.

2.2.3 Alberta Cubic Metre Scale (Canada)

Apparently, the Alberta Cubic Scale was initiated in 1962 to facilitate the
measurement of volume in a cubic manner. In 1979, it was modified to
the Alberta Cubic Metre Scale in order to measure logs in cubic metres.
In 1992, the log scale underwent some major revisions including the
addition of taper equations to calculate taper and large-end diameters,
and was adopted as the standard for Alberta. In 2000, a directive made use
of the taper formulas option, and allowed the use of diameters taken at
both ends of the log. This log scale is oriented toward end products as it
allows unmeasured trim on log lengths and deducts for many firmwood
defects that reduce the recovery of lumber and veneer.
As it would not be accurate to compare the Alberta Cubic Metre
scaling procedures with other log scales utilizing taper equations specific
to the timber types in Alberta (while the other log scales use the actual
taper), comparisons and examples are via the two-diameter methodology.
Besides the procedures outlined below, logs can be scaled in what is
called tree length scaling, which is briefly discussed in Section 2.6.2.1.
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Log Scaling 19

The following information is based on the Alberta Scaling Manual

(Alberta Land and Forest Service, 1992) and the 2004 Smalian Scale
supplement (Alberta Scaling Manual, November, 2004).

2.2.3.1 Diameter measurements

1. Measure diameters inside of bark and cambium layer.
2. Measure through the true centre of the log (ignore pith).
3. Take two measurements at right angles to each other, through the
narrow axis and the wide axis of the log end.
4. Disregard bumps and depressions.
5. Forked tops or swelled ends should be measured in a manner that
reduces the diameter to what it would normally be without the unusual
swell.
6. Butt-cut diameters are measured by disregarding the butt flare, pro-
jecting the normal line of taper and measuring at the representative
coordinates.
7. Diameters are in 2-cm diameter classes; the even numbers are the
midpoint of the class and the odd numbers are the boundaries, e.g. the
20-cm class includes all measurements from 19.0 cm to 20.99 cm.
8. Determine the average of both measurements; if the average is on the
odd centimetre, round to the nearest even diameter divisible by four,
e.g. (18 þ 20)  2 ¼ 19, round to 20; (16 þ 18)  2 ¼ 17, round to 16;
(16 þ 20)  2 ¼ 18, diameter remains 18.
Figure 2.8 shows examples of diameter measurements using the Alberta
Cubic Metre Scale.

2.2.3.2 Length measurements

1. Lengths are recorded in 0.2-m length classes (e.g. 4.6, 4.8, 5.0).
2. The recorded length is the actual length minus trim allowance, which
is: 0.05 m for lengths 2.4 to 3.59 m; 0.10 m for lengths 3.60 to 4.79 m;
and 0.15 m for lengths 4.8 m and over.

Narrow measurement = 22.5 cm Narrow measurement = 38.6 cm Narrow measurement = 100.4 cm

Right angle measurement = 24.4 cm Right angle measurement = 42.5 cm Right angle measurement = 113.6 cm
∑ 22.5 is equal to the 22 cm class ∑ 38.6 is equal to the 38 cm class ∑ 100.4 is equal to the 100 cm class
∑ 24.4 is equal to the 24 cm class ∑ 42.5 is equal to the 42 cm class ∑ 113.6 is equal to the 114 cm class
(22 + 24) ÷ 2 = 23; rounds to nearest (38 + 42) ÷ 2 = 40; diameter is 40 cm (100 + 114) ÷ 2 = 107; rounds to nearest
even number divisible by 4, which is number divisible by 4, which is 108 cm
24 cm

Fig. 2.8. Alberta Cubic Metre Scale diameter measurement methodology.

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20 Chapter 2

3. If the actual length minus trim allowance falls exactly on, or just
under, an odd length class (e.g. 4.7, 4.9, 5.1), round down to the next
0.2-m length class; if it falls over the odd length class, e.g. 4.71, round up
to 4.8. For example, if a log has a measured length of 5.25 m, 5.25 
0.15 m ¼ 5.1 m, which would round down to a recorded length of 5.0 m.
If the log has a measured length of 5.26 m, the recorded length would be
5.2 m.
4. The maximum recorded segment length is 7.2 m plus trim; logs longer
than 7.2 m are divided into two or more segments as needed (either
theoretically by callipering or by physically cutting the log) and scaled
as individual log segments.

2.2.3.3 Taper distribution

There are now two approved methods for determining log taper in
Alberta:
1. The large-end diameter and thus taper of a log is determined by the
following regression formula (with no differentiation between butt-cut
and second-cut logs):
Butt or large-end diameter ¼ [intercept þ (A
small-end diameter) þ
(B
small-end diameter2 )]  [small-end diameter
(length  2:4)] þ
small-end diameter

Coniferous Broadleaved
Intercept 5.18862610 5.43503728
Factor A 0.73061559 0.67028964
Factor B 0.006046189 0.007636883

2. Measuring the large-end diameters utilizing the procedures outlined

in section 2.2.3.1 and thus the actual taper can be determined.

2.2.3.4 Gross volume determination

The Alberta Cubic Metre Scale uses the Smalian formula to determine log
volume with either one diameter (using the regression formula above) or
with the use of the actual large-end diameter. The formula for determin-
ing log volume is:
m3 ¼ (small-end diameter2 þ large-end diameter2 )
L
0:00003927,
round to three decimal places
Figure 2.9 is an example of volume calculation using the Alberta Cubic
Metre Scale. Volume can also be determined by using Table A.1.F for use
with the small-end and large-end diameters, or Table A.1.G for use with
just the small-end diameter. The total volume for the logs in Fig. 2.9
would be 1:484 m3 using the ‘one diameter’ method (log 1 has 0:660 m3 ;
log 2 has 0:824 m3 ). Note that timber purchasers are required to stay with
one method through the term of a timber sale, as the volumes could be
seriously biased in either direction by using the ‘one diameter’ method on
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Log Scaling 21

Two-segment log
L1d L1D L2d L2D

Log 1 Log 2

Recorded length 4.8 m Recorded length 4.8 m

Log 1: d = 38 cm; D = 42 cm
Log 2: d = 42 cm; D = 48 cm
Log 1 calculation: (382 + 422)
4.8
0.00003927 = 0.605 m3 (21.4 ft3)
Log 2 calculation: (422 + 482)
4.8
0.00003927 = 0.767 m3 (27.1 ft3)
Total log volume = 1.372 m3 (48.5 ft3)

Fig. 2.9. Alberta Cubic Metre Scale gross volume determination.

high- or low-tapered logs, while using the ‘two diameter’ method (which
measures actual taper) on logs with the opposite taper characteristics.

2.2.3.5 Defect deduction rules

With the exception of mechanical damage (from logging or mill yard
handling), deductions are taken for defects that cause a loss of wood
volume available for manufacturing. Firmwood stain is not considered a
defect. The major defects that are deducted for are: heart rot, butt rot, sap
rot, cat face, crook, sweep, shake, check, cracks, fork, crotch.
There are five major methods for deducting defects:
1. Squared or circular area deduction.
2. Percentage deduction.
3. Pie cut deduction (also known as reducing a fraction).
4. Length deduction.
5. Diameter deduction.

This is used primarily for interior defects

SQUARED OR CIRCULAR AREA DEDUCTION.
that lend themselves to being partitioned into an area shaped like a
square, rectangle or circle. The defect volume is calculated by
determining the cubic volume occupied by the defective area using the
appropriate mathematical formula for the particular shape of the defective
area. It is important to note that for interior rot defects, 2 cm is added to
the diameter if circular in shape; if the defect is square or rectangular, add
2 cm to both the height and width. This additional waste allowance of
2 cm is not added to firmwood-type defects such as checks or shake.

PERCENTAGE DEDUCTION. This is commonly used to deduct for sweep and crook.
Sweep and crook deductions are only considered for their effects within a
2.4-m-long section of a log segment (in other words the rule allows
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22 Chapter 2

theoretical cutting of short logs 2.4 m long to eliminate crook or sweep).

Sweep and crook each have a respective formula for calculating the
percentage of volume loss, which are given below:
% loss from sweep ¼ (maximum deflection  2)  top diameter
100
% loss from crook ¼ (crook deflection  diameter of end with crook)

(length affected  log length)
100

This is used for defects that go

PIE CUT DEDUCTION (ALSO KNOWN AS REDUCING A FRACTION).
from the perimeter to the heart area of the log, and can best be reckoned
with by enclosing the defect in a ‘pie-shaped’ sector with a fractional
representation for the length affected. For example, if a defect affects 1⁄4 of
the log for half the length of the segment, 12.5% of the gross volume is
deducted.

This is used for defects that have a basal area, which

LENGTH DEDUCTION.
exceeds 50% of the basal area of the log end. The defect equals the
difference between the volume as calculated from the gross length and
the volume as calculated from the net length.

This is used for defects that occur in the perimeter of the

DIAMETER DEDUCTION.
log, such as rotten sapwood, surface checks and twisted grain. This
deduction is made by establishing net diameters under the defective
portion of the log. The defect deduction is the difference between the
volume as calculated from the gross diameters and the volume as
calculated from the net diameters.

2.2.3.6 Net volume and merchantability

Net volume is the gross volume minus defect. Any log that has a net
volume less than 331⁄3% of the gross volume, will be culled (meaning it
will have a net volume of zero).

2.2.3.7 Pulp log scale

There is no distinction between pulp and sawlog scaling methods.

2.2.4 The Ontario Cubic Method (Canada)

The Ontario Cubic Method is used primarily for the measure and report-
ing of roundwood harvested from ‘Crown’ forests (publicly owned)
within the province of Ontario. This log scale is not oriented toward
end-product recovery; it does, however, allow deductions for some firm-
wood defects that reduce the recovery of lumber and veneer (namely heart
check and shake). Deductions for crook, sweep, seams, mechanical dam-
age or stain is not permitted, nor is there any unmeasured length allowed
for trim. Like the BC Firmwood Scale, firmwood defects (like sweep and
crook) are accounted for in the grading rules. Unlike the US National,
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Log Scaling 23

BC Firmwood or Alberta Cubic log scales, the Ontario Cubic Method uses
the Huber formula for scaling most sawlogs (Smalian is used for the
sample logs in tree length butt scale). The following procedures are
taken from Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (2000). There are
three variations of the log scale that can be used, depending on the
application (see Section 2.4.1 for information on Ontario weight scale):
1. Cubed fixed length (used on all conifers, poplar and white birch):
. Timber up to 5.7 m in length can be (optionally) scaled from one
end of the log only when there is a statistically even distribution of
large- and small-ends on the same side of the load.
. Timber 5.9 m long and longer has to be measured and scaled from
both ends of the log.
2. Tree length butt measure is based on an average volume per stem
and can be used on all conifers, poplar and white birch that are cut into
tree length stems (see Section 2.6.2.1 for further explanation of the
concept).
3. Cube grade (used on all commercial hardwoods except poplar, and on
white birch).
The following rules are based on scaling logs as individual units.

2.2.4.1 Diameters
1. Measure diameters inside of bark and cambium layer.
2. Measure through the true centre of the log (ignore pith).
3. Take two measurements at right angles to each other, through the
narrow axis and the wide axis of the log end.
4. Disregard bumps and depressions.
5. Forked tops or swelled ends should be measured in a manner that
reduces the diameter to what it would normally be without the unusual
swell.
6. Butt-cut diameters are measured by disregarding the butt flare, pro-
jecting the normal line of taper and measuring at the representative
coordinates.
7. Diameters are in 2-cm diameter classes; the even numbers are the
midpoint of the class and the odd numbers are the boundaries, e.g. the
20-cm class includes all measurements from 19.1 cm to 21 cm.
8. Determine the average of both measurements; if the average is on
the odd centimetre, round to the nearest even diameter divisible by
four, e.g. (18 þ 20)  2 ¼ 19, round to 20; (16 þ 18)  2 ¼ 17, round to
16; (16 þ 20)  2 ¼ 18, diameter remains 18.
9. Determine the average of the small-end and large-end diameter, and
again, if the average is on the odd centimetre, round to the nearest even
diameter divisible by four, e.g. (38 þ 44)  2 ¼ 41, round to 40;
(16 þ 30)  2 ¼ 23, round to 24; (76 þ 88)  2 ¼ 82, diameter remains 82.
Figure 2.10 shows some examples of diameter measurements using the
Ontario Cubic Method.
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24 Chapter 2

Narrow measurement = 22.5 cm Narrow measurement = 38.6 cm Narrow measurement = 100.4 cm

Right angle measurement = 24.4 cm Right angle measurement = 42.5 cm Right angle measurement = 113.6 cm
∑ 22.5 rounds to 22 cm ∑ 38.6 rounds to 38 cm ∑ 100.4 rounds to 100 cm
∑ 24.4 rounds to 24 cm ∑ 42.5 rounds to 42 cm ∑ 113.6 rounds to 114 cm
(22 + 24) ÷ 2 = 23; rounds to (38 + 42) ÷ 2 = 40; (100 + 114) ÷ 2 = 107; rounds to
nearest even number divisible by 4, diameter is 40 cm nearest number divisible by 4,
which is 24 cm which is 108 cm

Fig. 2.10. Ontario Cubic Method diameter measurement methodology.

2.2.4.2 Length measurements

1. Measure short side to short side.
2. Lengths are recorded in odd, 0.2-m length classes with the class
boundary being on the even tenths of a metre and the recorded length
being on the odd tenths of a metre, e.g. a log that is recorded as being
5.7 m long includes lengths from 5.61 to 5.8 m in length.
3. No trim allowance is given.

2.2.4.3 Taper distribution

For the purposes of calculating volume, the log is considered a cylinder,
having a diameter equal to the mean diameter of the small-end and large-
end diameters of the log. In the case of ‘one-end scaling’, the diameter used
is based on either the small-end or the large-end (again with the assump-
tion that there will be an even distribution of small-end and large-end
diameters on the same end of the load). Note that when using tree length
butt measure, which uses the Smalian formula, taper is considered linear.

2.2.4.4 Gross volume determination

The Ontario Cubic Method uses the Huber formula to determine log
volume. To determine the volume of a log segment, apply the formula:
mean diameter2
L
0:00007854 ¼ log volume;
round to three decimal places
Note: the mean diameter is replaced with the end diameter if using the
‘one-end scaling method’.
Figure 2.11 is an example of using a formula to calculate the volume
of a log with the Ontario Cubic Method. Volume can also be determined
by using Table A.1.H, which is a full segment volume chart.

2.2.4.5 Defect deductions

As mentioned above, the Ontario Cubic Method does not deduct for
crook, sweep, seams, mechanical damage or stain. Deductions are primar-
ily made for void, soft-rot, and fibre separation defects such as checks and
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Log Scaling 25

Small-end Large-end
diameter (d) diameter (D)

Recorded length 9.9 m

d = 38 cm
D = 48 cm (38 + 48) ÷ 2 = 43; 43 is rounded to nearest even number divisible by four, 44 cm

442  9.9  0.00007854 = 1.505 m3 (53.1 ft3)

Fig. 2.11. Ontario Cubic Method gross volume determination.

shake (fibre separation defects only apply to white pine, red pine and
eastern hemlock).
There are two methods for deducting for defects:
1. Diameter of defect deduction.
2. Diameter deduction.

This is used primarily for interior defects that

DIAMETER OF DEFECT DEDUCTION.
lend themselves to being partitioned into an area shaped like a square,
rectangle or circle. The defect volume is calculated by determining the
cubic volume of the defective area by converting all areas of defect into a
diameter (circular area). This is done in two ways:
. For defects where the narrow dimension is greater than 50% of the
wide dimension, e.g. 10
18, add the two numbers and divide by two to
obtain the mean (in this case 14); if the mean is an odd number, raise or
lower the diameter to the closest even centimetre class that is divisible
by 4.
. If the defect is long and narrow (the narrow dimension is less than
50% the wide dimension), determine the square area p of the defect, e.g.
8
30 ¼ 240, find the square root of the number ( 240 ¼ 15:49), and
round to the nearest even number (in this case 16).
If the log is being scaled by the ‘one end’ method, the diameter of the
defect is used for the entire length of the log (assuming that there will be a
statistically even distribution of defective ends on a load). If, however, the
log is 5.7 m or less, but both ends are measured, the rot is averaged for
the length, e.g. the small-end diameter of the rot is 12 cm and the large-
end diameter of rot is 20 cm, the rot will be considered to be 16 cm in
diameter. If the same log had 16 cm of rot in the large-end but had no rot
in the top, the rot would still be considered to run the full length of the log,
but the diameter of the rot would be averaged with zero, e.g. 16 cm of
rot in the butt and 0 cm in the top, the rot is considered to be 8 cm
in diameter.
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26 Chapter 2

If the log has a recorded length of 5.9 m or greater, the defect is

assumed to go into the log 2.5 m, unless it shows on the other end of
the log, in which case the defect diameter is averaged over the length of
the log. The formula for determining the defect volume is:

(diameter of the defect2
log length )
0:00007854
*2.5 m if the log is 5.9 m in length or longer, and the rot only shows in one
end.

This is used for rotten sapwood. It is accomplished by

DIAMETER DEDUCTIONS.
establishing a net diameter (under the defective portion of the log). The
defect deduction is the difference between the volume as calculated from
the gross diameters and the volume as calculated from the net diameters.
It should be noted that percentage deductions and diameter of defect
deductions are commonly reflected as diameter deductions via a chart,
which equates percentage loss or squared area loss to a diameter
deduction that matches closely the respective volume loss.

2.2.4.6 Net volume and merchantability

Net volume is the gross volume minus defect. Any log that has a net
volume of less than 50% of the gross volume will be culled (meaning it
will have a net volume of zero).

2.2.4.7 Pulp log scale

Scaling procedures are the same for pulp and sawlogs excepting that there
is no deduction for heart checks or shake (firmwood defects).

2.2.5 Swedish National Board of Forestry Log Scale (Sweden)

The first Swedish timber measurement law was introduced in 1935, and
the present version of the law was implemented in 1966. The present law
states that ‘the measurement of timber in respect to coniferous sawlogs
and pulpwood, which is intended to form the basis for calculating the
value of the timber, has to be carried out according to regulations issued
by the National Board of Forestry.’ The latest updates to the regulations
were issued in 1999, VMR 1-99, and are based on recommendations from
the Swedish Timber Measurement Council. The Timber Measurement
Council is a non-governmental organization where buyers and sellers of
timber in the Swedish market are equally represented. The current revi-
sion of the scaling procedures has been in effect since 1997. This scaling
method has some end-product orientation, but primarily uses grading
functions to indicate primary product recovery and quality.
The Swedish Log Scale utilizes only the small-end diameter and
makes no allowance for taper when scaling sawlogs. However, when
pulp logs are scaled, all of the fibre is accounted for. Most logs are now
scaled via scanners (with scalers inputting bark thickness data, defect
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Log Scaling 27

deductions and log grade). It is important to note that national statistics

from Sweden are published in a corrected form, e.g. they apply a correc-
tion factor of approximately 1.21 to account for understating the actual
sawlog volume. Listed below are the procedures of manually scaling
sawlogs in Sweden taken from VMR 1-99 (Swedish Timber Measurement
Council, 1999). Traditionally logs in Sweden are processed into lengths of
less than 6 m.

2.2.5.1 Diameter measurements

1. Diameters are taken inside the bark at the small-end of the log.
2. Take two measurements at right angles to each other, over the narrow
axis and the wide axis of the log end. If the log is round, one measurement
is permitted.
3. Diameter measurements are truncated and recorded in 1-cm diameter
classes, e.g. 26.9 cm is rounded down to 26 cm.
4. Average the narrow and right angle measurement; if on the 1⁄2 centi-
metre, round to the nearest even number, e.g. a narrow measurement of
27 cm, and a perpendicular measurement of 28 cm, diameter is 28 cm.
5. Disregard bumps and depressions.
6. Forked tops or swelled ends should be measured in a manner that
reduces the diameter to what it would normally be without the unusual
swell.
Figure 2.12 shows some examples of diameter measurements using the
Swedish National Board of Forestry Log Scale.

2.2.5.2 Length measurements

1. Lengths are recorded in truncated 0.1-m length classes, e.g. a meas-
ured length of 5.90–5.99 m is recorded as 5.9 m.
2. Lengths are measured at the shortest distance between the centres of
the log ends.
3. Maximum log length is 6.0 m.

Narrow measurement = 22.5 cm Narrow measurement = 38.6 cm Narrow measurement = 100.4 cm

Right angle measurement = 24.4 cm Right angle measurement = 42.5cm Right angle measurement = 113.6 cm
∑ 22.5 rounds down to 22 cm ∑ 38.6 rounds down to 38 cm ∑ 100.4 rounds down to 100 cm
∑ 24.4 rounds down to 24 cm ∑ 42.47 rounds down to 42 cm ∑ 113.6 rounds down to 113 cm
(22 + 24) ÷ 2 = 23; diameter is 23 cm (38 + 42) ÷ 2 = 40; diameter is 40 cm (100 + 113) ÷ 2 = 106.5; rounds to
nearest even number, which is 106 cm

Fig. 2.12. Swedish National Cubic Log Scale diameter measurement methodology.
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28 Chapter 2

2.2.5.3 Taper distribution

For sawlogs, the Swedish Log Scale views the log as a cylinder having a
diameter the same as the small-end of the log.

2.2.5.4 Gross volume determination

The formula used for sawlogs is based on the small-end only. In order to
correct the effects of truncating the diameter and length measurements,
volume is calculated for the midpoint of the diameter and length class,
therefore 0.5 cm is added to the diameter, and 0.05 m added to the log
length. The following formula is used to calculate gross volume for
sawlogs:
(small-end diameter þ 0:5)2
(L þ 0:05)
0:00007854 ¼ volume,
round to at least two decimal places
Figure 2.13 shows an example of calculating gross volume using the
Swedish National Board of Forestry Log Scale. Table A.1.I can be utilized
to determine log volume scaled via the Swedish National Board of For-
estry Log Scale.

2.2.5.5 Defect deduction rules

Firmwood stain, heart shake (heart check), twisted grain, wet wood and
insect damage are not deducted. Deductions are taken for the following
defects that cause a loss of wood volume available for manufacturing:
spike knots, aniline wood, massed pitch, forest rot, shake, crookedness,
mechanical damage, open scar.
There are two major methods for deducting defects:
1. Length deduction.
2. Diameter deduction.

Small-end Small-end
diameter log 1 diameter log 2

Log 1 Log 2

Recorded length 5.0 m Recorded length 4.9 m

Log 1 d = 38 cm
Log 2 d = 42 cm
Log 1 calculation: (38 + 0.5)2
(5.0 + 0.05)
0.00007854 = 0.588 m3 (20.8 ft3)
Log 2 calculation: (42 + 0.5)2
(4.9 + 0.05)
0.00007854 = 0.702 m3 (24.8 ft3)
Total volume for both logs = 1.29 m3 (45.6 ft3)

Fig. 2.13. Swedish National Cubic Scale gross volume determination.

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Log Scaling 29

This is used for defects that affect the interior of the log.
LENGTH DEDUCTION.
Each log is divided into two semicircles, so it is possible to deduct the
entire length, or 50% of the length affected by the defect. Deductions are
made in units of a tenth of a metre.

DIAMETER DEDUCTION.This is levied against defects on the perimeter of the log

that result in a reduced sawing yield in comparison with logs that do not
contain the defect. A log with a defect that causes a diameter deduction
exceeding 2 cm on logs with a small-end diameter less than 30 cm should
be rejected; if the log is over 30 cm, the diameter deduction would have to
exceed 3 cm before the log would be rejected.

2.2.5.6 Net volume and merchantability

Net volume is the gross volume minus defect. Any log that has a net
length or diameter of less than the minimum agreed upon will be down-
graded to pulp or rejected.

2.2.5.7 Pulp log scale

The Swedish National Board of Forestry Log Scale handles pulp log
scaling in much the same way as listed above, with the following excep-
tions:
. Gross volume is determined using the following formula:
{[(1  a)
(small-end diameter þ 0:5)2 ] þ [a
(large-end diameter þ 0:5)2 ]

(L þ 0:05)}
0:00007854 ¼ volume, round to at least two decimal places
The constant a is taken from the following:

Length class
Small-end diameter <3.5 m 3.5–4.49 m >4.5 m
<14 cm a ¼ 0:485 a ¼ 0:485 a ¼ 0:485
15–24 cm a ¼ 0:465 a ¼ 0:460 a ¼ 0:455
>25 cm a ¼ 0:440 a ¼ 0:430 a ¼ 0:420

. Void, soft-rot, char and very severe crook (rendering the log too
crooked to be mechanically processed) are the only defects that can be
deducted, and must not exceed half the volume of the log.

2.2.6 Russian Government Standard (Russia and members of the former USSR)

The scaling procedures below were taken from RD 13-2-3-97 (Kuritsyn

et al., 1997). These regulations were developed by the State Committee of
the Russian Federation of Timber, Pulp and Paper and Woodworking
Industry (Goskomlesprom of Russia). RD 13-2-3-97 is intended to guide
the measurement of logs that are delivered for export.
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30 Chapter 2

2.2.6.1 Diameter measurements

1. Measure diameters inside of bark and cambium layer.
2. Measure through the true centre of the log (ignore pith).
3. Take two measurements at right angles to each other, through the
narrow axis and the wide axis of the log end (one measurement is allowed
for diameters 20 cm or less).
4. Disregard bumps and depressions.
5. Forked tops or swelled ends should be measured in a manner that
reduces the diameter to what it would normally be without the unusual
swell.
6. If measuring the large-end diameter on butt cut logs, measure at 0.5 m
in from the butt end.
7. Diameters are rounded to the nearest centimetre (28.51 rounds to 29
and 28.49 rounds to 28). As an option, diameters over 14 cm can be
rounded to nearest 2-cm increments.
8. Determine the average of both measurements, if the average is frac-
tional, round to the nearest even diameter, e.g. (19 þ 20)  2 ¼ 19:5,
round to 20; (16 þ 17)  2 ¼ 16:5, round to 16; (16 þ 20)  2 ¼ 18, diam-
eter remains 18.
9. If using the Huber formula and utilizing the average of both end
measurements, round to the nearest even number if the average is frac-
tional, e.g. a small-end diameter of 20 and large-end diameter of 23 yield
an average of 21.5, which is rounded up to 22.
Figure 2.14 shows some examples of diameter measurements using the
Russian Standard.

2.2.6.2 Length measurements

1. Lengths are measured at the shortest distance between the centres of
the log ends.
2. Lengths are rounded down to, and recorded in, 0.1-m length classes,
e.g. a log that measures 4.71–4.8 m will be recorded as being 4.7 m
long.

Narrow measurement = 22.45 cm Narrow measurement = 38.6 cm Narrow measurement = 100.4 cm

Right angle measurement = 24.44 cm Right angle measurement = 42.5 cm Right angle measurement = 113.6 cm
∑ 22.45 rounds to 22 cm ∑ 38.6 rounds to 39 cm ∑ 100.4 rounds to 100 cm
∑ 24.44 rounds to 24 cm ∑ 42.47 rounds to 42 cm ∑ 113.6 rounds to 114 cm
(22 + 24) ÷ 2 = 23; diameter is 23 cm (39 + 42) ÷ 2 = 40.5; diameter is 40 cm (100 + 114) ÷ 2 = 107; diameter is 107 cm

Fig. 2.14. Russian Standard diameter measurement methodology.

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Log Scaling 31

2.2.6.3 Taper distribution

Taper can be accounted for in a number of different ways:
1. Utilize the actual taper by measuring both ends.
2. Measure the midpoint diameter thus ignoring taper (for use with the
Huber formula).
3. Use Table 2.1 with average taper factors by species and region to
establish the large-end diameter (for use with the Smalian formula) or
midpoint diameter (for use with the Huber formula).

2.2.6.4 Gross volume determination

There are two primary methods (each with several variations) that are
approved for determining gross volume. All will give similar answers except
for the inherent differences in procedures for determining taper, and the
differences that exist between using the Huber formula and the Smalian
formula (which can be significant in small highly tapered wood). The basic
gross volume determination methods and formulas are as follows:
1. Method of mid-diameter is based on the Huber formula:
log volume in m3 ¼ midpoint diameter2
L
0:00007854;
round to three decimal places
The midpoint diameter used in the formula can be obtained in the fol-
lowing manners:
. Measure the actual midpoint diameter.
. An interpolated midpoint diameter obtained by averaging the
small-end and actual large-end diameters.
. A midpoint diameter obtained by applying a ‘standard’ 1 cm of
taper per metre for half of the log length and adding it to the small-end
diameter and then applying the appropriate volume correction coef-
ficient for the species and region from Table 2.1. The correction
coefficient is normally applied to groupings of logs rather than to
individual logs.
. A midpoint diameter obtained by applying the average taper factor
for the species and region from Table 2.1 for half of the log length and
adding it to the small-end diameter.
2. Smalian formula:
m3 ¼ (small-end diameter2 þ large-end diameter2 )
L

0:00003927; round to three decimal places
The large-end diameter used in the formula can be obtained in the fol-
lowing manners:
. An actual measurement on the large-end of the log if the log is a
second cut.
. Callipering the log inside the bark at 0.5 m above the butt if the log
is a butt-cut.
. Applying the species/region-specific average taper ratios from
Table 2.1 to the log, and calculating the large-end diameter from the
small-end diameter.
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32 Chapter 2

Table 2.1. Russian regional taper and correction factors for bark.

Correction coefficients to calculate the volume

Average taper
Species of logs cm/m for taper for bark for taper and bark

Northern zone of Karelia

Spruce 1.150 1.059 0.903 0.956
Pine 1.149 1.040 0.932 0.969
Birch 0.872 0.969 0.847 0.821
Middle zone of Karelia
Spruce 1.194 1.053 0.908 0.956
Pine 1.142 1.019 0.939 0.957
Birch 0.947 0.977 0.864 0.844
South-western zone of Karelia
Spruce 1.043 0.986 0.909 0.896
Pine 1.120 0.995 0.950 0.945
Birch 0.918 0.969 0.865 0.838
Western zone of Karelia
Spruce 1.022 0.986 0.907 0.894
Pine 1.098 1.008 0.941 0.949
Birch 0.869 0.964 0.876 0.844
Southern zone of Karelia
Spruce 0.968 0.983 0.922 0.906
Pine 1.002 0.992 0.943 0.935
Birch 0.786 0.931 0.897 0.835
Vologda district
Spruce 0.947 0.977 0.913 0.891
Pine 1.072 1.018 0.939 0.956
Birch 0.861 0.973 0.879 0.855
Aspen 0.928 0.988 0.892 0.881
Pechora area of the Komy Republic
Spruce 1.186 1.051 0.902 0.948
Pine 1.097 1.009 0.922 0.930
Birch 1.086 1.018 0.867 0.882
Irkutsk district – Ustj-Ilimsk Area
Pine 1.010 1.010 0.930 0.939
Larch 1.109 1.061 0.867 0.920
Spruce 0.922 0.972 0.941 0.915
Fir 0.804 0.934 0.914 0.854
Cedar 0.941 0.966 0.934 0.902
Birch 0.822 0.951 0.858 0.816
Aspen 0.987 1.023 0.877 0.897
Irkutsk district – Southern regions
Pine 0.903 0.963 0.927 0.896
Larch 1.196 1.069 0.880 0.941
Birch 0.857 0.953 0.859 0.819
Aspen 0.812 0.934 0.887 0.824

Source: Kuritsyn et al., 1997.

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Log Scaling 33

Small-end Large-end
diameter (d) diameter (D)

Recorded length 9.9 m

d = 38 cm
D = 46 cm

Example 1
Method of crosscut ends (Smalian formula): (382 + 462)  9.9  0.00003927 = 1.384 m3 (48.9 ft3)
Example 2
Method of mid-diameter using top measurement and standard 1 cm/m taper ratio for half the log length:
38 + (1  L ÷ 2) = 42.95 cm; 42.952  9.9  0.00007854 = 1.434 m3 (50.6 ft3)
Assuming the log is a cedar from the Irkutsk district, apply the 0.966 correction coefficient for taper from
Table 2.1: 1.434  0.966 = 1.385 m3 (48.9 ft3).
Note: If the top measurement is taken outside bark, the correction coefficient for taper and bark of
0.902 is used.

Fig. 2.15. Russian Standard gross volume determination.

Figure 2.15 shows two methods of calculating gross volume. Volume can
also be determined from Table A.1.F if using the Smalian formula, or from
Table A.1.H if using the Huber formula.

2.2.6.5 Defect deduction rules

Apparently, defect is accounted for by a grading structure that limits,
amongst other things (such as length and diameter), the quantity of
different types of defects by log grade. The grading structure varies
by product classification and the purchase agreement. Customers
can refuse to accept logs that contain defects outside of the agreed
specifications.

2.2.6.6 Net volume and merchantability

As stated above, there are apparently no provisions to deduct volume;
defect is handled via a grading system and rejecting logs which do not
make the lowest grade.

2.2.6.7 Pulp log scale

Scaling procedures are the same for pulp and sawlogs.

2.2.7 Cubage au Réel (France)

This log scale is based on the Huber formula, and is oriented toward
primary products in that it allows for trim allowance and makes deduc-
tions for defects that can reduce the recovery of primary wood products.
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34 Chapter 2

Procedures were taken from Manuel d’exploitation forestière (Association

pour la rationalisation et la mécanisation de l’exploitation forestière, et al.
1994) and Le Monde Forestier – Le cubage des bois (Le Monde Forestier,
2004), both from the French Standard, NF B 53-020.

2.2.7.1 Diameter measurements

1. Measure through the geometric centre of the log at the midpoint of the
log length.
2. Measurements are normally taken via callipers; or with a tape meas-
ure in circumference, outside the bark (with diameter inside the bark
calculated using actual double bark thickness or regional averages based
on species and size class).
3. If using callipers, take two measurements at right angles to each other
through the narrow axis and the wide axis of the log end (one measure-
ment is allowed for diameters under 19 cm).
4. Disregard bumps and depressions.
5. When averaging the two measurements, round to the nearest even
centimetre if the average of the two measurements is fractional (if using a
circumference tape, round to the nearest centimetre).
Figure 2.16 shows examples of diameter measurements using Cubage au
Réel.

2.2.7.2 Length measurements

1. Measure short side to short side.
2. When logs are less than 6.25 m in length, lengths are recorded in
truncated 0.25-m increments, e.g. a log that measures 4.98 m in length is
recorded as being 4.75 m; for logs longer than 6.25 m, log lengths are
recorded in truncated 0.50-m increments, e.g. 12.88 m is recorded as
12.5 m.

Narrow measurement = 27.2 cm Narrow measurement = 38.2 cm Narrow measurement = 103.6 cm

Right angle measurement = 28.4 cm Right angle measurement = 41.7 cm Right angle measurement = 113.8 cm
• 27.2 rounds to 27 cm • 38.2 rounds to 38 cm • 103.6 rounds to 104 cm
• 28.4 rounds to 28 cm • 41.7 rounds to 42 cm • 113.8 rounds to 114 cm
(27+ 28) ÷ 2 = 27.5; 27.5 is rounded to (38 + 42) ÷ 2 = 40 cm (104 + 114) ÷ 2 = 109 cm
nearest even number = 28 cm

Fig. 2.16. Cubage au Réel diameter measurement methodology.

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Log Scaling 35

2.2.7.3 Taper distribution

Since Cubage au Réel uses the Huber formula, taper is not considered. For
the purposes of calculating volume, the log is considered to be a cylinder
having a diameter that corresponds to the diameter equidistant from both
ends of the log.

2.2.7.4 Gross volume determination

Cubage au Réel uses the Huber formula to determine log volume. To
determine the volume of a log segment, apply the formula:
mid-diameter2
L
0:00007854 ¼ log volume;
round to three decimal places (Fig: 2:17)
If using the circumference, convert to diameter by dividing circumference
by p (3.1416). Table A.1.H can be used to determine volumes for logs
scaled via Cubage au Réel.

2.2.7.5 Defect deduction rules

1. Diameter deduction.
2. Length deduction.

DIAMETER DEDUCTION. This is used for defects that occur in the perimeter of the
log, such as rotten sapwood, surface checks and twisted grain. This
deduction is made by establishing net diameters under the defective
portion of the log. The defect deduction is the difference between the
volume as calculated from the gross diameters and the volume as
calculated from the net diameters.

This is normally used for defects that cause a loss of

LENGTH DEDUCTION.
volume exceeding 50% of the volume for the length affected. The defect
equals the difference between the volume as calculated from the gross
length and the volume as calculated from the net length.

2.2.7.6 Net volume and merchantability

Net volume is the gross volume minus defect. No specific data were found
regarding minimum merchantability requirements.

Midpoint
diameter

42
cm

Recorded length 9.5 m

422
9.5
0.00007854 = 1.316 m3 (46.5 ft3)

Fig. 2.17. Cubage au Réel gross volume determination.

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36 Chapter 2

2.2.7.7 Pulp log scale

No specific information on pulp log scale was found.

2.2.8 New Zealand 3-D and Mid-girth methods (New Zealand)

These two New Zealand scaling methods, as well as some others, are
listed in Procedures for the Measurement of Roundwood (Ellis, 1994),
which was the source for the procedures below. The 3-D method is
unique in that the formula adjusts stem form (neiloid, parabolic, conic)
based on taper, and thus allows the scaler to measure the butt-cut end of a
log with normal flare.

2.2.8.1 Diameter measurements

1. Measure diameters inside of bark and cambium layer.
2. Measure through the true centre of the log (ignore pith).
3. Take two measurements at right angles to each other, through the
narrow axis and the wide axis of the log end.
4. Disregard bumps and depressions.
5. Forked tops or swelled ends should be measured in a manner that
reduces the diameter to what it would normally be without the unusual
swell.
6. The large-end diameter on butt-cut logs is measured to include nor-
mal butt flare but exclude nodal swellings that deviate from the normal
form of the log.
7. Diameters are rounded to the nearest centimetre (28.51 rounds to 29
and 28.49 rounds to 28).
8. Determine the average of both measurements, if the average is frac-
tional, round to the nearest even diameter, e.g. (19 þ 20) 7 2 ¼ 19.5,
round to 20; (16 þ 17) 7 2 ¼ 16.5, round to 16; (16 þ 20) 7 2 ¼ 18,
diameter remains 18. Note: if a hand-held data recorder is used, the mean
fractional diameter can be used as well.
9. When using the Mid-girth method, the mid-point diameter is either
determined by using callipers, or taken outside the bark with a diameter
tape. If using circumference, divide by p (3.14159). A double bark thick-
ness is subtracted from the over-bark diameter.
Figure 2.18 shows some examples of diameter measurements using the
New Zealand 3-D.

2.2.8.2 Length measurements

1. Lengths are measured at the shortest distance between the sawn log
ends.
2. Lengths are recorded to the nearest 0.1-m length class with no trim
allowance given, e.g. a log that measures 4.75–4.84 m will be recorded as
being 4.8 m long. It can also be measured to the nearest centimetre.
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Log Scaling 37

Narrow measurement = 22.45 cm Narrow measurement = 38.6 cm Narrow measurement = 100.4 cm

Right angle measurement = 24.44 cm Right angle measurement = 42.47 cm Right angle measurement = 113.6 cm
• 22.45 rounds to 22 cm • 38.6 rounds to 39 cm • 100.4 rounds to 100 cm
• 24.44 rounds to 24 cm • 42.47 rounds to 42 cm • 113.6 rounds to 114 cm
(22 + 24) ÷ 2 = 23; diameter is 23 cm (39 + 42) ÷ 2 = 40.5; diameter is 40 cm (100 + 114) ÷ 2 = 107; diameter is 107 cm

Fig. 2.18. New Zealand 3-D diameter measurement methodology.

2.2.8.3 Taper distribution

The New Zealand 3-D method uses the amount of taper to assign log
shape, e.g. butt flare is given to a log with a reasonable amount of taper,
while a short log with little taper will be given a paraboloidal shape. Mid-
girth assumes that a log is a cylinder having the diameter which occurs
equidistant from each end of the log.

2.2.8.4 Gross volume determination

Gross volume is calculated with the following formulas:
1. 3-D method: m3 ¼ (EXP{1:944157
LN(log length) þ (0:029931

small-end diameter)  0:038675 þ 0:884711
LN[(large-end diameter 
small-end diameter)  log length]} þ small-end diameter2
0:07854
log
length)  1000
Note: EXP ¼ is the antilog of natural logarithm; LN ¼ is the natural
logarithm.
2. mid-girth method: m3 ¼ mid-diameter2
L
0:00007854
Volume can also be determined via Table A.1.H if using the Mid-girth
method, and Table A.1.J if using the 3-D formula (for a limited selection of
diameters and lengths).
Figure 2.19 is an example of calculating log volume with the New Zealand
3-D and Mid-girth methods.

2.2.8.5 Defect deduction rules

There are three methods of making deductions:
1. Squared area deduction.
2. Length deduction.
3. Diameter deduction.
These deductions are only utilized when measuring the old growth indi-
genous logs as New Zealand plantation logs are considered free of defect.

This is applied by covering the defective area with a

SQUARED AREA DEDUCTION.
square or rectangle for the affected length. This defecting method is used
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38 Chapter 2

Small-end Large-end
diameter (d) diameter (D)

Recorded length 10.0 m

d = 38 cm
D = 50 cm (including butt flare)

3-D method
{EXP(1.944157  LN(10) + (0.029931  38) 0.038675 + 0.884711  LN [(50 38) ÷ 10]) + 382 
0.07854  10} ÷ 1000 = 1.444 m3 (51.0 ft3)
Mid-girth method
422  10.0  0.00007854 = 1.385 m3 (48.9 ft3)

Fig. 2.19. New Zealand 3-D gross volume determination.

primarily for interior defects such as heart rot, shake, etc. The defect
volume in m3 ¼ Wcm
Hcm
Lm  10,000.

This is used for defects such as decayed log end, broken

LENGTH DEDUCTION.
or split ends, etc. All of, or a percentage of, the length affected by the
defect can be deducted. The defect volume is the difference between the
volume as calculated by the gross length and the volume as calculated
from the net length.

DIAMETER DEDUCTION. This is used for surface defects (knots, fluting, flanges,
crook and sweep). When these defects occur, the mid-diameter is reduced
for either the entire length or a portion of the length. The defect volume is
the difference between the volume as calculated from the gross diameter
and the volume as calculated from the net diameter.

2.2.8.6 Net volume and merchantability

Any log with more than 50% defect is rejected.

2.2.8.7 Pulp log scale

Scaling procedures are the same for pulp and sawlogs; except if using
Mid-girth, only void, soft rot and char are deducted.

2.2.9 Brereton, ATIBT method (Africa, Oceania, South America, Asia, Japan)

Brereton is one of the most common methods for volume determination of

tropical hardwood logs. It is used in many regions across the globe, and
is generally reflected in cubic metres, but can be reflected in cubic feet,
and has even been expressed as a bf volume in its original formulation
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Log Scaling 39

(derived by multiplying the cubic feet by 12). Bernard Brereton invented

this scale with intended use for coastal softwoods in western North
America (Brereton, 1940); however, the method found its main following
in the tropical regions of the world.
Procedures for this scaling method may vary significantly between
one country or region to another. The variance occurs mainly in the
rounding rules for diameter(s) and length, trim allowances (if any), the
accounting of defects, and the occasional practice of measuring diameters
under the sapwood (for species with undesirable sapwood character-
istics). The following guidelines are based on the Papua New Guinea
scaling handbook (Papua New Guinea Forest Authority, 1996), with pro-
cedural differences pointed out for the Japanese (Briggs and Flora, 1991),
Philippine (Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Re-
sources, no date) and the ATIBT (International Technical Association of
Tropical Timber, 2003) versions of Brereton.

2.2.9.1 Diameter
1. Measure diameters inside of bark through the true centre of the log
(ignore pith).
2. Take two measurements on each log end, through the wide axis and at
a right angle to the wide axis (Japanese Brereton only; narrow and wide,
which may not necessarily be at right angles).
3. Forked tops or swelled ends should be measured in a manner that
reduces the diameter to what it would normally be without the unusual
swell (this includes buttress and fluting at large-end).
4. Diameters are rounded down to nearest full centimetre, e.g. 28:00
28:99 ¼ 28 cm.
. Philippine Brereton: round to nearest centimetre, e.g. 27:5
28:49 ¼ 28 cm.
. Japanese Brereton: round down to the next even centimetre, e.g.
28:00  29:99 ¼ 28 cm.
5. Determine average log diameter by averaging the four diameters (two
from each end):
average diameter ¼ (d1 þ d2 þ D1 þ D2)  4
. Japanese and Philippine Brereton: find average of each log end,
round to nearest even centimetre if fractional (only relevant with
Philippine Brereton) and then average both of the log ends to obtain
an average log diameter:
average diameter ¼ (d þ D)  2

Figure 2.20 shows examples of diameter measurements using Brereton.

2.2.9.2 Length measurements

Lengths are measured at the shortest distance between each end of the log
and are recorded to the last full decimetre, e.g. 4.80–4.89 m is recorded as
4.8 m.
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40 Chapter 2

PNG Brereton, ATIBT Philippine Brereton Japanese Brereton

Narrow measurement = 22.6 cm Narrow measurement = 12.7 cm Narrow measurement = 100.4 cm
Wide measurement = 24.4cm Wide measurement = 14.2 cm Wide measurement = 113.6 cm
∑ 22.6 is rounded to 22 cm ∑ 12.7 is rounded to 13 cm ∑ 100.4 is rounded to 100 cm
∑ 24.4 is rounded to 24 cm ∑ 14.2 is rounded to 14 cm ∑ 113.6 is rounded to 112 cm
Note: end-diameters not averaged (13 + 14) ÷ 2 = 13.5; round to 14 cm (100 + 112) ÷ 2 = 106 cm

Fig. 2.20. Brereton diameter measurement methodology.

. Philippine Brereton: round to the nearest tenth of a metre, e.g.

4.75–4.84 m is recorded as being 4.8 m in length.
. Japanese Brereton: lengths are rounded down to, and recorded in
0.2-m length classes, e.g. a log measuring 4.8–4.99 m long is recorded as
being 4.8 m in length.

2.2.9.3 Taper distribution

For the purposes of calculating volume, the log is considered to be a
cylinder, having a diameter equal to the average of the diameters from
each log end (four diameters for PNG and ATIBT, two diameters for
Philippine and Japanese Brereton).

2.2.9.4 Gross volume determination

Brereton uses the Huber formula for determining log volume. To deter-
mine log volume, apply the following formula:
m3 ¼ (interpolated mid-diameter in cm2
length in metres)
0:00007854
Figure 2.21 shows examples of calculating gross volume. Volume can also
be determined by using Table A.1.H.

2.2.9.5 Defect deduction rules

The PNG and Philippine version of Brereton have well-documented de-
fect deduction procedures, which are summarized below. The translated
Japanese Brereton mentions defect deductions, but without clear instruc-
tions as to procedures. The ATIBT method acknowledges the need to
reduce volumes in the case of log species prone to perishable sapwood
and severe surface or end checking, but advise that the true gross volume
be available, i.e. if one must take defect, show a gross volume and a net
volume.
With the exception of preventable mechanical damage (from logging
or mill yard handling), deductions are taken for defects that cause a loss
of wood volume available for manufacturing. Firmwood stain is not
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Log Scaling 41

Small-end Large-end
diameter (d) diameter (D)

Recorded length 9.96 m

d1 = 37.7 cm D1 = 45.9 cm
d2 = 39 0 cm D2 = 47.2 cm
PNG Brereton and ATIBT methods
(37 + 39 + 45 + 47) ÷ 4 = 42;
interpolated mid-diameter = 42 cm; 422  9.9  0.00007854 = 1.372 m3 (48.4 ft3)
Japanese Brereton
d: (36 + 38) ÷ 2 = 37 D: (44 + 46) ÷ 2 = 45
(37 + 45 ) ÷ 2 = 41; interpolated mid-diameter = 41 cm; 412  9.8  0.00007854 = 1.294 m3 (45.7 ft3)

Philippine Brereton
d: (38 + 39) ÷ 2 = 38.5; round to 38 cm D: (46 + 47) ÷ 2 = 46.5; round to even = 46 cm
(38 + 46 ) ÷ 2 = 42; interpolated mid-diameter = 42 cm; 422  10.0  0.00007854 = 1.385 m3 (48.9 ft3)

Fig. 2.21. Brereton gross volume determination.

considered a defect. The major defects that are deducted for are: pipe, dry
rot, termite holes, shake, oversize branch stubs, crook, sweep, burls.
There are four major methods for deducting for defects:
1. Area deduction.
2. Length deduction.
3. Percentage deduction.
4. Diameter deduction.

AREA DEDUCTION.This is used primarily for interior defects. The defect

volume is calculated by determining the cubic volume occupied by the
diameters and length of the defect. The formula is the same as is used for
determining log volume. In the event that the interior defect does not
go entirely through the log, volume is determined by assuming the
defect goes through half the log length (if no indication is present), and
by the following formula: defect deduction ¼ [(Hcm þ Wcm )  2]2
Lm

0:00007854.
Philippine Brereton: interior defects are covered with a square or
rectangle of sufficient size (with allowances made for tapering effects on
defect) and multiplied by the length of the defect. The formula is:
defect deduction ¼ Hcm
Wcm
Lm  10,000.

This is used for defects that can be best reckoned with by

LENGTH DEDUCTION.
deducting all of, or a percentage of, the length affected. In PNG, this
includes crook, burls or oversized knots. The defect volume equals the
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42 Chapter 2

difference between the log volume as calculated from the gross and net
lengths.

This is also not listed as being a valid method in PNG

PERCENTAGE DEDUCTION.
(although it is likely used in combination with the length deduction), but
is used in the Philippines for defects confined to a sector or for deducting
for sweep and crook.

This is also not listed as being a valid method in PNG. It

DIAMETER DEDUCTION.
is only referred to in the Philippine procedures. It is used for defects that
occur in the perimeter of the log, such as rotten sapwood, surface checks
and worm holes. This deduction is made by establishing net diameters
(under the defective portion of the log). The defect deduction is the
difference between the volume as calculated from the gross diameters
and the volume as calculated from the net diameters.

2.2.9.6 Net volume and merchantability

The only reference to net volume and merchantability requirements in the
PNG regulations is the following reference: ‘it is expected that sections of
a tree felled in the bush which will clearly not be merchantable will be
docked off and left in the bush’. The Philippine procedures stipulate that
logs are considered merchantable if over 1.83 m in length, having a
diameter exceeding 30 cm, and having at least 331⁄3% net volume for
first-category logs (more valuable) and 50% net volume for second-
category logs.

2.2.9.7 Pulp log scale

No specific information was found on pulp scale using Brereton.

2.2.10 Hoppus (Africa, Oceania, South America, Asia)

This is a very old system of measure and was once widely used in the UK
and many former British colonies. It is still used in tropical regions of
Asia, Africa and South America and is occasionally used in the UK,
Australia and New Zealand. This log scale is also known as the ‘quarter
girth formula’, or the Francon system (in its metric version). It was made
popular around 1736 by the Englishman, Edward Hoppus (Honer, 1998).
Hoppus gives 78.54% of Huber-derived cubic volume, given the same log
dimension. This understatement of actual log volume has led some to
conclude that the Hoppus formula includes assumptions as to lumber
recovery. However, given that even modern sawmills do not achieve re-
covery ratios close to 78.54%, it may be more likely to conclude that the
Hoppus formula was intended to just approximate the volume of a log, and
simply dividing the girth (circumference) by four (thus the quarter girth
moniker) would seem to reshape a circular log into a square timber, which
might prove more tangible, volumetrically, to an 18th-century woodsman.
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Log Scaling 43

Hoppus is measured and reflected in both imperial (ft3 ) and metric

3
(m ) units, and is occasionally reflected as superficial feet (a bf measure)
and a unit called a Hoppus ton, which is a misnomer as it is a unit
of volume and not a unit of weight. Further adding to the confusion is
the fact that except for a few very low-density species or seasoned (dried)
logs, a Hoppus ton would weigh substantially more than a ton (imperial
or metric). The following procedures were put together based on Brereton
(1940) and personal communications (G. Marshall, Georgetown, Guyana,
2004; Barber Cho, Yangoon, Myanmar, 2004).

2.2.10.1 Diameter measurements

1. Girth is generally used to determine volume, but diameter can also be
used. Regardless of whether diameter or girth is used, the measurement is
normally taken at the mid-point of the log length.
2. Measurements are normally taken with a girthing tape and measured
in circumference. Over-bark measurements are used in some regions, but
under-bark measurements are used as well (notably in Guyana) because
the logging contractor debarks the log where the measurement will be
taken. Girth measurements are usually rounded down to the nearest inch
or centimetre.
3. If using callipers, take two measurements at right angles to each other
through the narrow axis and the wide axis of the log, round each meas-
urement to the nearest whole number. When rounding the pair of diam-
eters, round to the even number if fractional.
4. A reduction is commonly made to the girth, diameter measurement or
volume to approximate under-bark measurement, e.g. in Myanmar, 2’’ is
often subtracted from girth when measuring teak logs to account for bark
(Brereton, 1940).
5. Disregard bumps and depressions.

2.2.10.2 Length measurements

1. Measure short side to short side.
2. Log lengths are rounded to the nearest foot or tenth of a metre, e.g. a
log that is recorded as 32’ will have an actual length of 31.50–32.49’, or
a log that is recorded as 10 m can have an actual length of 9.95–10.04 m.

2.2.10.3 Taper distribution

Taper is not considered or used in calculating Hoppus volume. For the
purposes of calculating volume, the log is considered to be a cylinder,
having a diameter that corresponds to the diameter equidistant from both
ends of the log.

2.2.10.4 Gross volume determination

To determine log volume using imperial measurements (diameter or cir-
cumference), use the following formulas:
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44 Chapter 2

Hoppus ft3 via girth ¼ (mid-girth in inches  4)2
length in feet  144;
round to the nearest tenth ft3
Hoppus ft3 via diameter ¼ mid-diameter in inches2
length in feet

0:004283; round to the nearest tenth ft3
Hoppus superficial feet ¼ Hoppus ft3
12
Hoppus ton ¼ Hoppus ft3  50
To determine log volume using metric measurements (diameter or cir-
cumference), use the following formulas:
Hoppus m3 via girth ¼ (mid-girth in cm  4)2
length in metres 
10,000; round to three decimal points
Hoppus m3 via diameter ¼ mid-diameter in cm2
length in metres

0:000061685; round to three decimal points
Figure 2.22 shows an example of calculating volume via Hoppus. Table
A.1.K gives volumes in Hoppus ft3 and m3 for various diameter and length
combinations.

2.2.10.5 Defect deduction rules

No specific information for deduction rules was found.

2.2.10.6 Pulp log scale

No specific information on pulp scale was found.

2.2.11 JAS Scale (Japan, Chile, East Asia, Oceania, Australia)

The JAS Scale (Japanese Agricultural Standard) was apparently devel-

oped for use in measuring roundwood in Japan in the late 1940s. Rather
than determining volume based on the area of a circle, JAS Scale deter-
mines volume based on the area of a square having the same cross dimen-
sions as the diameter of the small-end of the log. In principle, this could
tend to overstate the volume (a square having 27.3% more area than a

Girth = 53" (under bark) (135 cm)

Recorded length 33' (10.0 m)

Imperial calculation: (53 ÷ 4)2  33 ÷ 144 = 40.2 ft3 or 0.804 Hoppus ton (1.138 m3)
Metric calculation: (135 ÷ 4)2  10 ÷ 10,000 = 1.139 m3 (40.2 ft3)

Fig. 2.22. Hoppus gross volume determination.

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Log Scaling 45

circle with the same cross dimensions), excepting that there are some
compensating procedures, e.g. the small-end diameter is used (ignoring
taper on logs 6 m long and less). There are also some compensating
effects in the manner that diameters are measured and rounded. Informa-
tion on JAS was taken from Ellis and Elliot (2001) and Briggs and Flora
(1991).

2.2.11.1 Diameter measurements

1. Measure diameters inside of bark and cambium layer.
2. Measure the small-end of the log only.
3. Measure through the true centre of the log (ignore pith).
4. For logs less than 14 cm (nominally) on the small-end, take one
measurement through the narrow axis.
5. For logs 14 cm and larger, take two measurements, through the
narrow axis and the wide axis of the log end (narrow and at right angles
in New Zealand and Australia).
6. Disregard bumps and depressions.
7. Forked tops or swelled ends should be measured in a manner that
reduces the diameter to what it would normally be without the unusual
swell.
8. Nominal diameters under 14 cm are truncated down to the nearest
centimetre (13.9 rounds down to 13).
9. Diameters 14 cm and over are recorded in 2-cm diameter classes
(14, 16, 18, 20) and are always truncated to the next lower even
centimetre.
10. For elliptical logs 14 cm and larger, use the following rules to deter-
mine the scaling diameter:
. If the narrow measurement is less than 14 cm, diameter equals
the narrow measurement.
. If the narrow measurement is between 14 cm and 39.99 cm, add
2 cm to the small-end diameter for each full 6 cm of difference
between the narrow and wide dimensions, e.g. if the narrow meas-
urement is 18 cm and the wide measurement is 23 cm, the diameter
equals 18 cm.
. If the narrow measurement is 40 cm or greater, add 2 cm to the
small-end diameter for each full 8 cm of difference between the
narrow and wide dimensions, e.g. if the narrow measurement is
78 cm and the wide measurement is 93 cm, the diameter equals
80 cm.
Figure 2.23 shows examples of diameter measurements using JAS
Scale.

2.2.11.2 Length measurements

1. Lengths are normally measured, rounded down to, and recorded in,
0.2-m length classes, e.g. 4.6, 4.8, 5.0. The exception to this rule are export
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46 Chapter 2

Narrow measurement = 22.45 cm Narrow measurement = 12.7 cm Narrow measurement = 100.4 cm

Wide measurement = 24.44 cm Wide measurement = 14.2 cm Wide measurement = 113.6 cm
• 22.45 is truncated to 22 cm • 12.7 is truncated down to 12 cm • 100.4 is truncated to 100 cm
• 24.44 is truncated to 24 cm • the wide measurement is ignored • 113.6 is truncated to 112 cm
Diameter is 22 cm as the diameter is not larger than 14 cm 100 + 2 = 102; Diameter is 102 cm
Diameter is 12 cm

Fig. 2.23. JAS Scale diameter measurement methodology.

logs, which are measured in odd multiples providing that there is at least
0.1 m of trim allowance.
2. Lengths are measured at the shortest distance between each end of
the log.

2.2.11.3 Taper distribution

1. If the scaling length is less than 6 m, taper is ignored.
2. If the scaling length is 6 m or greater, the following formula is used to
increase the scaling diameter for volume calculation: (scaling length
rounded down to a whole metre  4)  2 ¼ number added to small-end
diameter to get the scaling diameter (do not round).
Note: this formula is included in the gross volume formula.

2.2.11.4 Gross volume determination

1. If the scaling length is less than 6 m: m3 ¼ scaling diameter2

scaling length  10,000.
2. If the scaling length is 6 m or greater: m3 ¼ scaling diameter þ
[(scaling length rounded down to a whole metre  4)  2]2
scaling
length  10,000.
3. Round all volumes to three decimal places, e.g. 0:387 m3 .
Figure 2.24 shows examples of calculating gross volume. Volume can also
be determined by using Table A.1.L.

2.2.11.5 Defect deduction rules

Based on the translated text available, it appears that deductions are taken
via length, percentage and a squared defect formula, but except for the
squared defect formula, it is not clear as to the methodology.

This is applied using the same

SQUARED DEFECT FORMULA (USED FOR VOID AND SOFT ROT).
procedures to determine defect diameter (including factoring for elliptical
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Log Scaling 47

d = 36 cm

L = 9.8 m

36 + [(9 – 4) ÷ 2] = 38.5; 38.52  9.8 ÷ 10,000 = 1.453 m3 (51.3 ft3)

Fig. 2.24. JAS Scale gross volume determination.

defects) as is used to calculate log volume. Apply the following formulas

to deduct for unsound or hollow areas:
1. When only one end of the log is rotten, the defective portion is
calculated using the formula:
defect in m3 ¼ [diameter of defect2
(length  2)]  10,000;
round to three decimal places
2. When both ends of the log are rotten, the deduction is calculated
using the formula:
defect in m3 ¼ (average of defect diameters in centimetres at both ends of
the log2
length)  10,000; round to three decimal places

2.2.11.6 Net volume and merchantability

Net volume is gross volume minus defect. No specific data was found
regarding minimum merchantability requirements.

2.2.11.7 Pulp log scale

No specific information on pulp scale was found.

2.3 The Major Product Output Rules in Use

All of the product output rules listed in this section (and some of the rules
listed in Table A.1.B) are reflected in volume units of bf. The bf measure is
used in North America as a unit of measure for lumber volume, and in the
case of product output rules, log volume. In principle, the bf is supposed
to represent a piece of wood that has 0:0833 ft3 (0:00236 m3 ), and is
1’’ thick
1’ wide
1’ long.
There are two types of product output rules, both of which attempt to
predict the volume of lumber that a log will produce:
1. The diagram rule is based on diagrams of circles, with lumber hypo-
thetically placed to maximize yield. There are assumptions made as to
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48 Chapter 2

Scribner Decimal C, Diagram Rule Doyle Log Rule Formula

1"  4"
1"  10"
1"  12"
1"  12"
1 1"  12" 1
1 1"  12"
  1"  12"  14"
4 1"  12"
10 1"  12" 8
1"  12"
1"  12"
1"  10"
1"  6"

2" Slab allowance

Number Board Bf per (Small-end diameter – 4)2  (length ÷ 16) = Doyle bf
of boards size inches lineal foot of log
9 1  12 9.000 (18 – 4)2 = 196
3 1  10 2.500
1 18 0.667 196  (16 ÷ 16) = 196 bf
1 16 0.500
2 14 0.667
Total bf per lineal foot of log = 13.333 Note: The devisor for determining board feet in the Doyle
formula is 16 rather than 12. This has the same effect as
13.333  16' = 213 bf (rounds to 210 b f) allocating 25% of the cant area to saw kerf.

Fig. 2.25. Product output diagram rule vs. formula-based rule (16’ long 18’’ small-end diameter
log example).

specific lumber sizes, saw kerf, sawing practices and slab loss. Taper is
ignored (the log is considered a cylinder) for the length of the log segment.
2. The formula rule also may make assumptions as to saw kerf and slab
size, but utilizes a mathematical formula to calculate the hypothetical
lumber yield, and some rules make allowances for taper.
Figure 2.25 shows examples of the two different approaches (diagram and
formula log rules).

2.3.1 Scribner Short Log Rule (Western USA)

The Scribner log rule, originated in 1846, when it was invented and
published by J.M. Scribner (Freese, 1973). Historically, the Scribner log
rule has been the most widely used by the US Forest Service. Short Log
Scribner also known as ‘Eastside Scribner’ is quite different from ‘Long
Log’ Scribner in that, amongst other differences, the maximum scaling
length of a log segment is 20’. This rule is based on diagrams of perfect
circles, with 1’’ thick boards of varying 2’’ multiple widths, positioned in
the circle to provide the best utilization, and allowing 0.25’’ between
sawing lines for kerf. The minimum size board used was a 100
400 , and
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Log Scaling 49

Fig. 2.26. Scribner scaling cylinder.

no wane was allowed. The rule assumes a log is a cylinder (no taper)
within the log segment. Figure 2.26 illustrates the concept of the scaling
cylinder. The procedures below are summarized from the National Forest
Log Scaling Rules (US Forest Service, 1985).
It should be noted that the Pacific coast states of California, Oregon,
Washington and Alaska use a revised volume chart (Table 2.2), which is
slightly different from the volume table used in the rest of the USA. Table
2.2 also indicates where revised Scribner differs from the volumes used in
the non-Pacific coast states (with a minus or a plus sign). Generally, the
difference is not too significant (always þ or 10 bf), unless the logs are
weighted heavily toward 5–10’’ d.

2.3.1.1 Diameter measurements

1. Measure diameters inside of bark and cambium layer on the small-
end of the log only if scaling length is 20’ or less, and on both ends of the
log if the scaling length is greater than 21’.
2. Measure through the true centre of the log (ignore pith).
3. Take two measurements, narrow-way first and at a right angle to the
first measurement (the right angle measurement is generally but not
necessarily the wide dimension).
4. Round diameters to the nearest inch; except when one diameter falls
exactly on the 1⁄2’’, round it up; when both diameters fall exactly on the 1⁄2’’,
round one diameter up and the other down.
5. Determine the average of both measurements (if the average is on the
1
⁄2’’, round down).
6. Disregard bumps and depressions.
7. Forked tops or swelled ends should be measured behind swell.
8. Methods of obtaining the small-end diameters of butt logs within
multisegment logs vary by forest regions, but all are designed to mimic
the true taper characteristics of a log. The methods for determining butt-
cut diameter are as follows:
. Local species-specific taper tables (most oft-used method).
. Calliper the log 4.0’ in from the butt-end of the log.
. Callipering the log at the segment breaks to establish small-
end diameter of log segments, thus eliminating the need for a butt
diameter.
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50 Chapter 2

Figure 2.3 (on p. 11) is an example of the procedures used for diameter
measurements.

2.3.3.2 Length measurements

1. Measure short side to short side.
2. Scaling length is actual length in feet minus trim; normally 6’’
per segment for logs 8–20’ in nominal length; 12’’ for logs 20–40’ in
nominal length; and 18’’ for logs 40–60’ in nominal length.
3. Maximum segment length is 20’ plus trim.
. Logs longer than 20’ are divided into two or more segments as
necessary and scaled as individual log segments.
. Multisegment logs are divided as evenly as possible in 2’ multiples
(if possible) with the shortest segment(s) on the small-end of the log.
. Under no circumstances should there be more than a 2’ difference
between the longest and shortest segment, or more than one odd-
length segment in any multisegment log (see Table A.1.C).

2.3.3.3 Taper distribution

1. All log segments are considered to be a cylinder having the diameter
of the small-end of the log segment.
2. One-segment logs (logs with a nominal length of 8–20’); logs are
assumed to be a cylinder having the diameter of the small-end of the log
segment (taper can be completely ignored).
3. Two-segment logs (logs with a nominal length greater than 20’ but
less than 40’): total taper 7 number of segments, added to the small-
end diameter ¼ the small-end diameter of segment 2. If total taper is
not evenly divisible by the number of segments, raise taper to next num-
ber evenly divisible by the number of segments (see Fig. 2.4 on p. 12).
4. Three-segment logs (logs with a nominal length of 40–60’), use same
procedure as for two-segment logs to find the small-end diameter of the
middle segment; repeat procedure for the remaining two segments (as if
the small-end segment did not exist) to find the small-end diameter of the
butt segment.
Taper distribution can also be determined by using Table A.1.D.

2.3.3.4 Gross volume determination

Volume is calculated by tallying the bf volume of the lumber for the
respective log diameter and log segment length (see Fig. 2.25). The vol-
ume of a log segment is rounded to the nearest 10 bf. The formula for
determining the bf content of lumber is: lumber volume ¼ width in inches

thickness in inches
length in feet 7 12. All measurements used in
this formula are nominal, e.g. a board that has a thickness of 1’’, a width of
12’’ and a length of 10’ is tallied as having 10 bf (1
12
10 ¼
120  12 ¼ 10). It should be noted that the actual finished size of a
so-called 1’’
12’’
10’ is: 0.75’’
11.25’’
10’ (normally lengths are
actual). As there is no formula that duplicates this process for all diameter
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Log Scaling 51

and length combinations, a table is utilized for determining log segment

volume (Table 2.2).
Figure 2.27 is an example of gross volume determination with the
Scribner Short Log Rule.

2.2.3.5 Defect deduction rules

A defect is anything that causes a loss in volume of lumber. Stain is not
considered a defect (see the list of deductible defects in Section 2.2.1 on
p. 10 under defect deduction rules). There are four major methods for
deducting for defects:
1. Squared area deduction.
2. Percentage deduction.
3. Length deduction.
4. Diameter deduction.

This is used primarily for interior defects that lend

SQUARED AREA DEDUCTION.
themselves to being partitioned into a square or rectangular area. The
volume of a defect is calculated by the formula:
defect deduction ¼ (W00 þ 1)
(H00 þ 1)
L0  15, round to nearest 10 bf

PERCENTAGE DEDUCTION.This is used for defects that go from the perimeter to

the heart area of the log, and can best be reckoned with by enclosing the
defect in a ‘pie-shaped’ sector with a fractional representation for the
length affected. This fraction is then applied to the length of the log
segment e.g. if a log segment has a scaling length of 16’, with one half of
60 (half of 6 ¼ 3) of the log having a defect requiring a deduction, the net
scale of the log is equal to that of a 13’-long log.

LENGTH DEDUCTION.This is normally used for defects that cause a loss of

volume for all or some of the length affected. This deduction rule is
commonly used when the entire scaling cylinder is deducted or in
combination with the percentage deduction (as above). The defect
equals the difference between the volume as calculated from the gross
length and the volume as calculated from the net length. Sweep and crook
deductions are accounted for by projecting a theoretically straight
cylinder, having a diameter the same as the small-end diameter of the
log, through the straightest portion of the log segment, and deducting for
the volume that falls outside of the actual log segment, e.g. if sweep affects
6’ of a log, of which 1⁄3 of the theoretic cylinder falls outside the log, the
length deduction is 20 (1⁄3 of 6 ¼ 2).

DIAMETER DEDUCTION. This is used for defects that occur in the perimeter of the
log, such as rotten sapwood, surface checks and twisted grain. This
deduction is made by establishing net diameters (under the defective
portion of the log). The defect deduction is the difference between the
 52

Table 2.2. Scribner (revised) log volume chart, lengths 1–20’ (bf decimal C).

Length of log segment in feet

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
5 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2
6 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
7 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3
8 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4
9 0 0 1 1 1 1 1þ 2 2 2þ 2þ 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5
10 0 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 6 6 6 7 7
11 0 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 8
12 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9þ 10
13 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 10 10 11 11þ 12
14 1 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 9 10 11 11 12 13 14 14
15 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
17 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23
18 1 3 4 5 7 8 9 11 12 13 15 16 17 19 20 21 23 24 25þ 27
19 1 3 4 6 7þ 9 10 12 13 15 16 18 19 21 22 24 25 27 28 30
20 2 3 5 7 9 10þ 12 14 16 17 19 21 23 24 26 28 30 31 33 35

Small-end diameter of log segment in inches

21 2 4 6 8 9þ 11þ 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 28 30 32 34 36 38
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22 2 4 6 8 10 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 38 40 42
23 2 5 7 9 12 14 16 19 21 24 26 28 31 33 35 38 40 42 45 47
24 3 5 8 10 13 15 18 20þ 23 25 28 30 33 35 38 40 43 45 48 50
25 3 6 9 11 14 17 20 23 26 29 32 34 37 40 43 46 49 52 54 57
26 3 6 9 12 16 19 22 25 28 31 34 37 41 44 47 50 53 56 59 62
Chapter 2

27 3 7 10 14 17 21 24 27 31 34 38 41 44 48 51 55 58 62 65 68
 28 4 7 11 15 18 22 25 29 33 36 40 44 47 51 55 58 62 65 69 73
29 4 8 11 15 19 23 27 30þ 34þ 38 42 46 49 53 57 61 65 68 72 76
30 4 8 12 16 21 25 29 33 37 41 45 49 53 57 62 66 70 74 78 82
Log Scaling

31 4 9 13 18 22 27 31 36 40 44 49 53 58 62 67 71 75 80 84 89
32 5 9 14 18 23 28 32 37 41 46 51 55 60 64 69 74 78 83 87þ 92
33 5 10 15 20 24 29 34 39 44 49 54 59 64 69 73 78 83 88 93 98
34 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100
35 5 11 16 22 27 33 38 44 49 55 60 66 71 77 82 88 93 98 104 109
36 6 12 17 23 29 35 40 46 52 58 63 69 75 81 86 92 98 104 110 115
37 6 13 19 26 32 39 45 51 58 64 71 77 84 90 96 103 109 116 122 129
38 7 13 20 27 33 40 47 53þ 60 67 73 80 87 93 100 107 113 120 127 133
39 7 14 21 28 35 42 49 56 63 70 77 84 91 98 105 112 119 126 133 140
40 8 15 23 30 38 45 53 60 68 75 83 90 98 105 113 120 128 135 143 150
41 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 79 87 95 103 111 119 127 135 143 151 159
42 8 17 25 34 42 50 59 67 76 84 92 101 109 117 126 134 143 151 159 168
43 9 17 26 35 44 52 61 70 78þ 87 96 105 113 122 131 140 148 157 166 174
44 9 19 28 37 46 56 65 74 83 93 102 111 120 130 139 148 157 167 176 185
45 9 19 28 38 47 57 66 76 85 95 104 114 123 133 142þ 152 161 171 180 190
46 10 20 30 40þ 50þ 59 69 79 89 99 109 119 129 139 149 159 168þ 178 188 198
47 10 21 31 41 52 62 72 83 93 104 114 124 135 145 155 166 176 186 197 207
48 11 22 32 43 54 65 76 86 97 108 119 130 140 151 162 173 184 194 205 216

Small-end diameter of log segment in inches

49 11 22 34 45 56 67 79 90 101 112 124 135 146 157 168 180 191 202 213 225
50 12 23 35 47 58 70 82 94 105 117 129 140 152 164 175 187 199 211 222 234

Note: The volume numbers in this table are known as ‘revised’ Scribner, and are used in the states bordering the Pacific Ocean (California, Oregon, Washington
and Alaska). The Scribner volumes utilized in the rest of the USA can be determined from this table by subtracting 1 from volumes with a minus () sign, and
adding 1 to volumes with a plus (þ) sign, e.g. the non-revised volume of a 13’–6’’ log is 1 (10 bf). Decimal C signifies that volumes are shown at one-tenth their
actual value, e.g. a value of 16 represents 160 bf.
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54 Chapter 2

Two-segment log

Small-end Large-end
diameter (d) S2d diameter (D)

Segment 1 (S1) Segment 2 (S2)

Recorded length 32'

d = 15"
D = 18"
S2d is interpolated as 17"
Segment 1: 16' long, 15" d = 14 decimal C or 140 bf
Segment 2: 16' long, 17" d = 18 decimal C or 180 bf
Total log volume = 320 bf

Fig. 2.27. Scribner Short Log Rule gross volume determination.

volume as calculated from the gross diameters and the volume as

calculated from the net diameters.

2.2.3.6 Net volume and merchantability

Net volume is the gross volume minus defect. There is a point where a log
is no longer considered merchantable and will be culled (giving it no net
volume). This merchantability factor is designed to eliminate payment
and/or mandatory utilization of logs that are not financially viable. In
most regions, if the net scale of a log segment is less than 331⁄3% of the
gross volume, the log will be culled (having a net volume of zero). Figure
2.28 is an example of a cull log. It should be noted that a cull log can be
reclassified as a merchantable pulp log or specialty product log (depend-
ing on the purchase agreement).

2.3.3.7 Pulp log scale

Since Scribner volumes are based completely on primary product (lum-
ber) output (as it stood in the mid 19th century), it does not correlate very

Recorded length 20'

Log is 20' long, d of 18", gross = 270 bf; rotten core of wood is 10" in diameter on the small-end
and 12" in diameter on the large-end (giving an average rot diameter of 11").
Defect volume; (11 + 1)
(11 + 1)
20 ÷ 15 = 192 bf, rounded to 190 bf; since 190 exceeds
66.67% of the gross volume (190 ÷ 270 = 70.4%), the log is cull, and is assigned a net scale of 0 bf.

Fig. 2.28. Scribner Short Log Rule cull log example.

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Log Scaling 55

well with actual lumber output given today’s technology, let alone yield
in usable wood fibre for the manufacture of chips, consequently it sees
very little use in measuring pulp logs.

2.3.2 Scribner Long Log Rule (Northwestern USA, West Coast Canada)

The Scribner Long Log Rule is also known as ‘Westside Scribner’ as it is

used almost exclusively west of the crest of the Cascade Mountains in
northwestern USA. It is also used in southwestern Canada occasionally
for exported logs. Conceptually, it is similar to Scribner Short Log, in that
it is based on the same diagram rules produced by J.M. Scribner in 1846,
and is based on a scaling cylinder. This rule did, however, evolve with
many different interpretations and procedures; notably, log segments
have a maximum scaling length of 40’ (thus the ‘long log’ moniker).
Table A.1.N indexes the Scribner Long Log gross scale to Scribner Short
Log gross scale. The following is based on Official Log Scaling and
Grading Rules (Northwest Log Advisory Group, 1998).

2.3.2.1 Diameter measurements

1. Measure diameters inside of bark and cambium layer at the small-end
of the log.
2. Measure through the true centre of the log (ignore pith).
3. Take two measurements, narrow-way first and at a right angle to first
measurement (the right angle measurement is generally but not necessar-
ily the wide dimension).
4. Disregard bumps and depressions.
5. Forked tops or swelled ends should be measured behind swell.
6. Measure diameters to the nearest inch truncating the measurement
(11.0–11.99’’ rounds to 11’’).
7. Determine the average of both measurements (if the average is on the
1
⁄2’’, round down).
Figure 2.29 is an example of diameter measurements using the Scribner
Long Log Rule.

2.3.2.2 Length measurements

1. Measure short side to short side.
2. Scaling length is actual length in feet minus trim; normally 6’’
per segment for logs 8–20’ in nominal length; 12’’ for logs 20–40’ in
nominal length; 14’’ for logs 42–50’ in nominal length, and 16’’ for logs
51–60’.
3. Maximum segment length is 40’ plus trim.
. Logs longer than 40’ are divided into two or more segments as
necessary and scaled as individual log segments.
. Multisegment logs are divided as evenly as possible in 2’ multiples
(if possible) with the shortest segment(s) on the large-end of the log.
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56 Chapter 2

Narrow measurement = 8.84 Narrow measurement = 5.01 Narrow measurement = 39.52

Right angle measurement = 9.62 Right angle measurement = 5.69 Right angle measurement = 44.74
• 8.84 rounds down to 8 • 5.01 rounds down to 5 • 39.52 rounds to 39
• 9.62 rounds down to 9 • 5.69 rounds down to 5 • 44.74 rounds to 44
(8 + 9) ÷ 2 = 8.5; round down to 80 (5 + 5) ÷ 2 = 5; diameter is 50 (39 + 44) ÷ 2 = 41.5; round down to 410

Fig. 2.29. Scribner Long Log Rule diameter measurement methodology.

. Under no circumstances should there be more than a 2’ difference

between the longest and shortest segment, or more than one odd-
length segment in any multisegment log (see Table 2.3).

2.3.2.3 Taper distribution

1. One-segment logs (logs with a nominal length of 8–40’); logs are
assumed to be a cylinder having the diameter of the small-end of the log
segment (taper is completely ignored).
2. Two-segment logs (logs with a nominal length greater than 40’ but less
than 80’) allow 0.1’’ of taper per lineal foot of nominal segment length. If
taper is fractional, round down, e.g. a log that has a nominal length of 54’
is scaled as a 28’ top segment and a 26’ large-end segment, with 2.8’’ of
taper from the small-end of segment 1 to the small-end of segment 2, thus
round 2.8’’ down to 2’’ (giving segment 2 a small-end diameter 2’’ larger
than segment 1 (Fig. 2.30).

2.3.2.4 Gross volume determination

The procedures for developing volumes are the same as for Scribner Short
Log; volume is calculated by tallying the bf volume of the lumber for the
respective log diameter and length of the segment (except with Scribner
Long Log the scaling cylinder can be up to 40’ long in nominal length).
The volume of a log segment is rounded to the nearest 10 bf. A table is
utilized for determining log segment volumes (for lengths 20’ and less, use
Table 2.2 on pp. 52–53; for lengths 21–40’, use Table 2.4). Note that
Scribner Long Log always uses the revised volumes. Figure 2.31 is an
example of gross volume calculation using Scribner Long Log Rule.

2.3.2.5 Defect deduction rules

A defect is anything that causes a loss in volume of lumber. Stain is not
considered a defect unless associated with rot (see the list in Section 2.2.1
on p. 10 under defect deduction rules). There are two methods for
deducting for defects:
1. Length deduction.
2. Diameter deduction.
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Log Scaling 57

Table 2.3. Scribner Long Log Rule segment length and trim allowance chart (feet).

Measured Recorded Segment Measured Recorded Segment

length length length length length length

Top Top Segment 2

8–8.5 8 8 35.1–36.0 35 35
8.6–9.5 9 9 36.1–37.0 36 36
9.6–10.5 10 10 37.1–38.0 37 37
10.6–11.5 11 11 38.1–39.0 38 38
11.6–12.5 12 12 39.1–40.0 39 39
12.6–13.5 13 13 40.1–41.0 40 40
13.6–14.5 14 14 41.1–42.2 41 21 20
14.6–15.5 15 15 42.3–43.2 42 22 20
15.6–16.5 16 16 43.3–44.2 43 22 21
16.6–17.5 17 17 44.3–45.2 44 22 22
17.6–18.5 18 18 45.3–46.2 45 23 22
18.6–19.5 19 19 46.3–47.2 46 24 22
19.6–20.5 20 20 47.3–48.2 47 24 23
20.6–22.0 21 21 48.3–49.2 48 24 24
22.1–23.0 22 22 49.3–50.2 49 25 24
23.1–24.0 23 23 50.3–51.2 50 26 24
24.1–25.0 24 24 51.3–52.3 51 26 25
25.1–26.0 25 25 52.4–53.3 52 26 26
26.1–27.0 26 26 53.4–54.3 53 27 26
27.1–28.0 27 27 54.4–55.3 54 28 26
28.1–29.0 28 28 55.4–56.3 55 28 27
29.1–30.0 29 29 56.4–57.3 56 28 28
30.1–31.0 30 30 57.4–58.3 57 29 28
31.1–32.0 31 31 58.4–59.3 58 30 28
32.1–33.0 32 32 59.4–60.3 59 30 29
33.1–34.0 33 33 60.4–61.3 60 30 30
34.1–35.0 34 34

Note: Measured length converted from feet to inches and rounded to the nearest tenth of a foot.

Small-end
diameter = 8 S2d

Segment 1 (S1) Segment 2 (S2)

Recorded length 50'

Two-segment log

With a recorded length of 50, S1 = 26 and S2 = 24; the standard taper allowance is 0.1 of
taper per lineal foot, thus:
S2d = 26
0.10 = 2.6; 2.6 rounds down to 2; 2 + 8 gives a scaling diameter of 100

Fig. 2.30. Scribner Long Log Rule taper distribution.

 58

Table 2.4. Scribner Long Log Rule (revised) volume chart, lengths 21–40’ (bf decimal C).

Length of log segment in feet

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2
4 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3
5 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
6 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6
7 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7
8 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9
9 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 9 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 12
10 7 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10 11 11 12 13 13 13 14 14 14 15 15
11 9 9 10 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18
12 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20
13 13 13 14 15 15 16 16 17 18 18 19 19 20 21 21 22 22 23 24 24
14 15 16 16 17 18 19 19 20 21 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 26 27 28 29
15 19 20 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
16 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
17 24 25 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 36 37 38 39 40 42 43 44 45 46
18 28 29 31 32 33 35 36 37 39 40 41 43 44 45 47 48 49 51 52 53
19 31 33 34 36 37 39 40 42 43 45 46 48 49 51 52 54 55 57 58 60
20 37 38 40 42 44 45 47 49 51 52 54 56 58 59 61 63 65 66 68 70
21 40 42 44 46 47 49 51 53 55 57 59 61 63 65 66 68 70 72 74 76

Small-end diameter of log segment in inches

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22 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 61 63 65 67 69 71 73 75 77 79 81 84
23 49 52 54 56 59 61 63 66 68 71 73 75 78 80 82 85 87 89 92 94
24 53 55 58 61 63 66 68 71 73 76 78 81 83 86 88 91 93 96 98 101
25 60 63 66 69 72 75 77 80 83 86 89 92 95 98 100 103 106 109 112 115
26 66 69 72 75 78 81 84 87 91 94 97 100 103 106 109 112 116 119 122 125
27 72 75 79 82 86 89 92 96 99 103 106 110 113 116 120 123 127 130 133 137
Chapter 2
 28 76 80 84 87 91 95 98 102 105 109 113 116 120 124 127 131 135 138 142 146
29 80 84 87 91 95 99 103 107 110 114 118 122 126 129 133 137 141 145 148 152
30 86 90 94 99 103 107 111 115 119 123 127 131 135 140 144 148 152 156 160 164
Log Scaling

31 93 98 102 107 111 115 120 124 129 133 138 142 146 151 155 160 164 169 173 178
32 97 101 106 110 115 120 124 129 133 138 143 147 152 156 161 166 170 175 179 184
33 103 108 113 118 122 127 132 137 142 147 152 157 162 167 171 176 181 186 191 196
34 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180 185 190 195 200
35 115 120 126 131 137 142 148 153 159 164 170 175 180 186 191 197 202 208 213 219
36 121 127 133 138 144 150 156 161 167 173 179 185 190 196 202 208 213 219 225 231
37 135 142 148 154 161 167 174 180 187 193 199 206 212 219 225 232 238 244 251 257
38 140 147 153 160 167 173 180 187 194 200 207 214 220 227 234 240 247 254 260 267
39 147 154 161 168 175 182 189 196 203 210 217 224 231 238 245 252 259 266 273 280
40 158 166 173 181 188 196 203 211 218 226 233 241 248 256 263 271 278 286 293 301
41 167 175 183 191 199 207 215 223 230 238 246 254 262 270 278 286 294 302 310 318
42 176 185 193 201 210 218 227 235 243 252 260 269 277 285 294 302 310 319 327 336
43 183 192 201 209 218 227 235 244 253 262 270 279 288 296 305 314 323 331 340 349
44 194 204 213 222 231 241 250 259 268 278 287 296 305 315 324 333 342 352 361 370
45 199 209 218 228 237 247 256 266 275 285 294 304 313 323 332 342 351 361 370 380
46 208 218 228 238 248 258 268 277 287 297 307 317 327 337 347 357 367 376 386 396

Small-end diameter of log segment in inches

47 217 228 238 248 259 269 279 290 300 311 321 331 342 352 362 373 383 393 404 414
48 227 238 248 259 270 281 292 302 313 324 335 346 356 367 378 389 399 410 421 432
49 236 247 258 270 281 292 303 314 326 337 348 359 371 382 393 404 415 427 438 449
50 246 257 269 281 292 304 316 328 339 351 363 374 386 398 409 421 433 445 456 468

Note: For log lengths 20’ long and less, use Table 2.2 on p. 52 (Scribner Long Log always uses the revised volumes). Decimal C signifies that volumes shown are
one-tenth their actual value, e.g. a value of 16 represents 160 bf.
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60 Chapter 2

Small-end
diameter (d)

Recorded length 32

d = 14
Volume from Table 2.4 for a log 32 long with an d of 14= 230 bf

Fig. 2.31. Scribner Long Log Rule gross volume determination.

LENGTH DEDUCTION. This is normally used for defects that cause a loss of
volume for all, or the majority of, the length affected. This deduction
rule is commonly used in combination with a percentage, e.g. 1⁄2 of an 8’
length cut. The defect equals the difference between the volume as
calculated from the gross length and the volume as calculated from the
net length. Length deductions are also used for interior defects such as rot
by estimating the percentage of the scaling cylinder affected by the
interior defect as well as the length affected, and taking a corresponding
length deduction. Sweep (a gradual bow in the log) and crook
(a sharp change of direction) are deducted by projecting the scaling
cylinder through the log segment to a point where the cylinder first
leaves the log, and then redirecting the scaling cylinder until it leaves
the log again, and so on. Deductions are taken for portions of the log that
fall outside the redirected scaling cylinders or for portions of the log
outside the scaling cylinder that have a recovered length of less than 8’
(which is the minimum product length for Scribner Long Log).
A minimum of a 1’ length deduction is taken for each redirection of the
scaling cylinder.

DIAMETER DEDUCTION.This is used for defects that occur in the perimeter

of the log, such as rotten sapwood, surface checks and twisted grain
(by establishing a net diameter under the defective portion of the log),
and for interior defects if they are checks or ring separations. It should be
noted that unlike the Scribner Short Log Rule, deductions for perimeter
defects such as sap rot and surface checks, which occur outside the
scaling cylinder, are not deducted. The defect deduction is the
difference between the volume as calculated from the gross diameter
and the volume as calculated from the net diameter. Diameter
deductions are also used to account for the loss in volume from ring
separations (shake, pitch, ring) and for heart check (heart shake, pitch
check, rift crack). This is done by dividing the scaling cylinder (small-end
diameter of the log segment) into three: inner third (heart), middle third
(meat) and outer third (sap), and using the guidelines below to make a
deduction:
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Log Scaling 61

Ring separation Inner third (heart) Middle third (meat) Outer third (sap)*
1
⁄2 ring in one end deduct 1’’ in diameter deduct 1’’ in diameter deduct 1’’ in diameter
1
⁄2 ring in both ends deduct 2’’ in diameter deduct 2’’ in diameter deduct 2’’ in diameter
1
⁄2–full ring in one end deduct 1’’ in diameter deduct 1’’ in diameter deduct 2’’ in diameter
1
⁄2–full ring in both ends deduct 2’’ in diameter deduct 2’’ in diameter deduct 4’’ in diameter
Heart check/shake

In one end no deduction deduct 1’’ in diameter deduct 2’’ in diameter

In both ends deduct 1’’ in diameter deduct 2’’ in diameter deduct 4’’ in diameter

*Note: For full rings that are less than 3’’ from the outside of the radius, deduct entire area outside of
the ring (net diameter is the ring diameter).

2.3.2.6 Net volume and merchantability

Scribner Long Log requires a minimum net volume of at least 331⁄3% of the
gross volume or the log will be culled (see Section 2.3.1.6).
2.3.2.7 Pulp log scale
This rule sees little use for measuring pulpwood, as it is very poor at
measuring relative fibre volume.

2.3.3 The Doyle Log Rule (central and eastern North America)

The Doyle Log Rule is used primarily in the eastern half of North America
(only occasionally outside the region), and appears to have originated in
1825 (Freese, 1973). Its use is especially favoured in southeastern USA.
Unlike the Scribner rule, the Doyle Log Rule is based on a formula:
bf volume ¼ (small-end diameter in inches  4)2
length  16
Thus this rule assumes a cylinder with a 4’’ slab loss, and a 25% loss from
shrinkage and saw kerf. Unfortunately, the formula is the only ‘official’
procedure of the Doyle Log Rule. There are no widely recognized and/or
utilized standards or guidelines beyond this simple formula. The proced-
ures for determining diameters, length, segmenting, taper distribution
and defect deductions have as many different interpretations as there
are users. The procedures listed are by no means an ‘official’ set of
procedures; they are, however, an interpretation that is used, and in the
author’s opinion, ‘sit in the middle ground’ of the range of interpretations
of this rule. The rule has been widely criticized as being very inaccurate
in predicting product output. While it is true that this rule does a poor job
of predicting product output (it grossly understates the relative recover-
able product volume of small logs and even medium-sized logs to larger
logs), it is not a bad rule for measuring value (especially for logs 9’’ and
larger). Doyle is seldom used for logs under 8’’ on the small-end. Doyle
understates typical lumber recovery by diameter class at a relative ratio to
value by diameter class, which often allows a log purchaser to pay a single
price per mbf (1,000 board feet), as opposed to having different price
levels by size classes. This ‘de facto grading mechanism’, which appears
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62 Chapter 2

to account for the higher manufacturing costs and lower value of products
from small logs, is likely a fortunate coincidence; nevertheless, it is no
doubt a good deal of the reason for Doyle’s continued use and popularity.
It is common for companies to utilize Doyle to purchase logs, and cubic or
weight to track inventories and predict recovery.

2.3.3.1 Diameter measurements

Diameter measurements are sometimes measured over the bark, outside of
just one bark thickness, or inside of bark. There is also no agreement as to
the number of measurements utilized to establish the diameter of a log
end either (to account for elliptical log ends); it can be one measurement
or two. Listed below is just one interpretation:
1. Measure diameters inside of one bark and outside of the other bark
(on average this increases the diameter by roughly 0.3’’ over inside bark
diameters for the Southern pines).
2. Measure the small-end of the log only if scaling length is 20’ or less,
and both ends of the log if the scaling length is 21’ or greater in nominal
length.
3. Measure through the true centre of the log (ignore pith).
4. Take two measurements, narrow-way first and at a right angle to
first measurement (the right angle measurement is generally but not
necessarily the wide dimension).
5. Round diameters to the nearest inch; except when one diameter falls
exactly on the 1⁄2’’, round it up; when both diameters fall exactly on the 1⁄2’’,
round one diameter up and the other down.
6. Determine the average of both measurements (if the average is on the
1
⁄2’’, round down).
7. Disregard bumps and depressions.
8. Forked tops or swelled ends should be measured behind swell.
9. Methods of obtaining butt-cut diameters vary, but all are designed to
mimic the true taper characteristics of the log to the extent necessary to
determine the diameter of the scaling cylinder of a log segment. The
methods for determining butt-cut diameter are as follows:
. Local species-specific taper tables (assumed taper that is often 0.1’’
per lineal foot).
. Callipering the log 4.0’ in from the butt-end of the log.
. Callipering the log at the segment breaks to establish small-end
diameter of log segments thus eliminating the need for a butt diameter.
Figure 2.32 is an example of diameter measurements using the Doyle Log
Rule.

2.3.3.2 Length measurements

1. Measure short side to short side.
2. Scaling length is actual length in feet minus trim; normally 6’’
per segment for logs 8–20’ in nominal length; 12’’ for logs 20–40’ in
nominal length; and 18’’ for logs 40–60’ in nominal length.
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Log Scaling 63

Narrow measurement = 9.14 Narrow measurement = 15.51 Narrow measurement = 39.82

Right angle measurement = 9.92 Right angle measurement = 17.02 Right angle measurement = 45.04
• 9.14 rounds to 9 • 15.51 rounds to 16 • 39.82 rounds to 40
• 9.92 rounds to 10 • 17.02 rounds to 17 • 45.04 rounds to 45
(9 + 10) ÷ 2 = 9.5; (15 + 17) ÷ 2 = 16.5; (40 + 45) ÷ 2 = 42.5;
round down to 90 round down to 160 round down to 420

Fig. 2.32. Doyle Log Rule diameter measurement methodology.

3. Maximum segment length is 20’ plus trim.

. Logs longer than 20’ are divided into two or more segments as
necessary and scaled as individual log segments.
. Multisegment logs are divided as evenly as possible in 2’ multiples
(if possible) with the shortest segment(s) on the small-end of the log.
. Under no circumstances should there be more than a 2’ difference
between the longest and shortest segment or more than one odd-
length segment in any multisegment log (see Table A.1.C).

2.3.3.3 Taper distribution

1. All log segments are considered to be a cylinder having the diameter
of the small-end of the log segment.
2. One-segment logs (logs with a nominal length of 8–20’); logs are
assumed to be a cylinder having the diameter of the small-end of the log
segment (taper can be completely ignored).
3. Two-segment logs (logs with a nominal length greater than 20’ but
less than 40’), total taper 7 number of segments added to the small-
end diameter ¼ the small-end diameter of segment 2. If total taper is
not evenly divisible by the number of segments, raise taper to next num-
ber evenly divisible by the number of segments (e.g. Fig. 2.4 on p. 12).
4. Three-segment logs (logs with a nominal length of 40–60’), use same
procedure as for two-segment logs to find small-end diameter of large-end
segment; repeat procedure for the remaining two segments (as if the large-
end segment did not exist) to find the small-end diameter of the middle
segment.
Total taper ¼ difference between d and D. Taper distribution can also be
determined by using Table A.1.D.

2.3.3.4 Gross volume determination

Volume is calculated by utilizing the Doyle formula for the respective log
diameter and length of the log segment:
bf volume ¼ (small-end diameter in inches  4)2
length  16,
round to the nearest bf
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64 Chapter 2

Two-segment log
Small-end Large-end
diameter (d) S2d diameter (D)

Segment 1 (S1) Segment 2 (S2)

Recorded length 32

d = 15

D = 18

S2d (and S1D) are interpolated as 17
Segment 1: 16 long, 15
d (15 – 4)2  16 ÷ 16 = 121 bf
Segment 2: 16 long, 17
d (17 – 4)2  16 ÷ 16 = 169 bf
Total log volume = 290 bf

Fig. 2.33. Doyle Log Rule gross volume determination.

As stated earlier, procedures for determining diameters vary greatly

amongst the users of the Doyle Log Rule, but for the purposes of examples
and comparisons in this publication, we will use the ‘inside one bark’ as
this gives a common interpretation. An assumption of 0.3’’ (7.6 mm) of
bark thickness will be used for comparisons in Section 2.5. To use inside-
bark diameter measurements with the ‘one bark’ interpretation of the rule,
one can adjust the Doyle formula to:
bf volume ¼ (small-end diameter in inches  3:7)2
length  16,
round to the nearest board foot1
Figure 2.33 is an example of determining the log volume with the Doyle
Log Rule. Table 2.5 shows Doyle log volumes.

2.3.3.5 Defect deduction rules

A defect is anything that causes a loss in volume of lumber. Stain is not
considered a defect unless associated with rot (see the list in Section 2.2.1
on p. 10 under defect deduction rules). There are four major methods for
deducting for defects:
1. Squared area deduction.
2. Percentage deduction.
3. Length deduction.
4. Diameter deduction.

This is used primarily for interior defects that lend

SQUARED AREA DEDUCTION.
themselves to being partitioned into a square or rectangular area. The
volume of a defect is calculated by the formula:
defect deduction ¼ (W00 þ 1)
(H00 þ 1)
L0  16,
round to nearest board foot

1
This change in the formula is used by some mills in Louisiana and Arkansas.
 Table 2.5. Doyle Log Rule volume chart (board feet).

Length of log segment in feet

Log Scaling

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
6 0 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5
7 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 10 10 11 11
8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
9 2 3 5 6 8 9 11 13 14 16 17 19 20 22 23 25 27 28 30 31
10 2 5 7 9 11 14 16 18 20 23 25 27 29 32 34 36 38 41 43 45
11 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 25 28 31 34 37 40 43 46 49 52 55 58 61
12 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80
13 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 41 46 51 56 61 66 71 76 81 86 91 96 101
14 6 13 19 25 31 38 44 50 56 63 69 75 81 88 94 100 106 113 119 125
15 8 15 23 30 38 45 53 61 68 76 83 91 98 106 113 121 129 136 144 151
16 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 90 99 108 117 126 135 144 153 162 171 180
17 11 21 32 42 53 63 74 85 95 106 116 127 137 148 158 169 180 190 201 211
18 12 25 37 49 61 74 86 98 110 123 135 147 159 172 184 196 208 221 233 245
19 14 28 42 56 70 84 98 113 127 141 155 169 183 197 211 225 239 253 267 281
20 16 32 48 64 80 96 112 128 144 160 176 192 208 224 240 256 272 288 304 320
21 18 36 54 72 90 108 126 145 163 181 199 217 235 253 271 289 307 325 343 361
22 20 41 61 81 101 122 142 162 182 203 223 243 263 284 304 324 344 365 385 405
23 23 45 68 90 113 135 158 181 203 226 248 271 293 316 338 361 384 406 429 451
24 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 275 300 325 350 375 400 425 450 475 500
25 28 55 83 110 138 165 193 221 248 276 303 331 358 386 413 441 469 496 524 551

Small-end diameter of log segment in inches

26 30 61 91 121 151 182 212 242 272 303 333 363 393 424 454 484 514 545 575 605
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27 33 66 99 132 165 198 231 265 298 331 364 397 430 463 496 529 562 595 628 661
28 36 72 108 144 180 216 252 288 324 360 396 432 468 504 540 576 612 648 684 720
29 39 78 117 156 195 234 273 313 352 391 430 469 508 547 586 625 664 703 742 781
30 42 85 127 169 211 254 296 338 380 423 465 507 549 592 634 676 718 761 803 845
31 46 91 137 182 228 273 319 365 410 456 501 547 592 638 683 729 775 820 866 911
Continued
65
 66

Table 2.5. continued

Length of log segment in feet

32 49 98 147 196 245 294 343 392 441 490 539 588 637 686 735 784 833 882 931 980
33 53 105 158 210 263 315 368 421 473 526 578 631 683 736 788 841 894 946 999 1051
34 56 113 169 225 281 338 394 450 506 563 619 675 731 788 844 900 956 1013 1069 1125
35 60 120 180 240 300 360 420 481 541 601 661 721 781 841 901 961 1021 1081 1141 1201
36 64 128 192 256 320 384 448 512 576 640 704 768 832 896 960 1024 1088 1152 1216 1280
37 68 136 204 272 340 408 476 545 613 681 749 817 885 953 1021 1089 1157 1225 1293 1361
38 72 145 217 289 361 434 506 578 650 723 795 867 939 1012 1084 1156 1228 1301 1373 1445
39 77 153 230 306 383 459 536 613 689 766 842 919 995 1072 1148 1225 1302 1378 1455 1531
40 81 162 243 324 405 486 567 648 729 810 891 972 1053 1134 1215 1296 1377 1458 1539 1620
41 86 171 257 342 428 513 599 685 770 856 941 1027 1112 1198 1283 1369 1455 1540 1626 1711
42 90 181 271 361 451 542 632 722 812 903 993 1083 1173 1264 1354 1444 1534 1625 1715 1805
43 95 190 285 380 475 570 665 761 856 951 1046 1141 1236 1331 1426 1521 1616 1711 1806 1901
44 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000
45 105 210 315 420 525 630 735 841 946 1051 1156 1261 1366 1471 1576 1681 1786 1891 1996 2101
46 110 221 331 441 551 662 772 882 992 1103 1213 1323 1433 1544 1654 1764 1874 1985 2095 2205
47 116 231 347 462 578 693 809 925 1040 1156 1271 1387 1502 1618 1733 1849 1965 2080 2196 2311
48 121 242 363 484 605 726 847 968 1089 1210 1331 1452 1573 1694 1815 1936 2057 2178 2299 2420

Small-end diameter of log segment in inches

49 127 253 380 506 633 759 886 1013 1139 1266 1392 1519 1645 1772 1898 2025 2152 2278 2405 2531
50 132 265 397 529 661 794 926 1058 1190 1323 1455 1587 1719 1852 1984 2116 2248 2381 2513 2645
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Chapter 2
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 002 Final Proof page 67 20.9.2005 9:39pm

Log Scaling 67

PERCENTAGE DEDUCTION. This is used for defects that go from the perimeter to
the heart area of the log, and can best be reckoned with by enclosing the
defect in a ‘pie-shaped’ sector with a fractional representation for the
length affected. This fraction is then applied to the length of the log
segment, e.g. if a log segment has a scaling length of 16’, with one half
of 6’ (1⁄2 of 6 ¼ 3) of the log having a defect requiring a deduction, the net
scale of the log is equal to that of a 13’ long log.

This is normally used for defects that cause a loss of

LENGTH DEDUCTION.
volume for all, or some of, the length affected. This deduction rule is
commonly used when the entire scaling cylinder is deducted or in
combination with the percentage deduction (as above). The defect
equals the difference between the volume as calculated from the gross
length and the volume as calculated from the net length. Sweep and crook
deductions are accounted for by projecting a theoretically straight
cylinder, having the same diameter as the small-end diameter of the log,
through the straightest portion of the log segment and deducting for the
volume that falls outside of the actual log segment, e.g. if sweep affects 6’
of a log, of which 1⁄3 of the theoretic cylinder falls outside the log, the
length deduction is 2’ (1⁄3 of 6 ¼ 2).

DIAMETER DEDUCTION. This is used for defects that occur in the perimeter of the
log, such as rotten sapwood, surface checks and twisted grain. This
deduction is made by establishing net diameters (under the defective
portion of the log). The defect deduction is the difference between the
volume as calculated from the gross diameters and the volume as
calculated from the net diameters.

2.3.3.6 Net volume and merchantability

As with all aspects of Doyle log scaling procedures, merchantability
requirements vary from one user to another. Some companies require a
net scale of 331⁄3% of the gross volume or the log will be culled, while
others have no set standard at all (cull logs are determined at the discre-
tion of the scaler).

2.3.3.7 Pulp log scale

As stated earlier, the Doyle Log Rule does a poor job of predicting product
output (referring to lumber or veneer); it is even worse at measuring total
fibre yield, and thus is of little use for scaling pulp logs.

2.3.4 International 1⁄4-Inch Log Rule (eastern North America)

The International 1⁄4-Inch Log Rule was published by Judson F. Clark in

1917 (Freese, 1973). Clark researched lumber recovery while working for
the province of Ontario in Canada. The rule assumes a 1⁄4’’ sawkerf
(originally it was developed with a 1⁄8’’ kerf allowance), makes allowance
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68 Chapter 2

Fig. 2.34. International 1⁄4-Inch Log Rule 4’ scaling cylinder methodology (16’ scaling length).

for 6.25% shrinkage and has a slab deduction that is 1.93’’ thick and as
wide as the diameter. Unlike most other primary product rules, the
International 1⁄4-Inch Rule accounts for taper in a log by increasing
the diameter of the scaling cylinder 1⁄2’’ every 4’ of nominal log length
(Fig. 2.34). The last cylinder can be 4’ long or less when the log segment
length is not a 4’ multiple, e.g. in the case of a 14’ segment (starting at the
small-end of the log segment), the first three cylinders are 4’ long, and the
fourth cylinder is 2’ long. This rule is used primarily in the eastern half of
North America and appears to be especially popular in the New England
and Quebec regions. It has also been adopted for use by the US Forest
Service in some regions. The following rules are taken from Wood
Measurement Rules (Maine Department of Agriculture, Food & Rural
Resources, no date) and National Forest Log Scaling Rules (US Forest
Service, 1985).

2.3.4.1 Diameter measurements

1. Measure diameters inside of bark and cambium layer.
2. Measure through the true centre of the log (ignore pith).
3. Take two measurements, narrow-way first and at a right angle to first
measurement (the right angle measurement is generally but not necessar-
ily the wide dimension).
4. Round diameters to the nearest inch; except when one diameter falls
exactly on the 1⁄2’’, round it up; when both diameters fall exactly on the 1⁄2’’,
round one diameter up and the other down.
5. Determine the average of both measurements (if the average is on the
1
⁄2’’, round down).
6. Disregard bumps and depressions.
7. Forked tops or swelled ends should be measured behind swell.
8. Methods of obtaining butt-cut diameters vary by regions, but all
are designed to mimic the true taper characteristics of the log to the
extent necessary to determine the diameter of the scaling cylinder of
a log segment. The methods for determining butt-cut diameter are as
follows:
. Assign 2’’ of taper per segment (most often used).
. Calliper the log 4.0’ in from the butt-end of the log.
. Calliper the log at the segment breaks to establish small-end diam-
eter of log segments thus eliminating the need for a butt diameter.
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Log Scaling 69

The procedures for establishing diameters with the International 1⁄4-Inch

Rule are the same as for the USFS National Cubic Log Scale (Fig. 2.3 on
p. 11).

2.3.4.2 Length measurements

1. Measure short side to short side.
2. Scaling length is actual length minus trim; normally 6’’ per segment
for logs 8–20’ in nominal length; 12’’ for logs 20–40’ in nominal length;
and 18’’ for logs 40–60’ in nominal length (see Table A.1.C).
3. Maximum segment length is 20’ plus trim.
. Logs longer than 20’ are divided into two or more segments as
necessary and scaled as individual log segments.
. Multisegment logs are divided as evenly as possible in 2’ multiples
(if possible) with the shortest segment(s) on the small-end of the log.
. Under no circumstances should there be more than a 2’ difference
between the longest and shortest segment or more than one odd-
length segment in any multisegment log (see Table A.1.C).

2.3.4.3 Taper distribution

1. Each log segment (logs with a nominal length of 8–20’) is considered
to taper 0.125’’ per lineal foot with the scaling cylinder readjusting to a
new diameter every 4’, which is 0.5’’ larger than the prior cylinder.
2. Two-segment logs (logs with a nominal length greater than 20’ but
less than 40’), total taper  number of segments added to the small-end
diameter ¼ the small-end diameter of segment 2. If total taper is not
evenly divisible by the number of segments, raise taper to next number
evenly divisible by the number of segments (Fig. 2.4 on p. 12).
3. Three-segment logs (logs with a nominal length of 40–60’), use same
procedure as for two-segment log to find small-end diameter of large-end
segment; repeat procedure for the remaining two segments (as if the large-
end segment did not exist) to find the small-end diameter of the middle
segment.
Taper distribution can also be determined by using Table A.1.D.

2.3.4.4 Gross volume determination

Volume is calculated for each 4’ section of scaling cylinder based on its
small-end diameter using the following formula:
bf ¼ (0:199
diameter2 )  (0:642
diameter);
round the sum of the 40 cylinders to the nearest 5 bf
Note: For cylinders that are less than 4’ in length (as would occur in a log
segment that is not a multiple of 4’), use the following formula adjust-
ment: volume from formula
(length of cylinder  4).
For example, if the formula yields 43.6 bf and the final cylinder length
is 20 : 43:6
(2  4) ¼ 21:8 bf.
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70 Chapter 2

Two-segment log
Small-end Large-end
diameter (d) S2d diameter (D)

Segment 1 (S1) Segment 2 (S2)

Recorded length 32

d = 15

D = 18

S2d is interpolated as 17

Segment 1 Segment 2
1st 4 cylinder: (0.199  15) (0.642  15) = 35.1 bf 1st 4 cylinder: (0.199  172) (0.642  17) = 46.6 bf
2nd 4 cylinder: (0.199  15.52) (0.642  15.5) = 37.9 bf 2nd 4 cylinder: (0.199  17.52) (0.642  17.5) = 49.7 bf
3rd 4 cylinder: (0.199  162) (0.642  16) = 40.7 bf 3rd 4 cylinder: (0.199  182) (0.642  18) = 52.9 bf
4th 4 cylinder: (0.199  16.52) (0.642  16.5) = 43.6 bf 4th 4 cylinder: (0.199  18.52) (0.642  18.5) = 56.2 bf
Total = 157.3; rounds to 155 bf Total = 205.4; rounds to 205 bf

Total gross volume of log = 360 bf

Fig. 2.35. International 1⁄4-Inch Log Rule gross volume determination.

Figure 2.35 is an example of calculating log volume using the Inter-

national 1⁄4-Inch Log Rule. As the formula is rather cumbersome to use in
the field, volume is normally determined via a volume table (Table 2.6).

2.3.4.5 Defect deduction rules

A defect is anything that causes a loss in volume of lumber. Stain is not
considered a defect unless associated with rot (see the list in Section 2.2.1.5
on p. 12 under Defect deduction rules). There are four major methods
for deducting for defects, all of which are rounded to the nearest 5 bf:
1. Squared area deduction.
2. Percentage deduction.
3. Length deduction.
4. Diameter deduction.

This is used primarily for interior defects that lend

SQUARED AREA DEDUCTION.
themselves to being partitioned into a square or rectangular area. The
volume of a defect is calculated by the formula:
defect deduction ¼ (W00 þ 1)
(H00 þ 1)
L0  16, round to nearest 5 bf

PERCENTAGE DEDUCTION. This is used for defects that go from the perimeter to
the heart area of the log, and can best be reckoned with by enclosing the
defect in a ‘pie-shaped’ sector with a fractional representation for the
length affected. This fraction is then applied to the length of the log
segment, e.g. if a log segment has a scaling length of 16’, with one half
of 60 (1⁄2 of 6 ¼ 3) of the log having a defect requiring a deduction, the net
 Table 2.6. International 1⁄4-Inch Log Rule volume chart (board feet).

Length of log segment in feet

Log Scaling

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 5
4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 10 10 10
5 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 5 5 10 10 10 10 10 15 15 15 15
6 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 10 10 10 10 15 15 15 20 20 20 25 25 25
7 0 5 5 5 5 10 10 10 15 15 15 20 20 25 25 30 30 35 35 40
8 0 5 5 10 10 10 15 15 20 20 25 25 30 35 35 40 40 45 50 50
9 5 5 10 10 15 15 20 20 25 30 30 35 40 45 45 50 55 60 65 70
10 5 5 10 15 15 20 25 30 35 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85
11 5 10 15 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 65 70 75 80 85 95 100 105
12 5 10 15 20 25 30 40 45 50 55 65 70 75 85 90 95 105 110 120 125
13 5 15 20 25 30 40 45 55 60 70 75 85 90 100 105 115 125 135 140 150
14 10 15 25 30 40 45 55 65 70 80 90 100 105 115 125 135 145 155 165 175
15 10 20 25 35 45 55 65 75 85 95 105 115 125 135 145 155 170 180 190 205
16 10 20 30 40 50 60 75 85 95 110 120 130 145 155 170 180 195 205 220 235
17 10 25 35 45 60 70 85 95 110 125 135 150 165 175 190 205 220 235 250 265
18 15 25 40 55 65 80 95 110 125 140 155 170 185 200 215 230 250 265 280 300
19 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 125 140 155 175 190 205 225 240 260 280 295 315 335
20 15 35 50 65 85 100 120 135 155 175 195 210 230 250 270 290 310 330 350 370
21 20 35 55 75 95 115 135 150 175 195 215 235 255 280 300 320 345 365 390 410
22 20 40 60 80 105 125 145 170 190 215 235 260 285 305 330 355 380 405 430 455
23 25 45 70 90 115 140 160 185 210 235 260 285 310 335 360 390 415 440 470 495

Small-end diameter of log segment in inches

24 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 205 230 255 285 310 340 370 395 425 455 485 515 540
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25 25 55 80 110 135 165 195 220 250 280 310 340 370 400 430 460 495 525 560 590
26 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 275 305 335 370 400 435 470 500 535 570 605 640
27 30 65 95 130 160 195 225 260 295 330 365 400 435 470 505 540 580 615 655 690
28 35 70 105 140 175 210 245 280 320 355 395 430 470 505 545 585 625 665 705 745
29 35 75 110 150 185 225 265 305 345 385 425 465 505 545 585 630 670 715 755 800
Continued
71
 72

Table 2.6. continued

Length of log segment in feet

30 40 80 120 160 200 245 285 325 370 410 455 495 540 585 630 675 720 765 810 855
31 45 85 130 170 215 260 305 350 395 440 485 530 580 625 675 720 770 820 870 915
32 45 90 135 185 230 280 325 375 420 470 520 570 620 670 720 770 820 875 925 980
33 50 100 145 195 245 295 345 395 450 500 555 605 660 715 765 820 875 930 985 1040
34 50 105 155 210 260 315 370 425 480 535 590 645 700 760 815 870 930 990 1050 1105
35 55 110 165 220 280 335 390 450 510 565 625 685 745 805 865 925 990 1050 1110 1175
36 60 115 175 235 295 355 415 475 540 600 665 725 790 855 915 980 1045 1110 1180 1245
37 60 125 185 250 315 375 440 505 570 635 700 765 835 905 970 1040 1105 1175 1245 1315
38 65 130 195 265 330 400 465 535 605 670 740 810 880 955 1025 1095 1170 1240 1315 1390
39 70 140 210 280 350 420 490 565 635 710 780 855 930 1005 1080 1155 1235 1310 1385 1465
40 75 145 220 295 370 445 520 595 670 745 825 900 980 1060 1140 1215 1300 1380 1460 1540
41 75 155 230 310 385 465 545 625 705 785 865 950 1030 1115 1195 1280 1365 1450 1535 1620
42 80 160 245 325 405 490 575 655 740 825 910 995 1085 1170 1260 1345 1435 1525 1615 1700
43 85 170 255 340 430 515 600 690 780 865 955 1045 1135 1230 1320 1410 1505 1600 1690 1785
44 90 180 270 355 450 540 630 725 815 910 1005 1095 1190 1290 1385 1480 1575 1675 1775 1870
45 95 185 280 375 470 565 660 755 855 955 1050 1150 1250 1350 1450 1550 1650 1755 1855 1960
46 100 195 295 390 490 590 690 790 895 995 1100 1200 1305 1410 1515 1620 1725 1835 1940 2050
47 100 205 305 410 515 620 725 830 935 1040 1150 1255 1365 1475 1585 1695 1805 1915 2025 2140
48 105 215 320 430 535 645 755 865 975 1090 1200 1310 1425 1540 1655 1765 1885 2000 2115 2230
49 110 225 335 445 560 675 790 900 1020 1135 1250 1370 1485 1605 1725 1845 1965 2085 2205 2325
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50 115 235 350 465 585 705 820 940 1060 1185 1305 1425 1550 1675 1795 1920 2045 2170 2300 2425
Chapter 2
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 002 Final Proof page 73 20.9.2005 9:39pm

Log Scaling 73

scale of the log is equal to that of a 13’ long log. The defect is equal to
the difference between the gross volume and the net volume. Sweep
(a constant bow in the log) is deducted by the following formula:
percent deduction from gross volume ¼ (maximum deflection in inches
per log segment  2)  small-end diameter.

This is normally used for defects that cause a loss of

LENGTH DEDUCTION.
volume for all of, or some of, the length affected. This deduction rule is
commonly used when the entire scaling cylinder is deducted or in
combination with the percentage deduction (as above). The defect
equals the difference between the volume as calculated from the gross
length and the volume as calculated from the net length. Crook
deductions are accounted for by projecting a theoretically straight log
through the straightest portion of the log segment and deducting for the
volume that falls outside of the actual log segment, e.g. if sweep affects 6’
of a log, of which 1⁄3 of the theoretic cylinder falls outside the log, the
length deduction is 20 (1⁄3 of 6 ¼ 2).

DIAMETER DEDUCTION. This is used for defects that occur in the perimeter of the
log, such as rotten sapwood, surface checks and twisted grain. This
deduction is made by establishing net diameters (under the defective
portion of the log). The defect deduction is the difference between the
volume as calculated from the gross diameters and the volume as
calculated from the net diameters.

2.3.4.6 Net volume and merchantability

In most regions, if the net scale of a log segment is less than 331⁄3% of the
gross volume, the log will be culled (having a net volume of zero).

2.3.4.7 Pulp log scale

Like all primary product rules, the International 1⁄4-Inch Rule is not very
well adapted for measuring volume or value of pulp logs, and conse-
quently is seldom utilized for this purpose.

2.4 Other Methods of Scaling

2.4.1 Weight scale

One of the most widely used methods of measuring roundwood is weight.

As would be expected, there is a strong correlation between weight and
volume. In many regions, weight is used to establish roundwood volume.
Weight is also used to extrapolate volume (as well as size and grade) of
logs from sample scaling. Weight is commonly used as the unit of meas-
ure for payment of transportation and harvesting of timber, and is utilized
as a means of regulating trucking weight limits. Weight-scales are often
easily accessible to logs in transport; commonly being located adjacent to
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74 Chapter 2

transportation routes as well as at many roundwood processing facilities.

The specialized trucks for transporting logs are often equipped with load
cells under the bunks, which can very accurately measure the weight of
logs. Even the equipment utilized for loading, unloading, and moving logs
in the woods or the mill can now be equipped with scales that operate on
static hydraulic pressure or load cells (for non-hydraulic equipment).
On top of the accessibility of weight, and fast data processing, weight
is universally tangible, and is relatively inexpensive, especially in com-
parison with the cost of scaling loads via log-by-log measurements, which
not only entails the labour cost of the scaler, but also log handling costs
(heavy equipment and operators), and the associated log damage which
occurs from handling. The relative low cost of using weight to determine
volume is especially useful for low valued roundwood such as pulp logs,
firewood and small saw timber (where the log by log measurement costs
are the highest). Weight can also be utilized in higher valued logs to
varying degrees dependent on the uniformity of the timber, the accuracy
levels needed, and the amount of control needed for log manufacturing
quality.
Normally, the weight of the logs is either directly converted to volume
(m3 , ft3 , cords, steres, etc.), using established conversion factors, or
weight is used as a vehicle for extrapolating volume via sample scaling.
Weight can be utilized entirely as the final unit of measure in itself, but
this is seldom done, as upstream and downstream processes (standing
inventories, harvesting costs, timber taxes, government reporting, com-
paring product recoveries, etc.) typically require volumetric units, and log
weight varies over time. In this section, we will focus on the use of weight
directly to determine volume. The use of weight to extrapolate volume via
sample scaling will be discussed in Section 2.6, and roundwood weight
and physical properties will be covered in Chapter 5.
To extrapolate volume from weight, the normal procedure is to divide
the weight by a standard conversion factor. For example, in parts of
the southeast USA, ‘Southern pine’ (loblolly pine, short leaf pine, long
leaf pine and slash pine) are directly converted using 70.7 lb per ft3 gross
and 74.0 lb per ft3 net (this conversion assumes 4.5% defect) based
on the use of the USFS National Cubic Log Scale.2 For example, a load
of logs is delivered having a net weight of 54,000 lb: 54,000  74 ¼
729:7 net ft3 or 7:297 ccf.
In eastern Canada, weight is commonly converted directly to volume
using fixed weight-to-volume factors set by the provincial forest service.
The following is based on information taken from Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources (2000). In the province of Ontario the majority of the
publicly owned stumpage is sold via ‘mass scaling’ (volume converted

2
This number is derived from conversions used by some private timberland companies in the
Southeast USA. It uses 71.8 lb per ft3 and assumes 4.5% defect, which gives a 68.6 lb per ft3 gross
scale, based on actual length (no trim allowance). Assuming 3.0% additional unmeasured trim
allowance (as would approximate the USFS National Cubic Log Scale conventions), the gross weight
factor changes to 70.7 lb per ft3 gross and 74.0 lb per ft3 net.
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Log Scaling 75

from weight). The provincial forest service annually checks weight-to-

volume ratios by species, and publishes a set of fixed gross volume
conversion ratios to be used province-wide. The extrapolated gross vol-
ume for each timber sale agreement is converted to a net volume based on
a cutting site specific factor for undersize volume and defect. Multiple
species with very different weight-to-volume ratios can also be accom-
modated in this method as the weight conversions are weighted by species
(determined on the entire sale area) and the appropriate adjustments from
undersize and defects made at a species level. Example 2.1 demonstrates
this methodology.
Weight scale can fulfill the objectives listed at the beginning of Chap-
ter 1: to obtain accurate, consistent scale through which one is able to
measure volume and value, predict product output, establish accurate
inventory and usage volumes, and to convert from one unit/method of
measure to another. As stated earlier, weight also has the advantage of
being a relatively inexpensive method of accounting for log volumes. The
relative accuracy and controls needed vary a great deal and are dependent
on many factors, but in general, the following guidelines should be con-
sidered as to the suitability of weight for determining volume:
1. Homogeneity of the timber. The weight-to-volume ratios of timber
vary a great deal by species, heartwood to sapwood ratios, wood density,
seasonality, bark retention, time between cutting and weighing, types and
amount of defects, weather conditions, and whether cut from a living or a
dead tree. These variables will be discussed at further length in Chapter 5.
2. Unit of measure utilized. The correlation between weight and cubic
volumes is quite good. However, the correlation between weight and

Example 2.1.

Sale
Load net weight composition Fixed Undersize Defect
28,000 kg species % kg=m3 factor factor

Eastern hemlock 32% 1009 32%
1009 ¼ 322:88 0.9% 6.5%

Eastern larch 51% 994 51%
994 ¼ 506:94 4.1% 2.9%
Balsam fir 17% 791 17%
791 ¼ 134:47 3.9% 6.4%

Weighted kg=m3 ¼ 964:29

Load volume: 28,000  964:29 ¼ 29:037 m3

Gross m3 Undersize m3 Defect m3 Net m3

Eastern hemlock 32%
29:037 ¼ 9.292 0.084 0.604 8.604

Eastern larch 51%
29:037 ¼ 14.809 0.607 0.429 13.772
Balsam fir 17%
29:037 ¼ 4.936 0.193 0.316 4.428
Extrapolated 29.037 0.883 1.349 26.804
load total
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76 Chapter 2

some of the product output rules, such as the bf rules, is generally not
very good unless the timber is uniform.
3. Log manufacturing quality control. Since logs are not individually
scrutinized and measured, it is more difficult to control log manufacturing
variables such as log lengths, diameters, defect removal or minimization,
and overall manufacturing quality unless sample loads are taken.
4. Level of size and grade data needed. Timber can vary a great deal in
value due to size and grade. As mentioned above, logs are not being
scrutinized at an individual level.

2.4.1.1 Pounds per lineal foot

If there is a need in gaining log size information, average diameter data
can be approximated at a composite level without log by log measure-
ments if the following formula is applied (assuming the variables are
accurately reflected):
Step 1. Net weight of load in pounds [or kilograms]  (total number
of logs
average log length in feet [or metres]) ¼ pounds per lineal foot [or
kilograms per lineal metre].
Step 2. Pounds per lineal foot [or kilogram per metre]  average gross
pounds per cubic foot [or kilogram m3 ] ¼ average square foot [or m2 ] end
area of log.
pffiStep 3. Average midpoint log diameter in inches [or centimetres]
¼ (average ft2 [or m2 ] end area  0.7854)
144 [or 10,000 for metric
system].
Figure 2.36 shows examples of using the ‘pounds per lineal foot’
method for determining log size, and as shown in Figs 2.37 and 2.38, it
can even be used to convert to other means of scaling that do not correlate
well when converted to volume by weight alone (such as Doyle).
Based on the calculations from Fig. 2.36, a composite average log can
be constructed by using average taper. Assuming the above logs have an
average taper of 0.1’’ per lineal foot (0.833 cm per m).
Load A would have a top diameter of (using imperial): (16:35 
(27:0  2
0:1) ¼ 15:000 (37:5 cm); and a bottom diameter of: (16:35 þ
(27:0  2
0:1) ¼ 17:700 (44:3 cm). The average log in load A is:
L ¼ 270 , d ¼ 15:000 , D ¼ 17:700 (L ¼ 8:23 m, d ¼ 38:1 cm, D ¼ 45:0 cm)
To convert load A to Doyle: reduce length by 3% to account for normal
trim allowance and increase the diameters by 0.3’’ to account for over ‘one
bark’ measurement, calculate volume using the Doyle formula, and multi-
ply by the number of logs: (27
0:97) ¼ 26:19 L; 15:0 þ 0:3 ¼ 15:300 d;
17:7 þ 0:3 ¼ 18:000 D. Because the log is over 20’ divide into two segments,
but divide exactly in two rather than via the standard segmenting proced-
ures: 26:19  2 ¼ 13:095: Figure 2.37 shows the procedures for calculat-
ing the volume of each segment, log and the load via the Doyle Log Rule.
Load B would have a top diameter of (using metric): (24:52 
(5:24  2))
0:833 ¼ 22:34 cm (8:7900 ); and a bottom diameter of: 24:52 þ
((5:24  2)
0:833) ¼ 26:7 cm (10:5100 ). The average log in load B is:
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Log Scaling 77

Load A
Net weight = 54,000 lbs (24,490 kg), average log length 27.0' (8.23 m), log count = 20,
average lbs per ft3 for Southern yellow pine = 68.6 (1098.9 kg/m3), total load volume 7.87 ccf (22.29 m3)

27.0'

Imperial
54,000 ÷ (20  27) = 100 lbs per LF; 100 ÷ 68.6 = 1.458; (1.458 ÷ 0.7854)  144 = 267.31; √267.31 = 16.35"
Metric
24,490 ÷ (20  8.23) = 148.8 kg per m; 148.8 ÷ 1098.9 = 0.1354; (0.1354 ÷ 0.7854)  10,000 = 1724;
√1724 = 41.5 cm

Load B
Net weight = 54,000 lbs (24,490 kg), average log length (16.8 + 17.6) ÷ 2 = 17.2' (5.24 m), log count = 90,
average lbs per ft3 for Southern yellow pine = 68.6 (1098.9 kg/m3), total load volume 7.87 ccf (22.29 m3)

Average length 16.8' Average length 17.6'

Imperial
54,000 ÷ (90  17.2) = 34.88 lbs per LF; 34.88 ÷ 68.6 = 0.508; (0.508 ÷ 0.7854)  144 = 93.14; √93.14 = 9.65"
Metric
24,490 ÷ (90  5.24) = 51.90 kg per m; 51.90 ÷ 1098.9 = 0.04723; (0.04723 ÷ 0.7854)  10,000 = 601.35;
√601.35 = 24.52 cm

Fig. 2.36. Pounds per lineal foot.

L ¼ 5:24 m, d ¼ 22:07 cm, D ¼ 26:44 cm (L ¼ 17:20 , d ¼ 8:7900 , D ¼ 10:5100 )

To convert load B to Doyle: reduce length by 3% to account for normal
trim allowance and increase the used diameters by 0.3’’ to account
for over ‘one bark’ measurement, calculate volume using the Doyle for-
mula, and multiply by the number of logs: (17:2
0:97) ¼ 16:68 L;
8:79 þ 0:3 ¼ 9:0900 d. Because the log is less than 20’, it is scaled in one
segment and only the small-end diameter is needed for the volume cal-
culation. Figure 2.38 shows the procedures for calculating the volume of
log and the load via the Doyle Log Rule.
As a generalization, weight as a direct form of log scale lends itself
to operations where there is good control over log manufacturing
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78 Chapter 2

Small-end Large-end
diameter (d) S2d diameter (D)

Segment 1 (S1) Segment 2 (S2)

Length 26.19
Composite log from load A
d = 15.3

D = 18.0

S2d (and S1D) = 16.65

Segment 1: 13.095 long, 15.30
d; (15.30 – 4)2  13.095 ÷ 16 = 105 bf
Segment 2: 13.095 long, 16.65
d; (16.65 – 4)2  13.095 ÷ 16 = 131 bf
Total log volume = 236 bf Doyle; total load gross volume = 236  20 logs = 4720 bf

Fig. 2.37. Converting load A to Doyle bf using ‘pounds per lineal foot’.

Small-end
diameter (d)

Recorded length 16.68

Composite log from load B
d = 9.09

Segment 1: 16.68 long, 9.09
d; (9.09 – 4)2  16.68 ÷ 16 = 27.0 bf

Total log volume = 27.0 bf Doyle; total load gross volume = 27.0  90 logs = 2430 bf

Fig. 2.38. Converting load B to Doyle bf using ‘pounds per lineal foot’.

specifications, logistics, quality and utilization guidelines. It also works

best where variability of timber is not high (even aged stands, without
much defect, single species strata or species with similar weight-to-
volume ratios) and where cubic measure is utilized.

2.4.2 Stacked wood scale

When roundwood (occasionally split wood in the case of firewood and

some specialty products) is stacked, the dimensions of the stacked wood
can be measured and a volume derived. The height, width and length of
the stack is measured and multiplied to determine the cubic area occu-
pied by the stack of wood. For example, a stack of wood which has a
height of 4’ (1.219 m), a width of 4’ (1.219 m), and a length of 8’ (2.438 m)
occupies a cubic area of 128 ft2 or 3:623 m3 . Two common units of stacked
wood measure are the cord and the stere:
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Log Scaling 79

12.9 12.2 13.7 13.5 11.8

Average log length 26.3 (8.02 m) 3.93 m 3.72 m 4.18 m 4.11 m 3.60 m
116' (35.36 m)

Cord volume : 116  26.3  [(12.9 + 12.2 + 13.7 + 13.5 + 11.8) ÷ 5] = 39,111 ft3; 39,111 ÷ 128 = 305.6 cords
Stere volume : 35.36  8.02  [(3.93 + 3.72 + 4.18 + 4.11 + 3.60) ÷ 5] = 1,108.3 m3 or 1108.3 steres

Fig. 2.39. Measurements to determine stacked measure volume.

1. Cord measure is used in North America. A cord is defined as being a

unit of measure of stacked wood, occupying a space of 128 ft3 , thus the
formula is: Cord ¼ H0
W0
L0  128
2. Stere is typically used in regions outside of North America and is
defined as being a unit of measure of stacked wood occupying the space of
1 m3 , thus the formula is: Stere ¼ Hm
Wm
Lm.
Figure 2.39 is an example of determining the volume of stacked wood
with cords or steres.
Converting to solid wood. It is important not to confuse stacked cubic
volume with solid wood cubic volume. There is obviously air space
between the stacked logs and usually bark as well. The percentage of
solid wood in stacked measure normally ranges from 60% to 70% of
solid wood cubic volume (occasionally 50–80%), depending on the size
of the timber, presence of bark and its thickness, straightness, presence of
limbs, amount of taper, buttressing, the presence of unsound wood, the
tightness of the stacking, and to what degree wood is deducted. It is best
to obtain ‘timber type’ specific solid wood factors by doing periodic tests
of measuring stacked volume against actual solid wood volumes from
scaling the logs piece by piece. In lieu of doing that, however, the follow-
ing factors shown in Table 2.7 (general guideline) and Table 2.8 (more
specific guidelines) can be used for approximation.

Table 2.7. General guidelines for components

of area of stacked roundwood.

Solid wood 66.67%

Bark 11.46%
Air 21.87%
Total 100.00%

Source: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2000.

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80 Chapter 2

Table 2.8. Swedish National Board of Forestry stacked measure guidelines for pulp logs.

Starting value 60%

Average log diameter under bark % Trimming of knots and buttresses %

<8.99 cm (<3.54’’) 4 Very well trimmed, few buttresses 0

9–9.99 cm (3.55–3.93’’) 3 A few knot stumps and buttresses 1
10–10.99 cm (3.94–4.33’’) 2 Many knot stumps and buttresses 2
11–11.99 cm (4.34–4.72’’) 1 Many large knot stumps, clusters 3 to 4
and buttresses
12–12.99 cm (4.73–5.11’’) 0 Very bad trimming 5 to 7
13–13.99 cm (5.12–5.51’’) þ1
14–14.99 cm (5.52–5.90’’) þ2 Crookedness %

15–15.99 cm (5.91–6.30’’) þ3 Straight softwood, straight aspen 0 to 1

16–16.99 cm (6.31–6.69’’) þ4 Crooked softwood, straight 2 to 3
deciduous wood
17–17.99 cm (6.70–7.08’’) þ5 Very crooked softwood, crooked 4 to 5
deciduous wood
18–19.99 cm (7.09–7.87’’) þ6 Very crooked deciduous wood 6 to 7
20–22.99 cm (7.88–9.05’’) þ7 Extremely crooked 8 to 12
deciduous wood
23–26.99 cm (9.06–10.63’’) þ8
> 27 cm (> 10.64’’) þ9 Bark volume %

Debarked wood þ7
Quality of stacking % More than 2⁄3 thin bark þ2
More than 1⁄3 thin bark þ1
Very good 0 Normal conifer 0
Good 1 Softwood with thick bark, 1
Fair 2 normal deciduous bark
Bad 3 to 4 More than 50% deciduous wood 2
Very bad 5 to 7 with thick bark

Source: VMF Nord, 1999.

2.4.3 Automated measurement systems (scanners, photo-cells)

Scanning technology has been in use for quite a long time. Set-works for
veneer lathes, head rigs, and canters have long used scanners to measure
the log in order to position a log properly for peeling, sawing or chipping
off slabs. Harvesting equipment utilized in logging operations, e.g. cut-to-
length systems (CTLs), and log processors (delimbing, bucking), also are
being fitted with mechanical and/or laser measuring devices. One of the
residual benefits of this scanning process is that log volumes can be
calculated from the scanned measurements. Scanners are currently find-
ing use for measuring log deliveries (notably in the Nordic countries), and
even more common is their use to measure usage going into the mill.
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Log Scaling 81

In many cases the volume from the scanner is factored to take into account
hidden defects and/or differences in the gross volume determination, e.g.
scanner usage
0.92 ¼ volume minus defect, butt flare, and trim allow-
ance. This approach works quite well once factors are determined for a
particular stratum.
The current generation of scanning technology uses multipoint lasers
to take very accurate measurements of a log profile, and with today’s high
powered and quick computer processors, build a three dimensional
model of the log (Fig. 2.40). This technology has not only allowed for
tremendous improvements in the optimization of product recovery, but it

Photo courtesy: Porter Engineering, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada.

Fig. 2.40. Three-dimensional log scanning and images.

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82 Chapter 2

has the ability to measure, to a very high degree of accuracy, the log
volume put through the scanner. This includes externally visible defects
such as sweep, crook and voids which can all be readily recognized and
measured via the three-dimensional image.
Of course, there are limitations to these systems which have thus far
limited wide scale moves to utilize scanners for anything other than the
intended purposes of optimization of product recovery, and the side
benefit of measuring usage volume in the mill or production from logging
equipment. One issue is cost; scanners are a sizeable investment, and not
every operation can afford one. Furthermore, scanners exist primarily for
product optimization purposes, which means that they are installed at the
conveying systems leading into the mill (ahead of the bucking station),
and just ahead of the primary log breakdown centres (head rig, canter,
lathe). These locations are not conducive to the proper accounting of
incoming logs. Generally, it is necessary for logs to have the volume and
purchasing parameters (grade, species, size, source, logging contractor,
trucker) determined for payment and accounting purposes, and then the
logs placed into the log yard inventory for future use.
Given the need for accounting of incoming logs, most operations
would need a separate dedicated scanning line in order to preserve the
integrity of the data needed for purchasing and receiving timber, which of
course is added expense without the primary benefits of this equipment
(optimization of product recovery).
Further limitations exist because optical scanners cannot see log
grade nor can they account for internal defects (rot, heart checks, shake,
etc.), and logs put into storage in inventory should have bark (in order to
prevent wood degradation from stain and splits). While logs can be
scanned with bark, the accuracy of the measurements is reduced. Al-
though bark thickness can be factored, species identification is an import-
ant parameter in factoring bark thickness, which requires a manned
operation with someone imputing species and likely grade and internal
defect information (somewhat of a challenge in a production line envir-
onment and added expense).
Excepting the factor of cost, all of the above limitations can be over-
come through the use of computer tomography (CT) technology which is
combined with X-ray imaging (Schmoldt, 1996). This is emerging tech-
nology, but it is already proven to effectively find, measure and map
internal defects, as well as determine bark from wood. Coupled with
laser scanning, there is tremendous potential for this technology. Again
though, this technology will find its primary application in optimization
equipment, with use for log scaling being a secondary focus.
It remains to be seen if the majority of log deliveries will someday be
measured and recorded by scanners, but currently, most deliveries in
Sweden are already measured via scanners for gross volume determin-
ation. Many mills are already utilizing three-dimensional scanning for
calculating mill usage, and it is just a matter of time before CT technology
finds its way into production facilities, especially where values are high.
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Log Scaling 83

2.5 Converting between Log Scaling Methods

The need for good conversions has become more important recently given
the large volume of interregional roundwood trade as well as the desire
for harmonized roundwood volume statistics. Obtaining accurate conver-
sions from one method of log scale to another can be problematic. As has
already been discussed, methodologies, procedures and formulas vary a
great deal between the different log-scaling methods, and these variations
seldom remain consistent between size classes, timber types, and quan-
tity and types of defect. Furthermore, the variables that determine volume
ratios (log lengths, diameters, taper, etc.) are occasionally manipulated to
maximize or minimize volumes (especially with the Scribner log rules)
causing bias.
The process of developing conversions is also complicated by
attempting to convert logs with parameters which do not exist where
the scaling methods originate. Scaling methods develop to suit the
needs and fit the applications that exist within a region. For example,
the Doyle formula is commonly criticized as grossly understating the
volume of small logs, while it is true that in principle small logs (4–
7’’ d) are grossly understated relative to bigger logs, in practice the
Doyle formula is virtually never used to measure logs less than 7.5’’ in
diameter on the small-end, making a comparison which includes logs
under 7.5’’ misleading (other methods such as weight or stacked measure
are utilized for these smaller logs).

2.5.1 Modelling conversion factors

Despite the difficulties of developing generic conversion factors for the

various log scaling methods, it is useful to develop a ‘regionally neutral’
model with closely categorized diameter and length classes to allow
proper weighting of size information. In this case, the author chose to
utilize a model based on 175 spruce logs that were thoroughly measured
in regard to diameters, length, taper and defects. These logs are not unlike
conifers elsewhere (and not unlike many hardwoods), in terms of the
important parameters that can affect conversion ratios (taper, ovality
and defect). The distribution of log lengths and percentage of butt cut
logs in the model are based on a typical mix that would be common in
western North America. Obviously there will be populations of logs that
do not fit well with this model, but the listed conversions are a place to
start, in lieu of developing population specific conversions.
The following is a summary of the attributes of the logs used for the
model:

Range of small-end diameters .................................. 11.4–90.2 cm (4.5’’–35.5’’)

Range of large-end diameters ................................. 13.7–116.6 cm (5.4’’–37.3’’)
Range of lengths ............................................................... 2.5–12.5 m (8.3’–41’)
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84 Chapter 2

Average taper for all logs................................................. 1.11 cm/m (0.119’’/ft)

Average taper for butt cut logs,
DBH to small-end......................................................... 0.97 cm/m (0.109’’/ft)
Av. log dimensions 11.43–19.05 cm
group (4.5–7.49’’).......................... 7.9 m–14.7 cm–22.4 cm (25.9’–5.8’’–8.8’’)
Av. log dimensions 19.06–29.19 cm
group (7.5–11.49’’)...................... 7.2 m–23.7 cm–30.4 cm (23.6’–9.3’’–12.0’’)
Av. log dimensions 29.2–39.35 cm
group (11.5–15.49’’).................. 8.5 m–34.9 cm–42.7 cm (27.9’–13.8’’–16.8’’)
Av. log dimensions > 39.35 cm (> 15.5’’)
group ........................................ 7.6 m–55.6 cm–62.2 cm (24.9’–21.9’’–24.5’’)
Av. log dimensions total group of
logs in the model ..................... 7.8 m–32.5 cm–39.7 cm (25.5’–12.8’’–15.6’’)

The log-scaling procedures from each of the 15 methods (16 including the
non-revised version of the Scribner Short Log Rule) listed were applied to
the key dimensions and defects of the 175 logs. For those rules that do not
have procedures for scaling long logs as one piece, or which stipulate the
need to segment when taper exceeds a certain level (BC Firmwood), long
logs were segmented and the actual midpoint diameters were used in the
absence of taper distribution rules. In other words, the tree stems were
theoretically cut into separate logs, the volume was ascertained, and in
those situations where comparisons were made with long logs scaled by
other scaling methods, the segment volumes were added together so that a
comparison could be made. In the case of the New Zealand 3-D method,
4 cm was added to the projected large-end diameter of all butt cut logs to
account for the convention of including butt flare in the large-end diam-
eter measurement. This number was chosen as a simple average by ana-
lysing stem profiles of an assortment of various sized Radiata pine.
The log volumes were summarized into 16 categories (four diameter
and four length categories), shown in Table A.1.M and from these cat-
egorized volumes, an index was created (Table 2.9), which is also cat-
egorized into four length classes and four diameter classes.
Table 2.9 and Fig. 2.41 indexes the volume from the listed log scaling
methods in relation to one cubic metre as measured by the BC Firmwood
Scale. The BC Firmwood Scale was chosen as the benchmark as it uses an
unbiased rounding logic, well-documented and consistent procedures,
and accounts for lengths, diameters and defects in a consistent, tangible
way. The product output rules, all of which are based on the board foot,
are represented in units of 1000 bf (mbf) in relation to 1 m3 BC Firmwood.
In the case of Swedish cubic, Russian standard, Cubage au Réel, Brereton,
Hoppus and JAS scale, the lack of definitive documentation (and actual
knowledge on the part of the author) on application of defect deductions
resulted in comparisons made for these log scales based solely on gross
volumes. As New Zealand 3-D is only used on plantation wood that is
considered free of defect, it is also only compared on a gross scale basis. It
is important to note that defect deductions can affect conversion ratios for
those log scales that either use grades to address defects, only deduct for
 Log Scaling

Table 2.9. Volume index by length and small-end diameter class (1:00 m3 BC Firmwood ¼ 1.000).

2.5–4.6 m 4.7–6.4 m 6.5–9.5 m 9.6–12.5 m Total

8–15 ft 16–21 ft 22–31 ft 32–41 ft all lengths

Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net

Small-end diameter 11.43–19.05 cm (4.5–7.49’’)

USFS Cubic 0.941 0.901 0.925 0.871 0.966 0.904 0.920 0.897 0.930 0.897
BC Firmwood 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Alberta Cubic 0.979 0.929 0.962 0.912 0.980 0.928 0.979 0.956 0.978 0.946
Ontario Cubic 0.952 0.956 0.989 0.989 0.963 0.963 0.955 0.961 0.959 0.963
Swedish Cubic* 0.840 – 0.700 – 0.817 – 0.787 – 0.789 –
Russian Standard* 1.009 – 0.979 – 0.978 – 0.988 – 0.987 –
Cubage au Réel* 0.936 – 0.929 – 0.943 – 0.941 – 0.940 –
New Zealand 3-D* 1.140 – 1.040 – 1.019 – 0.980 – 1.000 –
Brereton (PNG) 0.944 – 0.896 – 0.902 – 0.881 – 0.890 –
Hoppus 0.789 – 0.768 – 0.766 – 0.772 – 0.771 –
JAS Scale* 0.908 – 0.723 – 0.835 – 0.820 – 0.821 –
Scribner Short R** 0.160 0.162 0.169 0.155 0.153 0.137 0.154 0.148 0.155 0.147
Scribner Short NR** 0.160 0.162 0.169 0.126 0.142 0.132 0.148 0.139 0.149 0.138
Scribner Long Log** 0.160 0.144 0.126 0.112 0.116 0.105 0.105 0.106 0.112 0.108
Doyle** 0.038 0.035 0.023 0.022 0.080 0.075 0.061 0.059 0.060 0.058
International 1⁄4’’** 0.133 0.126 0.126 0.112 0.179 0.171 0.170 0.164 0.166 0.159
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Continued
85
 86

Table 2.9. continued

2.5–4.6 m 4.7–6.4 m 6.5–9.5 m 9.6–12.5 m Total

8–15 ft 16–21 ft 22–31 ft 32–41 ft all lengths

Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net

Small-end diameter 19.06–29.19 cm (7.5–11.49’’)

USFS Cubic 0.905 0.876 0.935 0.882 0.935 0.911 0.930 0.892 0.930 0.893
BC Firmwood 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Alberta Cubic 0.973 0.941 0.963 0.909 0.974 0.948 0.970 0.932 0.970 0.933
Ontario Cubic 0.977 0.977 0.972 0.971 0.967 0.944 0.966 0.964 0.968 0.962
Swedish Cubic* 0.858 – 0.850 – 0.861 – 0.838 – 0.847 –
Russian Standard* 0.957 – 0.988 – 0.985 – 0.978 – 0.979 –
Cubage au Réel* 0.948 – 0.969 – 0.952 – 0.981 – 0.969 –
New Zealand 3-D* 1.021 – 1.027 – 0.977 – 0.947 – 0.974 –
Brereton PNG 0.928 – 0.945 – 0.924 – 0.918 – 0.925 –
Hoppus 0.761 – 0.784 – 0.772 – 0.781 – 0.777 –
JAS Scale* 0.932 – 0.890 – 0.963 – 0.905 – 0.919 –
Scribner Short R** 0.161 0.156 0.155 0.138 0.170 0.159 0.168 0.155 0.166 0.153
Scribner Short NR** 0.156 0.151 0.146 0.131 0.166 0.159 0.168 0.156 0.163 0.153
Scribner Long Log** 0.127 0.127 0.140 0.128 0.134 0.132 0.123 0.119 0.129 0.124
Doyle** 0.125 0.122 0.111 0.105 0.141 0.137 0.131 0.125 0.130 0.125
International 1⁄4’’** 0.193 0.185 0.200 0.186 0.205 0.196 0.206 0.196 0.204 0.193
Small-end diameter 29.2–39.35 cm (11.5–15.49’’)
USFS Cubic 0.943 0.930 0.954 0.914 0.968 0.905 0.941 0.924 0.946 0.921
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BC Firmwood 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Alberta Cubic 0.977 0.958 0.965 0.933 0.989 0.945 0.971 0.955 0.973 0.952
Ontario Cubic 0.997 0.997 0.965 0.959 0.993 0.993 0.982 0.970 0.982 0.974
Swedish Cubic* 0.916 – 0.877 – 0.921 – 0.889 – 0.893 –
Chapter 2
Russian Standard* 0.989 – 0.985 – 0.996 – 0.987 – 0.988 –
Cubage au Réel* 0.955 – 0.957 – 0.982 – 0.969 – 0.969 –
New Zealand 3-D* 1.013 – 0.993 – 1.034 – 0.961 – 0.976 –
Log Scaling

Brereton 0.961 – 0.944 – 0.963 – 0.947 – 0.949 –

Hoppus 0.779 – 0.775 – 0.786 – 0.784 – 0.783 –
JAS Scale* 0.993 – 0.975 – 1.082 – 1.000 – 1.007 –
Scribner Short R** 0.202 0.198 0.190 0.182 0.209 0.197 0.203 0.195 0.202 0.194
Scribner Short NR** 0.202 0.198 0.190 0.182 0.209 0.197 0.203 0.195 0.202 0.194
Scribner Long Log** 0.187 0.183 0.188 0.180 0.160 0.155 0.153 0.144 0.159 0.151
Doyle** 0.188 0.185 0.174 0.165 0.181 0.169 0.191 0.183 0.188 0.180
International 1⁄4’’** 0.231 0.227 0.225 0.214 0.240 0.224 0.235 0.227 0.234 0.225
Small-end diameter > 39.36 cm (15.5’’)
USFS Cubic 0.929 0.867 0.964 0.952 0.974 0.953 0.969 0.956 0.966 0.947
BC Firmwood 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Alberta Cubic 0.978 0.915 0.963 0.951 0.994 0.981 0.972 0.956 0.978 0.960
Ontario Cubic 1.003 0.994 0.984 0.970 0.991 0.986 1.002 0.999 0.995 0.989
Swedish Cubic* 0.965 – 0.941 – 0.964 – 0.932 – 0.947 –
Russian Standard* 0.982 – 0.978 – 1.000 – 0.985 – 0.988 –
Cubage au Réel* 0.962 – 0.960 – 0.980 – 0.987 – 0.977 –
New Zealand 3-D* 1.060 – 1.055 – 1.061 – 1.015 – 1.041 –
Brereton 0.974 – 0.964 – 0.982 – 0.971 – 0.974 –
Hoppus 0.773 – 0.770 – 0.789 – 0.789 – 0.784 –
JAS Scale* 1.086 – 1.063 – 1.095 – 1.090 – 1.086 –
Scribner Short R** 0.250 0.227 0.255 0.248 0.265 0.255 0.247 0.242 0.255 0.246
Scribner Short NR** 0.250 0.227 0.255 0.248 0.264 0.254 0.247 0.242 0.255 0.246
Scribner Long Log** 0.245 0.220 0.241 0.233 0.233 0.225 0.201 0.197 0.223 0.215
Doyle** 0.264 0.241 0.257 0.251 0.267 0.258 0.242 0.235 0.255 0.246
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 002 Final Proof page 87 20.9.2005 9:39pm

International 1⁄4’’** 0.259 0.236 0.271 0.263 0.271 0.261 0.266 0.259 0.268 0.259
Continued
87
 88

Table 2.9. continued

2.5–4.6 m 4.7–6.4 m 6.5–9.5 m 9.6–12.5 m Total

8–15 ft 16–21 ft 22–31 ft 32–41 ft all lengths

Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net

Total all diameters

USFS Cubic 0.928 0.883 0.958 0.935 0.969 0.940 0.950 0.932 0.955 0.931
BC Firmwood 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Alberta Cubic 0.977 0.928 0.964 0.942 0.991 0.970 0.972 0.953 0.976 0.954
Ontario Cubic 0.995 0.990 0.980 0.969 0.988 0.981 0.987 0.981 0.987 0.980
Swedish Cubic* 0.933 – 0.914 – 0.941 – 0.893 – 0.912 –
Russian Standard* 0.980 – 0.980 – 0.997 – 0.985 – 0.987 –
Cubage au Réel* 0.957 – 0.960 – 0.975 – 0.976 – 0.972 –
New Zealand 3-D* 1.048 – 1.041 – 1.047 – 0.985 – 1.014 –
Brereton 0.963 – 0.957 – 0.970 – 0.949 – 0.957 –
Hoppus 0.773 – 0.772 – 0.786 – 0.785 – 0.782 –
JAS Scale* 1.036 – 1.020 – 1.068 – 1.014 – 1.030 –
Scribner Short R** 0.223 0.207 0.231 0.222 0.243 0.232 0.214 0.207 0.225 0.216
Scribner Short NR** 0.222 0.206 0.230 0.220 0.242 0.232 0.213 0.206 0.224 0.215
Scribner Long Log** 0.212 0.195 0.217 0.208 0.208 0.201 0.167 0.161 0.189 0.181
Doyle** 0.218 0.202 0.221 0.213 0.235 0.226 0.196 0.188 0.212 0.203
International 1⁄4’’** 0.238 0.221 0.252 0.242 0.256 0.245 0.240 0.232 0.246 0.236

Note: The indexes for ‘Total all diameters’ are not necessarily representative of any specific population.
*Swedish Cubic, Russian Standard, Cubage au Réel, New Zealand 3-D, Brereton, Hoppus and JAS Scale are indexed only to gross scale.
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 002 Final Proof page 88 20.9.2005 9:39pm

**Product output rules are reflected in units of 1000 board feet (mbf), indexed against 1:00 m3 BC Firmwood. Scribner Short R ¼ revised Scribner used in California,
Oregon, Washington and Alaska, Scribner NR ¼ non-revised Scribner used elsewhere.
Chapter 2
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 002 Final Proof page 89 20.9.2005 9:39pm

Log Scaling 89

Small-end diameters 11.43 19.05 cm (4.5 7.49")

USFS Cubic 0.897
BC Firmwood 1.000
Alberta Cubic 0.946
Ontario Cubic 0.963
Swedish Cubic 0.789
Russian Standard 0.987
Cubage au Réel 0.940
New Zealand 3-D 1.000
Brereton (PNG) 0.890
Hoppus 0.771
JAS Rule 0.821
Scribner Short R* 0.147
Scribner Short NR* 0.138
Scribner Long* 0.108
Doyle* 0.058
International 1/4"* 0.159

0.000 0.200 0.400 0.600 0.800 1.000 1.200

Small-end diameters 19.06−29.19 cm (7.5−11.49")
USFS Cubic 0.893
BC Firmwood 1.000
Alberta Cubic 0.933
Ontario Cubic 0.962
Swedish Cubic 0.847
Russian Standard 0.979
Cubage au Réel 0.969
New Zealand 3-D 0.974
Brereton (PNG) 0.925
Hoppus 0.777
JAS Rule 0.919
Scribner Short R* 0.153
Scribner Short NR* 0.153
Scribner Long* 0.124
Doyle* 0.125
International 1/4"* 0.193
0.000 0.200 0.400 0.600 0.800 1.000 1.200

Small-end diameters 29.2 39.35 cm (11.5 15.49")

USFS Cubic 0.921
BC Firmwood 1.000
Alberta Cubic 0.952
Ontario Cubic 0.974
Swedish Cubic 0.893
Russian Standard 0.988
Cubage au Réel 0.969
New Zealand 3-D 0.976
Brereton (PNG) 0.949
Hoppus 0.783
JAS Rule 1.007
Scribner Short R* 0.194
Scribner Short NR* 0.194
Scribner Long* 0.151
Doyle* 0.180
International 1/4"* 0.225

0.000 0.200 0.400 0.600 0.800 1.000 1.200

Small-end diameters > 39.36cm (15.5")
USFS Cubic
BC Firmwood 0.947
1.000
Alberta Cubic
0.960
Ontario Cubic
0.989
Swedish Cubic 0.947
Russian Standard 0.988
Cubage au Réel 0.977
New Zealand 3-D 1.041
Brereton (PNG) 0.974
Hoppus 0.784
JAS Rule 1.086
Scribner Short R* 0.246
Scribner Short NR* 0.246
Scribner Long* 0.215
Doyle* 0.246
International 1/4"* 0.259
0.000 0.200 0.400 0.600 0.800 1.000 1.200

Note: Swedish Cubic, Russian Standard, Cubage au Réel, New Zealand 3-D, Brereton, Hoppus, and JAS Scale are indexed only to
gross scale. Scribner Short R = revised Scribner used in California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska, Scribner NR = non-revised Scribner
used elsewhere.*Product output rules are reflected in units of 1000 board feet (mbf), indexed against 1.00 m3 BC Firmwood.
Source: Calculated by author.

Fig. 2.41. Net volume index by small-end diameter class (1:000 m3 BC Firmwood ¼ 1.000).
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 002 Final Proof page 90 20.9.2005 9:39pm

90 Chapter 2

void, soft-rot and char, or utilize some or both of these conventions. If a

comparison is needed with any of the cubic log scaling methods using
cubic feet, one needs to multiply the m3 by 35.315.
Even within each of the 16 L and diameter groupings listed, there
can be substantial variation of conversion ratios, especially amongst
JAS and the product output rules. For example, a log which is 20’–6’’–9’’
has 20 bf when scaled via Scribner Short Log and 0:182 m3 (6:4 ft3 )
using USFS Cubic. This gives a ratio of 0.110 mbf per m3 ; a log which
is 16’–5’’–6’’ also scales 20 bf under the Scribner Short Log Rule, but
only has 0:0765 m3 (2:7 ft3 ) using USFS Cubic, which gives a ratio
of 0:262 mbf per m3 (a 138% increase over the first ratio). Variation is
more pronounced in the smaller diameter classes, primarily due to the
effects of rounding diameters and lengths, and in the case of the two
Scribner based rules, rounding the volumes to 10 bf volume classes.
Figure 2.42 is based on two groups of hypothetical logs measured via
some selected scaling rules (chosen if they showed substantial variation
due to taper) indexed against BC Firmwood. It is included to illustrate the
effects of taper on conversion ratios (it is not necessarily a statistically
correct representation of any particular group of logs). The two groups of
logs have identical lengths and small end diameters, are 5 m and 10 m in
length (16.5’ and 33’) and have small end diameters ranging from 15 cm to
36 cm (6’’–14’’). The low taper group averages 0.6 cm/m (0.07’’/ft) taper
50

1.3
64

1.1

1.2
00
00

1.0
92

Low taper 0.6 cm/m

59

52
29
1.0
1.0

1.1
22
0.9

12
0.9

(0.7"/1')
0.9
0.9

0.9
0.9

1.0
09

78
71
52

High taper 2.0 cm/m

0.8

0.9
0.7
0.7
0.7

0.8 (0.25"/1')
0.7
0.6
0.5
44

0.4
12

98
81

0.2
72

59
0.2

38

0.1

0.3
23
0.1
0.1

0.1
0.1
0.1

0.2
0.1
0
od

bic

3-D

le

"*
)

*
tR

ong
ubi

ppu
NG

yle

al ¼
Ru
wo

Cu

hor
oC

and

Do
er L
n (P

Ho

JAS
Firm

tion
sh

er S
tari

l
Zea

ibn
edi

reto

rna
BC

On

ibn

Scr
Sw

Bre

Inte
w

Scr
Ne

Note: All scale rules are indexed only to gross scale. *Product output rules are reflected in units
of 1000 board feet (mbf), indexed against 1.00 m3 BC Firmwood.
Source: Calculated by author.

Fig. 2.42. Effects of log taper on converting between selected log scales (1:000 m3 BC Firmwood
¼ 1.000).
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 002 Final Proof page 91 20.9.2005 9:39pm

Log Scaling 91

and the high taper group averages 2.0 cm/m (0.25’’/ft). As shown in Fig.
2.42, taper will affect the conversion ratios significantly in the product
output rules, Swedish cubic and JAS which view a log segment as a form
of a cylinder (thus ignoring volume outside of the scaling cylinder).
Increased taper can also reduce the volume of the Huber based
methods (Ontario Cubic, Brereton) relative to the volume of Smalian
based measure. This is because the area of both log-end areas 7 2 will
always exceed the area as determined by both diameters 7 2. It should be
noted that neither Huber nor Smalian is necessarily the more accurate; the
actual volume could go either way, dependent on the form characteristics
of the log, and methods of determining diameters and length.
New Zealand 3-D also appears (Fig. 2.42) to have a higher relative
volume for low tapered logs vs. high tapered logs, but this is a result of
the formula, which makes assumptions as to stem-form (neiloid, conic,
paraboloid) based on taper, and thus is sensitive to hypothetical scen-
arios such as this one, which classifies taper without butt flare.
Figure 2.43 shows the product output rules indexed against Scribner
Short Log R (revised) which is used in California, Oregon, Washington
and Alaska. Scribner Short Log NR (non-revised), which is used else-
where in the USA, is included to show that the difference between it and
revised Scribner in the smaller diameter logs is significant, but relatively
unimportant in larger diameters. Table A.1.N shows the Scribner Long
Log Rule indexed against Scribner Short Log Scale and is included in the
annex as a guide for individual log dimensions. Table A.1.O shows the
relationship of Scribner Long Log and Scribner Short Log to BC Firmwood

Product output comparison

1.000
1.000
Scribner Short R 1.000
1.000
0.941
0.997
Scribner Short NR 1.000
1.000
0.737
0.811
Scribner Long Log 0.778
0.873
0.395
0.814
Doyle 0.926
0.999
1.086
1.263
International ¼ 1.160
1.050

0.000 0.200 0.400 0.600 0.800 1.000 1.200 1.400

4.5 − 7.49 7.5 − 11.49 11.5 − 15.49 >15.5

Fig. 2.43. Net volume index by small-end diameter class for product output (bf) rules
(1.000 mbf Scribner Short Log Rule ¼ 1.000).
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 002 Final Proof page 92 20.9.2005 9:39pm

92 Chapter 2

Scale m3 , based on standard Oregon and Washington Department of

Natural Resource size classifications.

2.5.2 Examples of using conversions

The following examples of converting log volumes are based on the

information in Table 2.9.

Example 2.2

Assume that one would like to estimate the approximate conversion ratio
to BC Firmwood, for logs that are scaled via Scribner Long Log and come
from a region that harvests approximately 20% in the 11.43–19.05 cm
(4.5–7.49’’) category, 30% in the 19.06–29.19 cm (7.5–11.49’’) category,
30% in the 29.2–39.35 cm (11.5–15.49’’) category, and 20% in the
>39.36 cm (>15.5’’) category.
Conversion factor ¼ (0:2
0:108) þ (0:3
0:124) þ (0:3
0:151) þ
(0:2
0:215) ¼ 0:1471 mbf per m3 or 6:8 m3 per mbf

Example 2.3

Assume that a conversion is needed to convert Scribner Short Log

Scale to USFS Cubic (reflected in cubic feet or cunits) for timber made
up of 40% in the 11.4319.05 cm (4.5–7.49’’) category, 30% in the
19.0629.19 cm (7.5–11.49’’) category, 25% in the 29.239.35 cm (11.5–
15.49’’) category, and 5% in the > 39.36 cm (>15.5’’) category.

USFS Cubic Log Scale Scribner Short Log

0.4
0.897
35.315 ¼ 12.67 0.4
0.147 ¼ 0.0588
0.3
0.893
35.315 ¼ 9.46 0.3
0.153 ¼ 0.0459
0.25
0.921
35.315 ¼ 8.13 0.25
0.194 ¼ 0.0485
0.05
0.947
35.315 ¼ 1.67 0.05
0.246 ¼ 0.0123
31:94 ft3 (or 0.3194 ccf) 0.1655 mbf
Conversion factor: 0.3194 ccf 7 0.1655 mbf ¼ 1.93 ccf per mbf

Example 2.4

A company selling logs on the Scribner Long Log Rule for $400/mbf
would like to obtain a conversion to Scribner Short Log Rule in order to
find what the equivalent price per mbf would be. The mix of logs is
typically 55% 7.5–11.49’’, 30% 11.5–15.49’’, and 15% > 15.5’’. Using the
information from Fig. 2.43:
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 002 Final Proof page 93 20.9.2005 9:39pm

Log Scaling 93

Conversion factor ¼ (0:55
0:811) þ (0:30
0:778) þ (0:15
0:873) ¼

0:81 mbf Scribner Long Log per 1 mbf Scribner Short Log;
0:81
$400 ¼ an equivalent price of $324=mbf

2.6 Sample Scaling

Sample scaling is a method for estimating the total volume (and often
other values) of a group of logs, without having to physically measure all
the logs. Generally, this entails measuring the volume and attributes of a
quantifiable sample portion of a log population, and assigning the known
attributes from the sample population to the non-sampled population via
the quantifier. Normally, in dealing with roundwood, the sample is quan-
tified to weight, by the truckload or by piece count. Log volume, espe-
cially cubic measured and weight correlate well, and there is also good
correlation between log volume and space occupied. Thus weight, or
truck load when there is good consistency of load size, are the most
common methods of quantifying volume. Of course, volume is not always
the only attribute that gets extrapolated from the sample loads, often
species, log diameter and length data, grade and manufacturing quality
data are also recorded from the sample loads and expanded into the non-
sampled population.
The aim of sample scaling is to give acceptably accurate estimates for
roundwood volume without the cost and effort of 100% scaling. The
realization of reduced effort and cost can be especially relevant given:
fee wood, where absolute accuracy may not be needed; low valued wood,
where scaling and log handling costs can be prohibitive; larger log sales
(large total populations) which have lower standard errors, thus more
reliable estimates; and situations where the extra handling of logs needed
for scaling causes value losses from additional damage, breakage, and
dirt/rock contamination of logs.
In the case of any sampling system, the sample selection should be
based on random sample selection given the number of samples desired.
There are many systems, both computerized and manual that will give a
randomly selected sample at a given frequency.
Besides assuring the randomness of sample selection, it is also very
important to eliminate other biases from the sample system, such as an
incorrectly defined stratum, changing a stratum after a load was selected
as a sample, and changing sample frequencies without closing a sample
base and restarting a new one.
While it is not the author’s intentions to delve too deeply into the
conventions and logic behind statistical sampling (there are whole pub-
lications on this subject), we will cover the fundamentals of determining
delivered log volumes using sampling techniques.
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 002 Final Proof page 94 20.9.2005 9:39pm

94 Chapter 2

2.6.1 Determining sample size

Before starting the process of sample scaling, it is important to determine

the intensity of sampling needed to obtain the desired level of accuracy.
Higher accuracy will require more intensive sampling. Obviously, the
intensity of the sample ratio is not the only variable that drives accuracy.
The variability of the value per unit measured (can be volume or other
attributes such as monetary value) and the size of the total population
have effects that have to be quantified in order to determine an acceptable
sampling intensity.
The procedures for determining sample size have been adapted from
the procedures listed in the Alberta Scaling Manual (Alberta Land and
Forest Service, 1992). To calculate the number of samples needed to
obtain an estimate that fits within a predetermined accuracy standard,
one needs to determine the critical value to be estimated. This critical
value will likely be volume (such as m3 , ccf, mbf), or monetary value. It
may be that a sale is delivering logs of different species or grades with
very similar volume-to-weight ratios, but with large differences in mon-
etary values. In this scenario, the sampling intensity required to estimate
the volume of the sale will likely be insufficient to measure the monetary
value of the sale (assuming significant variation of load to load species or
grade content). Under this scenario, monetary value per unit would likely
be the preferred choice of the critical value to be used in the formula,
unless it is feasible to stratify the sale (stratification will be discussed in
Section 2.6.3).
Once the value critical to determining sampling intensity is decided, the
allowable sampling error and probability interval need to be determined.
The allowable sampling error (SE) is a measure of the precision of the
estimate, and is generally set between 5% and 1%, with exponential in-
creases in the samples needed as the allowable sampling error is decreased.
Probability is reflected as the t value and is often set at 2, which statistically
means that there is a 95.3% (or roughly 19 out of 20 times) likelihood that the
number of samples taken from the sample size formula will give results
within the allowable sampling error specified in the formula.
The final variables needed to determine sample size are an estimate of
the number of loads (statistically referred to as the ‘total population’) that
will be delivered from the timber sale, and a control group of loads of logs,
which would ideally be at least 10 representative loads from the sale in
question.
Listed below is a methodology of the statistical procedures for deter-
mining sample frequency from a measured control group of loads:
1. Determine average value per unit (e.g. tons per m3 , ccf per load, $ per
ton, mbf per load, etc.): average value per unit ¼ total value of control
group 7 total units of control group.
2. Determine average value per load: total value of control group 7 total
loads of control group.
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Log Scaling 95

3. Apply the average value per unit (from step 1) to the units of each load
in the control group, e.g. net tonnes from each load 7 the average tonnes
per m3 from the control group ¼ theoretical extrapolated volume for each
load.
4. Calculate the difference between the actual value of each load, and the
extrapolated value from above, e.g. if the actual m3 of a load is 24.212 and
the theoretical extrapolated volume is 25.003, the difference is 0.791 m3 .
5. Square the difference of each load, and sum all of the squared differ-
ences from each load in the control group.
6. Calculate the Standard deviation of the loads pffi in the control group by
the following formula: standard deviation ¼ (the sum of the squared
differences 7 (number of samples 1)).
7. Determine the coefficient of variation (CV): CV ¼ standard deviation
7 mean load.
8. Calculate the number of samples needed: samples needed ¼ (total
number of loads
t 2
CV2 ) 7 ((total numbers of loads
allowable
sampling error2 ) þ (t 2
CV2 )). If less than 30 samples go to next step.
9. Calculate the number of samples needed using revised t value (rt)
from Table 2.10: samples needed ¼ (total number of loads
rt 2
CV 2 ) 7
((total numbers of loads
allowable sampling error2 ) þ (rt 2
CV 2 )).
Note: The t value is a constant based on the level of probability and the
size of the sample. The t value generally is 2, which represents a 95%
confidence level.
Example 2.5 is a hypothetical control group of loads of logs and
calculations used to determine the recommended sample size.
Step 1. Average tons/ccf: 270.9 7 83.718 ¼ 3.236
Step 2. Average volume per load: 83.718 7 10 ¼ 8.3718

Example 2.5. Examples of determining sample size.

Net weight Actual Extrapolated ccf

based on average Absolute Absolute
Step Ton Scaled ccf ton ccf difference difference2

1 27.1 7.795 8.375 0.580 0.336

2 25.7 8.327 7.942 0.385 0.148
3 26.7 8.440 8.251 0.189 0.036
4 29.1 8.148 8.993 0.845 0.714
5 26.4 7.991 8.159 0.168 0.028
6 27.5 8.607 8.499 0.108 0.012
7 28.3 8.702 8.746 0.044 0.002
8 27.4 8.603 8.468 0.135 0.018
9 26.7 8.477 8.251 0.226 0.051
10 26.0 8.628 8.035 0.593 0.352

270.90 83.718 83.718 1.697

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96 Chapter 2

Step 3. Apply the average value per unit (from step 1) to the units of
each load in the control group, e.g. 27.1 7 3.236 ¼ 8.375, etc.
Step 4. Calculate the difference between the actual value of each
load, and the extrapolated value from above, e.g. 8.375  7.795 ¼ 0.580,
etc.
Step 5. Square the difference between the actual and extrapolated
volume (or value) from each load, e.g. 0:5802 ¼ 0:336,
pffi etc.
Step 6. Calculate the standard deviation (SD): (1.697 7 (10 sample
loads  1)) ¼ 0.43423
Step 7. Determine the CV: standard deviation of 0.43423 7 mean
load of 8.3718 ¼ 5.187%
Step 8. Number of samples needed: (57 loads expected
22
5:1872 )
 ((57 loads expected
52 ) þ (22
5:1872 )) ¼ 4.003
As this is less than 30 samples, look up new revised t value (rt) in
Table 2.10 and go to step 9 (in this case the revised t value is 3.18).
Step 9. Number of samples needed: (57 loads expected
3:182

5:1872 )  ((57 loads expected
52 ) þ (3:182
5:1872 )) ¼ 9:14 or a
16% sample:
Note: t ¼ 2, which means a 95% confidence level (unless less than 30
sample loads; in which case go to Table 2.10, revised t value (rt)).
SE ¼ 5, which is the allowable sampling error in this example.
Remaining total number of loads expected ¼ sale volume estimated to
be 561 ccf: (561 ccf – 83.7 ccf already delivered) 7 8.37 ¼ 57.02 loads.

Table 2.10. Revised t value.

Calculated (n  1) Revised t Calculated (n  1) Revised t

1 12.7 16 2.12
2 4.3 17 2.11
3 3.18 18 2.1
4 2.78 19 2.09
5 2.57 20 2.09
6 2.45 21 2.08
7 2.36 22 2.07
8 2.31 23 2.07
9 2.26 24 2.06
10 2.23 25 2.06
11 2.2 26 2.06
12 2.18 27 2.05
13 2.16 28 2.05
14 2.14 29 2.05
15 2.13

Note: Use this table for t when the number of samples is less than 30.
Source: Alberta Land and Forest Service, 1992.
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Log Scaling 97

Based on the above statistics, 9 sample loads taken on the remaining

57 loads will give an answer within + 5% of the true mean 95% of
the time.
It should be noted that the procedures outlined above are generally
geared toward large sale volumes, and while it is true that sample scaling
works better given large populations, it can also be used for smaller
populations when the variation is low. Given smaller sale sizes, it is
feasible to estimate the CV based on historical evidence for the timber
type in question, and calculate a sample frequency without a control
group of loads of logs, e.g. if one is about to receive a relatively small
sale comprised of homogeneous plantation timber, of approximately 30
loads in total, the information which would normally be gathered from
the control group sample can be estimated based on historical norms for
the timber type in question, and what is known about the sale. In this
case, if we assume that for this timber type, the CV will be about 4.5%
(based on knowledge of similar timber harvested in the same area), we
would need 10 loads in total to meet a 5% allowable sampling error at the
95% confidence level. Setting the sample frequency at a 1 in 3 ratio
should suffice to obtain the sampling objectives.
Opposite the above scenario is a common situation where the timber
in question is very homogeneous and well suited for weight sample
scaling, but the timber owner is sceptical of statistical estimates and
wants all of the logs scaled. In this case, being able to give clear explan-
ations of the statistical processes of sample scaling to the timber owner
and a willingness to oversample the timber sale, are often better options
than having to 100% scale the sale, or not getting the sale at all.

2.6.2 Types of sample scaling

Timber sale volume is generally expanded based on one of three different

types of sample systems: simple sample, weight and 3-P (which is short
for probability proportional to prediction). In the case of weight sampling
versus simple sampling, weight is generally a better way to quantify and
expand sample and non-sampled volume, but requires a weight-scale,
which may not be available. Three-P is a method of sampling, which is
generally best suited for sales with a high coefficient of variation that
would normally require a high sampling intensity.

2.6.2.1 Simple sample (count)

Simple sampling utilizes count as the quantifying factor for extrapolation,
e.g. volume per load, volume per log, etc. rather than volume per weight
unit. Simple sampling has the potential to have more variation than
weight sample because truck loads or log size can vary substantially. It
should be noted though, that in many regions, truck configurations are
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98 Chapter 2

uniform, and thus often the CVs per truck load are not so different from
the CVs of weight-to-volume ratios.
Sample scaling based on volume per stem or log, works best in
uniform stands of wood, especially where trees are manufactured into
tree-length logs. This system works exactly like an inventory on standing
trees, excepting that the level of accuracy is potentially better as the tree
can be more accurately measured when on the ground. In Canada, the
forest services of both Alberta and Ontario use a similar system for scaling
tree-length logs, based on taking a sample of tree-length stems, scaling the
stem (in segments) with callipers or by cutting the stem into mill-length
logs, and developing a volume per stem by species ratio (Alberta Land
and Forest Service, 1992; Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2000).
The non-scaled component is extrapolated by measuring the butt diam-
eter class and species, and the volume expanded from the sample stem
averages for a particular butt diameter class/species stratum.

2.6.2.2 Weight sample

Weight sample scaling is probably the most common method of sample
scaling. Timber has a good correlation between weight and volume, and
drive-on weight-scales are often located along the transportation routes
as well as on the plant site of many roundwood conversion facilities.
Load cells (pads which can register weight), and devices that record
weight via static hydraulic pressure are also being installed on many log
hauling trucks, and cable operated or hydraulic operated machines for
handling logs.
The principle behind weight scaling is simple; the weight-to-volume
relationship from the sample population is applied to the non-sampled
population to extrapolate volume (and often other attributes of the non-
sampled population).

2.6.2.3 3-P (corrected estimate)

Three-P scaling is a system where logs are sampled rather than loads, and
the non-scaled logs are given an estimated value. The scaling process is
generally accomplished via a handheld data recorder that also generates
random numbers, which are used to select sample logs at a predetermined
frequency. The scaler makes a quick visual estimate of the key values of
the log (generally species and gross volume in ft3 , m3 , or bf). After the log
volume is estimated and entered into the data recorder, a random number
chosen from between the lowest and highest expected volume estimates
signifies whether a log has to be physically scaled. If the random number
is equal to or less than the estimate, the log will be physically scaled, if
the random number is greater than the estimated value, the scaler will go
to the next log without taking any measurements. The larger a log is, and
thus its estimated volume, the higher the probability that the log will
be selected as a sample log. A log that is estimated as having a value of 40
is four times more likely to be sampled than a log with an estimated value
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Log Scaling 99

of 10. Volume is expanded based on the factor generated by dividing

the actual volume of the scaled logs by the estimated volume from the
same logs. The coefficient of variation used to determine the sample
frequency is taken from the difference between the estimate and actual
volume.
The advantage of 3-P is that variation is controlled by the scaler’s
ability to estimate consistently, and not so much from the variability of
the logs themselves, or the inability to stratify the sale. This means that
scaling costs can be reduced on timber sales that contain highly variable
wood, by estimating the values of all the logs, but only physically scaling
(measuring) a small percentage. Weight or simple sample scaling can be
combined with 3-P (so that one is taking a sample of a sample), but this
reduces the advantages gained from visually accounting for all the vari-
ables of the timber sale.

2.6.3 Population and subpopulations to be expanded (stratum)

When devising a sample plan, thought has to be given to at what level the
population to be expanded will be defined. Some of the typical levels are:
total sale area, delivery point (mill sort-yard, etc.), harvest contract (when
the sale is divided into separate areas and there are more than one
contractor harvesting the timber), timber type, etc. Dividing a timber
sale into smaller more homogeneous units is called stratification and is
a very important aspect of sample scaling.
Example 2.6 simulates a sampling plan for a timber stumpage sale that
has been sold to a purchaser that has two mills (a large log plant and a
small log plant). The purchaser has hired two logging contractors to
harvest the timber from this sale. Each of the logging contractors is
segregating the logs into loads based on size (which determines if the
logs go to a big log mill or a small log mill) and species. In this example,
the buyer, seller, the harvest contractor and more than likely, some gov-
ernment agencies (for taxation and reporting purposes), will each have
their own data needs. Volumes for all the above key variables (two mills,
two contractors and two species; eight different combinations) will be
needed by one or more of the parties involved. Under this scenario, the
timber sale should be stratified into eight different strata.
Volume and load counts (sampled and total) for each of the eight
strata is listed in Example 2.6. The eight areas shaded are the expansion
levels (strata) used in this scenario, e.g. big mill pine from contractor ‘A’,
big mill pine from contactor ‘B’, big mill spruce from contractor ‘A’, big
mill spruce from contractor ‘B’, small mill pine from contractor ‘A’,
small mill pine from contractor ‘B’, small mill spruce from contractor
‘A’, small mill spruce from contractor ‘B’. While the sale in the example
was not small at 1962 cunits (230 loads), the populations in each stratum
were not large, thus one might assume that this would increase the
number of samples needed. In fact, given the need for good data on
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100 Chapter 2

Example 2.6. Breaking a timber sale into strata.

Estimated sale volume from (ccf)

Big log mill Small log mill Total sale

Pine Spruce Total Pine Spruce Total Pine Spruce Total

Harvest contractor ‘A’ 132 254 386 760 29 789 892 283 1175
Harvest contractor ‘B’ 603 112 715 46 26 72 649 138 787
Total timber sale 735 366 1101 806 55 861 1541 421 1962

Estimated number of all loads

Big log mill Small log mill Total sale

Pine Spruce Total Pine Spruce Total Pine Spruce Total

Harvest contractor ‘A’ 16 26 42 95 3 98 111 29 140
Harvest contractor ‘B’ 70 11 81 6 3 9 76 14 90
Total timber sale 86 37 123 101 6 107 187 43 230

Estimated number of sample loads needed

Big log mill Small log mill Total sale

Pine Spruce Total Pine Spruce Total Pine Spruce Total

Harvest contractor ‘A’ 6 6 12 3 3 6 9 9 18
Harvest contractor ‘B’ 10 4 14 1 3 4 11 7 18
Total timber sale 16 10 26 4 6 10 20 16 36

eight different variables, it would require far more loads to obtain the
desired accuracy levels if the sale was not stratified.
The estimate of sample loads needed with an allowable sampling
error of 5% at a 95% confidence level is also listed in Example 2.6. The
reason for 100% scaling of the small log spruce strata (from contractor ‘A’
and contractor ‘B’), was that there is a risk of not getting a sample load at
all due to the randomness of sample selection. It should also be noted that
due to the small size of each stratum, it is not practical in this case to get a
control group of 10 loads, which is considered the minimum to check the
CV. In a situation such as this, the administrator of the sale would likely
use historical CVs to calculate frequency and then monitor the CV as
sample loads accumulate (the estimated sample loads needed in example
2.6 were calculated using estimated CVs of 8% for big pine, 7% for big
spruce, 4% for small pine, and 6% for small spruce). The total estimate of
needed sample loads is 36.
When making a sampling plan and determining strata, it is important
to keep in mind that a stratum needs to be definable and distinguishable
to all parties involved, e.g. if the person determining the stratum of a load
misidentifies species on the load and wrongly classifies the stratum, it
can have a very bad influence on the accuracy of the statistics. At worst,
predicted volumes can be made very inaccurate, and at best, the stratum
may not improve the accuracy of the predicted volumes.
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Log Scaling 101

Once the sale is under way, it is good policy to review sample loads
to determine that the sale is properly stratified, and that the party respon-
sible for determining stratum is doing it properly, e.g. check to see if
the sample loads are classified correctly (are there sample loads of pine
in the spruce stratum?). While reviewing sample loads, if it is discovered
that loads have been put in the wrong stratum, one needs to avoid the
temptation of moving sample loads from one stratum to another, as it
needs to be assumed that non-sampled loads were misidentified as well.
In summary, stratification is a very useful tool in improving the
accuracy level of components of a population. One of the rules of statis-
tical sampling is that the larger the population, the smaller the sample
size needed to obtain a level of accuracy. Thus, breaking a large popula-
tion into smaller populations (strata) would appear to increase the sample
size needed; while this is true when just looking at an overall value such
as sale volume, it is not likely the case when looking at components of the
sale, e.g. the volume of small spruce logs.

2.6.4 Level of expansion

The data collected in the scaling process often contains much more data
than just volume. Logically the drivers of the transaction processes are
volume, species and grade, but there is often much more information that
is noted during the scaling process which can be extrapolated. Length
and diameter information, defect deductions, and piece-count, can be
expanded. Other attributes such as whether or not the log is a butt-cut
(indicating stem removals and DBH), and log manufacturing quality in-
formation, which gives a tool for feedback to the timber harvester, are also
commonly expanded from the sample loads. The statistical reliability of
this data may not be as good as the primary values expanded (the CV will
likely be higher than for volume), but the data is valuable none the less,
especially when combined with the statistics from other strata (making
the overall statistics much more accurate). Expanding volume at this
detailed level is referred to as ‘expanding at the log level’, because the
log-by-log detail from the sample loads is quantified and expanded into
the non-sampled population by weight. The weight of the non-sampled
volume is divided by the weight of the sampled volume to determine the
expansion factor, and each individual log record including the desired
level of detail is multiplied by this ratio.
Example 2.7 demonstrates expanding sample loads at a detailed level;
in this case the log level. In this simplified example (for ease of under-
standing), the weight of the non-sampled loads are divided by the weight
of the sample loads to obtain the expansion factor (6.7102). The factor is
then multiplied by the accumulative attributes (volume, log count) in the
sampled population, in order to expand individual logs in the non-
sampled population. The non-accumulative attributes (species, grade,
diameter, length, etc.), are then given to each of the components (in this
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102 Chapter 2

case logs) which have been expanded, e.g. a log from a sample load that
was a spruce, 6 m long with a 94 cm d and a 104 cm D, becomes 6.71 logs
with these dimensions in the non-sampled population. In total there are
7.71 spruce logs 6 m – 94 cm – 104 cm from the sale so far (1 from the
sample load þ 6.71 from the non-sampled load ¼ 7.71).
While this very detailed level of data expansion can be useful for
quantifying the drivers of product recovery, log manufacturing quality
control, product size and quality, it can also create a great deal of data and
may be reserved for those with the resources and desire to process, store
and analyse large amounts of data.

2.6.5 Expansion time window

Many factors dictate the amount of time a stratum accumulates and

expands volume. In some cases, it is advantageous or even necessary to
close the sample base and expansion process of a stratum, and restart the
process all over again. The reasons for doing this may include: an un-
planned change in the log population (log manufacturing specification
change, changing the log sorts going into a stratum), a need to change the
sample frequency, significant seasonal variation in weight-to-volume ra-
tios, a change in the harvest contractor or the need for fixed delivery
numbers for use in log billing and logger payment. While fixed deliv-
ery numbers for interim periods can be calculated for sales expanded over
the life of the sale, there is a risk of non-representative volatility in interim
period volume calculations or even negative numbers.
To illustrate the possibility of interim volatility, assume that the data
presented in Example 2.7 is the first month of deliveries from a timber
sale. The purchaser is paying the timber owner $50=m3 , which totalled
$8998.60 for the 179:972 m3 delivered. Only three loads were delivered in
the following month. There were two non-scaled loads with a total net
weight of 24,000 kg; one sample load with a net weight of 13,280 kg, a
gross volume of 11:362 m3 , and a net volume of 7:150 m3 . The total
volume from the sale is re-expanded at the end of the second month of
deliveries, and because the sample load that was taken during the second
month of the sale is very defective, the weight-to-volume ratio now stands
at 1179 kg per m3 (vs. the 971 kg for the previous month). As shown
in Example 2.8, only three loads in total were delivered, and a volume
was already calculated with a payment of $8998.60 made for the previ-
ous month, the changes to the entire volume has to be absorbed by the
second month. Given that the total volume for the sale at the end of
the first month was calculated at 179:972 m3 , and the total at the end
of the second month is calculated at 179:873 m3 ; the timber owner gets a
debit of $4.95 for three loads of logs.
The above scenario is a situation that is mathematically correct, but is
difficult to explain to a log seller, who may not be well versed in statistical
sampling. Expansion volatility, such as negative numbers, are more likely
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Log Scaling 103

Example 2.7. Expanding sample volume at a detailed level.

Sample logs Non-sample loads

Species Ln d D Gross m3 Net m3 Net kg

Sample load 1 Spruce 6 94 104 4.630 3.667 Non-sample load 1 12,100

11,390 kg Pine 4.8 54 58 1.184 1.122 Non-sample load 2 11,210
Spruce 4.8 76 80 2.295 2.062 Non-sample load 3 14,040
Pine 4.8 40 46 0.700 0.700 Non-sample load 4 13,180
Pine 4.8 106 112 4.482 3.922 Non-sample load 5 10,960
13.292 11.474 Non-sample load 6 12,300
Non-sample load 7 12,020
Sample load 2 Spruce 8.2 42 54 1.509 1.509 Non-sample load 8 11,440
11,280 kg Pine 9.2 44 56 1.829 1.740 Non-sample load 9 11,020
Pine 9.2 102 114 8.619 8.619 Non-sample load 10 10,680
11.957 11.868 Non-sample load 11 9,830
Non-sample load 12 11,960
Total sample base 25.249 23.342 Non-sample load 13 11,380
22,670 kg Total 152,120
Expansion factor: 152,120 7 22,670 ¼ 6.7102

Expanded totals

No. logs Species Ln d D Gross m3 Net m3

Log detail 6.7 Spruce 6 94 104 31.071 24.607

6.7 Pine 4.8 54 58 7.943 7.531
6.7 Spruce 4.8 76 80 15.401 13.835
6.7 Pine 4.8 40 46 4.700 4.700
6.7 Pine 4.8 106 112 30.078 26.318
6.7 Spruce 8.2 42 54 10.126 10.126
6.7 Pine 9.2 44 56 12.272 11.678
6.7 Pine 9.2 102 114 57.835 57.835
Average
No. logs Species Ln d D Gross m3 Net m3
Expanded pine totals 33.6 Pine 6.6 69 77 112.828 108.062
Expanded spruce totals 20.1 Spruce 6.3 71 79 56.597 48.568
Total expanded 53.7 6.5 70 78 169.425 156.630
Sample pine totals 5 Pine 6.6 69 77 16.814 16.104
Sample spruce totals 3 Spruce 6.3 71 79 8.435 7.238
8 6.5 70 78 25.249 23.342
Total volume pine 38.6 Pine 6.6 69 77 129.642 124.166
Total volume spruce 23.1 Spruce 6.3 71 79 65.032 55.806
Total volume 61.7 6.5 70 78 194.674 179.972

to occur at the beginning of a timber sale when the sample base is small,
and are often associated with a high coefficient of variation resulting from
a poor sampling plan. Because of the risk of this type of situation, some
timber purchasers choose to use an expansion period that is the same as
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104 Chapter 2

Example 2.8. Expansion volatility.

Net kg Gross m3 Net m3 kg=m3 Net kg

Month 1, 11,390 13.292 11.474 993 Month 1 non-sample 152,120

Sample load 1 total
Month 1, 11,280 11.957 11.868 950 Month 2 non-sample 24,000
Sample load 2 total
Month 2, 13,280 11.362 7.150 1,857 Total sale to date 176,120
Sample load 3
Total Sample 35,950 36.611 30.492 1,179

Expansion factor : 176,120 7 35,950 ¼ 4.899

Net kg Gross m3 Net m3 kg=m3 @ $50=m3
Totals at end 212,070 215.970 179.873 1,179 $8,993.66
of month 2
Totals at end 174,790 194.674 179.972 971 $8,998.60
of month 1

Deliveries month 2 37,280 21.296 0.099 $4.94

their pay period for timber procurement. Short-term expansion periods

can also have a level of volatility, because there will never be many
samples in the sample base, and thus deviation from one period to the
next is more pronounced in comparison to the long-term sale which can
have very big swings initially but which will smooth out after the sample
base becomes more populated.
Typical time frames for expansion include: life of the sale, yearly,
seasonally (winter/spring and summer/autumn), quarterly, monthly, bi-
monthly, or sample load to sample load also known as prior load expan-
sion (PLE). PLE is a method that uses a very short expansion term, from
one sample load to the next. When a new load is sampled, the sample base
is reset and the process continues. Some of the advantages of this system
are that one can change sampling frequencies without having to close and
restart the expansion process, it cannot generate negative numbers, and
it is simple to calculate and thus explain to people involved in the
transaction process. In most applications, it is a system that expands
forward (the attributes are taken from the sample load and repeated in
the non-sampled loads until the next sample load is selected), and thus
hard removal/delivery volumes can be determined on an ongoing basis,
quickly. Example 2.9 illustrates PLE. In the example, the net weight of the
load to be expanded is divided by the net weight of the prior load to
obtain the expansion factor (12,100 7 11,390 ¼ the factor 1.0623), this
factor is then multiplied by the volumes of the prior load to obtain the
volume for the expanded load, e.g. 1.0623
6.367 gives a gross m3 of pine
for non-sample load 1 of 6.764.
The loads used in Example 2.9 are the same loads as were used
to illustrate methods of expanding loads of logs at a detailed level in
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Log Scaling 105

Example 2.9. Prior load method of expansion (PLE).

Pine Spruce Total

Expansion
Net kg factor Gross m3 Net m3 Gross m3 Net m3 Gross m3 Net m3

Sample load 1 11,390 6.367 5.745 6.926 5.729 13.292 11.474

Non-sample load 1 12,100 1.0623 6.764 6.103 7.357 6.086 14.121 12.189
Non-sample load 2 11,210 0.9264 6.266 5.654 6.816 5.638 13.082 11.293
Non-sample load 3 14,040 1.2525 7.848 7.082 8.537 7.062 16.385 14.143
Non-sample load 4 13,180 0.9387 7.367 6.648 8.014 6.629 15.381 13.277
Non-sample load 5 10,960 0.8316 6.126 5.528 6.664 5.513 12.790 11.041
Non-sample load 6 12,300 1.1223 6.875 6.204 7.479 6.187 14.354 12.391
Non-sample load 7 12,020 0.9772 6.719 6.063 7.309 6.046 14.027 12.108
Non-sample load 8 11,440 0.9517 6.395 5.770 6.956 5.754 13.351 11.524

Sample load 2 11,280 10.448 10.359 1.509 1.509 11.957 11.868

Non-sample load 9 11,020 0.9770 10.207 10.120 1.474 1.474 11.681 11.595
Non-sample load 10 10,680 0.9691 9.892 9.808 1.429 1.429 11.321 11.237
Non-sample load 11 9,830 0.9204 9.105 9.028 1.315 1.315 10.420 10.343
Non-sample load 12 11,960 1.2167 11.078 10.984 1.600 1.600 12.678 12.584
Non-sample load 13 11,380 0.9515 10.540 10.451 1.522 1.522 12.063 11.973
174,790 121.997 115.547 74.907 63.493 196.903 179.040

Example 2.7. While the net volume in both examples is extremely close
(0.51%), the volumes at a species level are not so close. This is a result of
the oversimplified example used, and the fact that two sample loads
would not supply a statistically accurate prediction given the very high
CV that exists at the species level. If volume at a species level is an
important attribute, the sale should be stratified as shown in Example
2.6. If it is not feasible to sort the loads into pure species strata, consid-
eration should be given to other stratum classifications such as estimated
species percentages (e.g. > 67% pine, > 67% spruce, < 67% pure), 3-P
scaling or using the percentage of each load at a species level to calculate
the recommended sample frequency (often this results in a high percent-
age to be scaled).
Sample scaling is a very useful method of determining the values and
volumes of roundwood. However, it requires a good deal of managing to
be accomplished successfully. Fortunately, most computerized log
accounting systems can perform the calculations on an automatic and
ongoing basis, but someone still needs to manage the sampling plan by
applying lessons learned from the past, knowledge of the current sample
population, and monitoring results as the sale progresses.
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3 Measuring Log Yard Inventories

and Mill Usage Volume

Logs are often inventoried in log decks in order to provide the needed
flow of raw materials for times when log deliveries are insufficient to
supply usage. Payments are often made on decked inventory volumes.
Log deck inventory volumes also often generate the usage numbers,
which are a key parameter in allocating raw material costs to the mill,
and thus are a major component of periodic profit and loss statements,
and mill efficiency evaluations.
The focus of the information on measuring decked log inventories
will be on how to apply measurement techniques in the log yard of a
timber conversion facility, although these procedures can be applied
elsewhere also.

3.1 Basic Concepts

Techniques for measuring decked log inventories range from 100% scal-
ing into a deck, ‘backing into’ the inventory volume when log deliveries
and usage are known, determining volume from weight (as discussed in
Section 2.4.1), stacked wood scale techniques (Section 2.4.2), and sample
scaling methods (Section 2.6). In a typical large mill, more than one of the
above-mentioned techniques is often used for accounting for log volumes,
and generally decks are operated under two types of accounting schemes:
closed decks and open decks.
Closed decks are closely accounted for: logs are placed in the deck
during the building phase, and no removals are allowed until the deck is
opened for depletion. Before the deck is opened for depletion the volume is
determined, and when the deck is depleted, the volume is charged to usage.
With closed decks it is not permissible to put volume back into the deck
during the depletion phase. The advantage of closed decks is that if there is
bias or inaccuracy in the methods used to calculate volume or the expect-
ations of conversion efficiency on the part of the mill, the inaccuracies tend
to show up early without compiling very large volume errors. Closed decks
are also needed for the most accurate methods of measuring log inventories
(scaling into inventory, weight, sample scale).
ßM.A. Fonseca 2005. The Measurement of Roundwood: Methodologies
and Conversion Ratios (M.A. Fonseca) 107
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108 Chapter 3

Open decks (occasionally called ‘hot decks’) are taken from, and
added to, as needed, thus limiting volume-accounting procedures to
stacked measure. Most mills that operate with closed decks also use
open decks to reduce handling costs and facilitate supplying the infeed
of the mill with logs during very busy times (when it is not cost-effective
or practical to use closed decks). Open decks allow a great deal of flexi-
bility, but volume determination is not generally as accurate using
stacked measure as by other means, and log rotation is often not the best
as the deck is often only partly depleted before placing more logs back in
the deck (isolating older logs behind new ones).
Periodic (annual, quarterly, etc.) ‘cut-outs’ are a good accounting
process with log decks, especially if one is utilizing a good deal of open
decks. A cut-out is when deliveries after a cut-off point are kept separate
from the prior period’s deliveries. This allows the older log inventory to
be depleted and accounted for, with any biases or inaccuracies in the
inventory finally reconciled when the old inventory is gone and checked
against output.

3.2 Methods of Measuring Log Yard Inventory

3.2.1. Stacked measure (deck factors)

A common method of measuring decked log volume is stacked measure. It

allows the greatest flexibility for building and depleting decks; all of the
decks can be ‘open decks’ and thus one can take from, and put back
without restrictions, as the method of determining inventory is not
dependent on accounting for the weight or count of what is being put
into or removed from inventory. Another advantage of stacked measure is
cost; it is likely the least costly method of determining log deck volume,
but it also is prone to generating different volumes from what is actually
in the deck as determined by scaling.
Many of the procedures discussed in Section 2.4.2 on stacked wood
scale apply to measuring log decks. The standard procedure for determin-
ing the volume of log decks with stacked measure is to measure the
height, length and width of the deck to determine the cubic area including
voids (air space between logs), bark, log defects and any differences
between nominal and actual sizes. The cubic area of the deck is generally
multiplied by a factor(s) that accounts for the voids, bark, defects, and
nominal sizing, and if applicable, converts it to a unit of measure other
than cubic, such as bf (Fig. 3.1).
If one wants to convert the cubic volume to a product output rule,
locally developed conversions are the best, followed by conversions spe-
cific to length and diameter categories, such as those from Section 2.5.
Product output rules are notoriously poor at correlating with cubic area
and are extremely sensitive to diameter, length and defects.
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Log Yard Inventories and Mill Usage Volume 109

16.9⬘ 16.2⬘ 18.7⬘ 18.9⬘ 15.8⬘

Average log length 26.3⬘ 116⬘

Cubic area of log deck: 116 ⫻ 26.3 ⫻ ((16.9 + 16.2 + 18.7 + 18.9 + 15.8) ÷ 5) = 52,778.8 ft 3 (1494.52 m3).
Gross volume solid wood factor: 0.73 ⫻ 52,778.8 = 38,528.5 ft3 (1091.0 m3); net volume assuming an
average 4.7% defect 38,528.5 ft3 ⫻ (1 - 0.047) = 36,717.7 ft3 (1039.72 m3).

Fig. 3.1. Determining log deck volume using stacked measure.

Assuming that one would want to convert the cubic volumes as

determined in Fig. 3.1 to Scribner Short Log using a ratio of 1.93 ccf per
mbf (taken from Example 2.3 on p. 92), one would get a volume of
190.25 mbf. Note that product output rule (bf) to cubic volume ratios are
very variable (see Section 2.5). The accuracy of stacked measure for
estimating the volume of log decks is driven by the following.
1. The physical measurements. The most sensitive aspect of physically
measuring a deck is the height measurements. There need to be enough
measurements to obtain a representative height of the deck, with measure-
ments taken on both sides of the deck, as often one side of the deck has more
large-ends than the other (generally due to the fact that skidding and loading
equipment favour handling logs from the large-end). Deck length while not
so sensitive as height, should be measured from points, which are represen-
tative of the length measured longitudinally and equidistant between the
top and bottom of the deck (as shown with the dashed lines in Fig. 3.1).
2. The solid wood factor. This should be specific to species, sort and
equipment used to build the decks (there can be big differences between
the tightness of decked logs given the equipment used). Factors need to be
rechecked periodically and often enough to gain confidence in the factors
used.
3. The estimated average log length and estimated defect percentage. It
is best to obtain average log length and defect percentages from log
delivery reports for the species sort in the deck. In lieu of actual scale
data, one can measure a representative sample in the deck, but be cau-
tioned that logs may be shorter than average at the tops of the decks
(where samples are easiest to obtain), as loader operators often put long
logs at the bottom and shorter logs on top.
4. The factor used to convert to a product output rule (if applicable).
Product output rules are extremely sensitive to different length and diam-
eter combinations, so it is very important to use the most applicable con-
version factor for the logs being measured. As derived from the mbf=m3
ratios in Table 2.9, conversions for the Scribner Short Log Rule to the USFS
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110 Chapter 3

Cubic Log Scale ranged from 2.3 ccf/mbf (16–210 L, 4.5–7.500 d) to 1.27 ccf/
mbf (22–310 L, 15.500 þ d). This huge difference (81%) in ratios shows the
difficulty of obtaining accurate factors for the product output rules.
5. The quality and consistency of the log stacking in the deck. It is very
difficult to accurately calculate the volume of a deck that is not evenly
stacked with a consistent density throughout. Heights and lengths are
difficult to measure under these circumstances and factors may not be
applicable.

3.2.2 Scaled inventory

The most accurate method of determining log deck inventory is to scale

each log. For operations that already physically scale each log from all, or
the majority of, the log deliveries, this is the best method. It is also useful
for mills that utilize sample scale to build decks from scaled logs for
developing solid wood factors, and conducting recovery tests. The pro-
cedure is to assign a deck number to each log during the scaling process.
Once the load is scaled, the volume going into the deck(s) is totalled from
each scale load and compiled with the totals from other loads. It is
extremely important that the scaler is in good communication with the
loader operators who are decking the logs. The scaler needs to know the
current deck number where each log sort is being decked and if there is
going to be any changes in deck assignments for log sorts. It may also be
necessary for the scaler to mark logs that are near the boundaries of each
log sort or that are not easily identifiable, to ensure that the log is put into
the deck it was assigned. For example, if logs are being sorted into two
groups
30 cm d and smaller, and 31 cm d and larger – it may be
necessary for the scaler to identify the logs of 24–37 cm d, which are
close enough to the boundaries of the log sorts to be misidentified (nor-
mally with a spot of paint or a coloured tag) to ensure that the logs are not
put into the wrong deck by the loader operator.
Once the deck is filled and the total volume tabulated, the cubic area
(stacked measure) or length (lineal measure) of the deck is measured so
that a deck factor (m3 log volume=m3 deck area volume, ft3 log volume/
lineal foot, etc.) can be calculated for use when the deck is partially
depleted. This factor can also be utilized for determining the volume of
‘open decks’.
Volume can also be measured during the depletion stage of a deck by
accounting for the volume removed from the deck. This is sometimes
accomplished by scaling the logs removed (a duplication of labour and a
possible area of problems when trying to reconcile volumes). In other
cases (when dealing with big and valuable logs) logs are individually
tagged with a bar-coded label that corresponds to the scale data, the tag
numbers of the logs removed from the deck are recorded, and thus the
volume left in the deck can be calculated (expensive and labour-
intensive, but accurate).
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Log Yard Inventories and Mill Usage Volume 111

3.2.3 Sample scaled inventory

Sample scaling is a commonly utilized and viable method of determining

deck volumes. There are many variations of sample scaling such as
weight-based or count-based. The sample scale system can be part of the
normal sample log scale system as described in Section 2.6. Log deck is an
attribute that can be assigned to logs in a sample load and expanded at a
detailed level into the non-sampled population. This system works best
where loads are delivered already sorted into the stratum that they will
eventually be decked in, in other words, where the loads can go from the
truck to the log deck without being sorted. Care needs to be taken that
sample loads, which may sit on the ground for several days waiting to be
scaled, are put in the deck they were assigned.
Example 3.1 assumes that a sale is being delivered in two strata (pine
and spruce). The loads are expanded (in this case using prior load expan-
sion), and a deck number is assigned to the load. The deck number is
normally assigned to the load by the equipment operator, who puts the
load into the log deck. The pine stratum was going into deck-23, but
starting at load six, the pine went to deck-29.

Example 3.1. Determining deck volume from sample scaling deliveries.

Net kg Gross m3 Net m3 Deck #

Pine stratum

Sample load 1 11,390 13.292 11.474 23

Non-sample load 1 12,100 14.121 12.189 23
Non-sample load 2 11,210 13.082 11.293 23
Non-sample load 3 14,040 16.385 14.143 23
Non-sample load 4 13,180 15.381 13.277 23
Non-sample load 5 10,960 12.790 11.041 23

Non-sample load 6 12,300 14.354 12.391 29 Total volume #23 ¼ 73:417 m3

Non-sample load 7 12,020 14.027 12.108 29
Non-sample load 8 11,440 13.351 11.524 29

Total volume #29 ¼ 36:023 m3

Spruce stratum

Sample load 1 11,280 11.957 11.868 11

Non-sample load 1 11,020 11.681 11.595 11
Non-sample load 2 10,680 11.321 11.237 11
Non-sample load 3 9,830 10.420 10.343 11

Non-sample load 4 11,960 12.678 12.584 12 Total volume #11 ¼ 45:043 m3

Non-sample load 5 11,380 12.063 11.973 12

Total volume #12 ¼ 24:557 m3

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112 Chapter 3

3.2.4 Weight expanded inventory

Often loads are not delivered sorted into the same strata as they are put
into inventory. In this scenario, the loads have to be sorted, and thus the
integrity of the net weight of the load is lost. One can still use a weight
sample system to determine deck volumes, albeit a system that is separate
from the delivery system and dependent on reweighing the logs after they
are sorted.
Many of the procedures discussed in Section 2.4.1 on weight scaling
and in Section 2.6 on sample scaling also apply to measuring log deck
volume by weight. Generally, the logs are weighed on scales mounted on
the log yard equipment; by load cells mounted on the log bunks that are
used for sorting the logs; or via drive on weight-scale platform. In appli-
cations following the first method, the log yard equipment is also gener-
ally equipped with data recorders, which record the data on each load put
into inventory (net weight, sort, deck number, time, date, operator, etc.).
The data recorders can be uploaded easily into a PC for quick and easy
data processing.
Sample loads and expansion can be handled in any number of ways,
but generally the number of samples needed is very few as the weight-to-
volume relationship is usually very good within a particular species and
size classification, and the total population is large. In many cases, the
weight conversion used to extrapolate volume is based on a rolling aver-
age (e.g. the last five samples).
Depleting deck volume using weight is tricky. Log weight changes
while in the deck; moisture evaporates (and at different rates during the
year depending on temperature and humidity); and a certain amount of
bark and even broken log ends are often left as log yard waste, further
reducing the weight. In some cases (during particularly wet weather or
when decks are sprinkled with water to prevent blue stain and weather
checks) the logs can become even heavier. Rather than using weight to get
interim volumes when depleting decks, it is generally easier to use
stacked measure, or apply a ratio of volume per length (taken when the
deck was full), e.g. a deck that is 35.6 m long and has 1500 m3 when full
(giving it a ratio of 42:135 m3 =m length) would be inventoried as having
922:75 m3 during the depletion phase when only 21.9 m long.

3.2.5 Count (load or log)

Sample methods based on count are commonly used for measuring deck
volume where weighing may not be possible. The typical procedure is to
develop an average volume per load or log, and count the number of logs
or loads in the deck. In the case of small logs, it is very difficult and time-
consuming to count the logs in a deck, and in some cases it is impossible.
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Log Yard Inventories and Mill Usage Volume 113

The most common count-based unit of sample measure for log decks are
loads, both truck and sort bunk. As previously mentioned, log trucks tend
to be uniformly configured and generally hold similar-sized loads. Sort-
ing bunks are used in a log yard as a container for holding logs of the same
sort until the log yard equipment can pick up the load and put it into
inventory. In general, it is best to keep the bunk loads separate from truck
loads (two separate sample and expansion strata), as there will likely be
some differences in the size of the loads. Individual loads can be identi-
fied with a brightly painted log end or a bright tag (possibly one colour for
truck loads, and another colour for bunk loads), so that a deck volume can
be obtained (if needed) during the depletion stage by counting the number
of loads remaining in the deck.

3.2.6 Book estimated inventory

Most mills have an expected recovery factor; in other words, there is an

expectation as to the output in finished products, based on the input
volume of raw materials. This ‘book estimated inventory’ works well
when used in conjunction with a physical inventory as a corroborative
check on the overall volume, or when recovery factors are extremely
accurate and reliable. Even when the overall inventory volume is accur-
ately estimated, the volume at a species or sort level may not be very
accurate when using the book estimated inventory. The basic formula is:
Log yard inventory volume ¼ beginning inventory volume þ
delivery volume
(production volume  recovery factor)
Note: (production volume  recovery factor) can be replaced by usage volume
if it is known by other means:
Example 3.2 shows a hypothetical book estimated inventory volume
calculation. The calculated usage was derived by dividing the monthly
production volume by the historical recovery factor of 0.307 mbf
lumber produced per m3 of log used. The example assumes that starting
on 1 May new deliveries were kept separate from old deliveries in order to
get a cut-out, which occurred on 23 May (thus lumber production and log
usage are only shown from 23 May).
Normally, the book estimated inventory is tracked simultaneously
with the physical inventory, and a reconciliation made if the two num-
bers drift apart beyond an allowable tolerance level; e.g. if the physical
inventory at the end of October is 73,421 m3 vs. a book inventory of
76,935 m3 , the book inventory may be reset to 73,421 m3 with a change
to a historical recovery factor of 0.300 for the start of November. Obvi-
ously, such a scenario would result in a write-off of 3514 m3 , which could
have substantial financial consequences.
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114 Chapter 3

Example 3.2. Book estimated inventory volume.

Beginning Historical Calculated Ending

inventory Deliveries Production recovery usage inventory
(m3 ) (m3 ) (mbf lumber) (mbf=m3 ) (m3 ) (m3 )

May 0 24,934 1,991.3 0.307 6,486 18,448

June 18,448 39,167 9,053.0 0.307 29,489 28,126
July 28,126 43,185 9,344.4 0.307 30,438 40,873
August 40,873 44,032 9,387.2 0.307 30,577 54,328
September 54,328 40,420 9,202.9 0.307 29,977 64,771
October 64,771 41,771 9,089.3 0.307 29,607 76,935
November 76,935 38,610 8,832.3 0.307 28,770 86,776
December 86,776 24,299 8,654.2 0.307 28,190 82,885
January 82,885 31,773 9,052.7 0.307 29,488 85,170
February 85,170 20,431 8,568.2 0.307 27,909 77,692
March 77,692 9,328 9,207.1 0.307 29,991 57,029
April 57,029 1,013 9,001.5 0.307 29,321 28,722
358,963 101,384.1 330,241

3.3 Calculating Mill Log Usage Volume

The usage number is extremely important to log conversion facilities in

order to calculate monthly profit and loss, and to determine the efficiency
of the mill at converting logs into products. There are three approaches for
measuring usage:
1. Measure the log inventory and deliveries, and solve for the usage.
2. Measure the production and solve for the usage by utilizing a recovery
factor (see Example 3.2).
3. Measure the usage directly.

3.3.1 Measure the inventory and deliveries, and solve for the usage

The formula to solve for usage is a variation of the formula mentioned in

Section 3.2.6 (book estimated inventory):
usage ¼ beginning inventory þ deliveries
ending inventory
An example of this would be: beginning inventory is 11,325.64 mbf;
deliveries are 4,213.81 mbf; ending inventory is 10,966.94 mbf; usage is
4572.51 mbf. This approach to determining usage is likely one of the most
common methods in use.

3.3.2 Measure the production and solve for the usage by utilizing a recovery factor

As discussed in Section 3.2.6 production can be used to estimate usage if

one has a recovery factor (input volume of logs to output volume of
product). The formula is:
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Log Yard Inventories and Mill Usage Volume 115

usage ¼ production volume  recovery factor

This method is typically used to support figures derived from other
methods of determining usage, or where there is great confidence in the
accuracy of the recovery factor. The scenario in Example 3.2 also utilizes
the production and a recovery factor to estimate usage, e.g. June produc-
tion of 9053 mbf 7 historical LRF of 307 ¼ usage of 29,489 m3 .

3.3.3 Measure usage directly

The direct measurement of usage can be accomplished by manually

measuring each piece that goes into the mill for processing (expensive
and redundant if the logs have already been scaled for payment). In some
log yards, logs have a tag with a number and/or bar code, which can be
cross-referenced with the log data and volume information. These tags
can be recorded or scanned on the log conveyer leading into the mill,
which gives a very accurate reconciliation between delivered volume and
volume charged to usage (but also expensive, and possibly troublesome if
the tag is missing or unreadable).
Scanning technology (see Section 2.4.3) is already a proven method of
measuring volume of logs going into the mill. Many mills now have
optimized bucking stations and/or optimized ‘primary log breakdowns’.
Most of these optimizers are equipped with three-dimensional log scan-
ning, which can measure and record volume. The volume may differ to
some degree from the volume on the same logs as measured by scaling,
but the biases (if any) are typically consistent and easy to factor (espe-
cially when measuring log volume in cubic). The product output rules
and possibly JAS may be somewhat more difficult to factor, especially if
the scanner is seeing logs after they are bucked into shorter lengths.
Figure 3.2 is a copy of a production report printed out from an optimizer.
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116 Chapter 3

PAGE 4

SUMMARY

Total logs processed 351

Total PP_LPP logs 351 = 100%

Average log length 13.0' = 3.96 m

Average log top diameter 10.6" = 26.9 cm

Average Smalian volume/log 9.53 ft3 = 0.270 m3

3
Total Smalian log volume 3346.3 ft = 94.756 m3
Total board volume 1938.89 ft3 = 54.903 m3 = 57.9%
Total Chip volume 1064.5 ft3 = 30.143 m3 = 31.8%
Total sawdust volume 342.94 ft3 = 9.711 m3 = 10.2%

Total mbf lumber 25.125 mbf

Average bf lumber/log 71.581 bf/log

Projected LRF 7.508

Projected sawmill recovery 57.9%
Total number of boards 3849
Total center cant boards 3227 = 83.8%
Total center cant edger
boards 861 = 22.4%
Total side board flitches 621 = 16.1%
Total side boards 622 = 1 board(s)/flitch
Total edger split side boards 1 = 0.16%
Pieces routed to edger 1482 = 38.5%

Total lumber value $11,934.29 = $34.00/log

Total chip value $958.05
Total sawdust value $102.88
Total manufacturing costs $3,571.84
Net total product value $9,423.38

Material under 4.0" diameter 0 = 0.0 lin ft = 0.000 ft3

Material over 14.0" diameter 47 = 74.0 lin ft = 82.34 ft3
Total downtime 00:33:23 (HH:MM:SS)
Manual overrides in auto 24
Logs processed in manual 0
EDLF productivity based on target of 2800 logs = 12.50%

Fig. 3.2. Optimizer production report.

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4 Measuring Log Quality

An important aspect of measuring roundwood is measuring its value

(both as presented and as opportunities lost). The present value, referred
to as log grade, is linked to quality characteristics that affect the value and
profitability of the products manufactured from the log. Another import-
ant aspect of measuring log quality is to record its manufacturing quality
(often referred to as ‘log quality control’). A tree stem can lose substantial
value through improper log manufacturing practices. Normally these
errors in log manufacture are taken into account via the scaling method
(through defect deductions) or via log grade (by downgrading the log), but
these types of errors cause a preventable loss in value and thus should be
tracked to ensure performance accountability and future improvement if
problems are detected.

4.1 Log Grading

There are too many different log grading rules to cover individually. On
top of regional grading rules are rules specific to particular species or
types of logs, manufacturing processes and proprietary to individual
private enterprises. There are also diverse views as to what is an issue
of grade and what is an issue of volume reduction (which is handled by
the log scale). Many log scales have provisions for deducting defects, at
least in principle, proportional to which the available volume from a log
is reduced, and thus most grading rules would be defined as determining
the quality, not the quantity, of product. This loss of volume, however, is
linked to the product being manufactured; a log may be completely
unsuitable for making lumber, but be entirely suitable for making chips.
Without looking at the particular specifications of grading rules, there are
universal commonalities to log grading in regard to the quality of the
products being produced, manufacturing process of these products and
physical structure of a tree stem.

ßM.A. Fonseca 2005. The Measurement of Roundwood: Methodologies

and Conversion Ratios (M.A. Fonseca) 117
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118 Chapter 4

4.1.1 Grading sawlogs and peelers

Listed below are the commonly accounted for attributes and/or degrading
factors when grading sawlogs and veneer logs:
. Diameter is likely the most important driver per unit volume of log
value and, as such, is a key parameter of log grade. In general, bigger logs
are worth more than smaller logs. There are many reasons for this, in-
cluding the fact that bigger diameter logs have a higher relative product
recovery ratio and allow the manufacture of wide lumber, which usually
carries a premium in price. Big diameter logs have lower manufacturing
and handling costs, from harvesting through processing into finished
products. There is also a very strong correlation between bigger diameters
and knot-free area, finer grain and heartwood area. Mills are often limited
as to a maximum diameter that can be processed, and thus occasionally,
logs that are too large can be downgraded. Elliptical diameters are also a
grade problem for rotary peeled veneer logs as volume recovery is re-
duced, and the quality of veneer produced can be compromised.
. Length of logs is tied very closely to the products that can be pro-
duced. Some products require fixed lengths, such as studs, peelers, rail-
road ties (sleepers), etc., and so receiving logs in multiples other than
these lengths can cause waste, which will reduce values. In addition,
some products have higher values when produced in particular lengths
(generally longer lengths), and thus logs that facilitate producing these
preferred lengths yield more value. Longer logs also have more volume,
which reduces handling costs and allows manufacturers more options to
optimize value, when merchandising the stem, e.g. bucking out crook or
sweep, and bucking at diameter and length breaks that maximize value.
Finally, longer logs have larger diameter portions attached for a given
small-end diameter vs. the same small-end diameter log, which is shorter,
again increasing value.
. Knot-free area facilitates the manufacture of clear knot-free lumber
and knot-free sliced veneer, which commands a premium in price. Be-
cause of the nature of rotary peeling, clear veneer from rotary peeled logs
requires that the entire circumference for the length of the peeler block
must be clear. Distance between knots is also very important as many
products are produced from the clear cuttings that occur between knots.
While the presence of knots on the log provides the most obvious evi-
dence as to clear faces or clear cuttings in a log, one also has to take into
account knot indicators, which are swirls in the bark indicating the past
presence of limbs on the log bole. Knot-free face area is normally specified
in grading rules as percentage of surface area of log free of knots, number
of clear faces, or by a prediction of product output in clear product or
products with clear cuttings.
. Knot size and number of knots have an impact on the strength and
appearance of lumber and veneer. Because of the cross-grained nature of
the area within and surrounding a knot, the strength characteristics of a
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Measuring Log Quality 119

board can be lessened. Even when strength is not the primary consider-
ation, such as with appearance of boards, higher value grade recovery is
obtained with fewer and smaller knots. In the case of veneer value, it is
generally better to have many small knots (which can be plugged and tend
to be affixed) than to have just one knot that is too large to plug.
. Green/dead knots are important in that green knots have a much better
chance of surviving the manufacturing, drying and surfacing process with
the knot still affixed to the board or veneer. Dead knots come from
branches that are dead, and these will generally be encased or loose in
the log until the point in the stem’s growth at which the branch died.
Dead knots often become a hole in the board and affect boards or veneer
sheets more severely because the entire branch diameter (including the
sapwood area of the branch) is considered a degrading factor as opposed
to a green knot where only the heartwood of the knot is generally counted
as being a degrading factor.
. Stain is a degrading factor in lumber with regard to its appearance, but
not normally as it relates to strength characteristics (unless it is associated
with rot). Blue stain is a common problem for species with pitch-satur-
ated sapwood such as the pines, and to a lesser degree, the spruces.
Normally blue stain occurs in felled trees and logs, on areas of the log
missing bark, or under the bark from spores carried onto the sapwood by
bark-boring beetles. Once present, the stain spreads quickly over the
sapwood area. Heartwood stains can occur due to mineral deposits, but
also because of wetwood and decay. When accounting for stain in grading
logs, one needs to consider that once even a slight amount of stain shows
on the log surface, it can quickly spread to the entire sapwood portion
unless the weather is cool (temperature < 08C or 328F), the log is quickly
milled and dried, or the log is saturated with water. Heartwood stain
needs to be closely examined to ensure that it is not decay that will affect
strength characteristics as well as appearance.
. Grain characteristics normally refer to the characteristics of the grain
of the log, both radially (growth ring characteristics) and longitudinally
(slope of grain etc.). The density of growth rings are commonly accounted for
in log grades, but the ratio of latewood to earlywood within the growth rings
also has a bearing on the quality of the lumber. Tight growth rings and a
greater ratio of latewood to earlywood not only increase the density of the
wood (improving strength characteristics) but also tend to provide a
smoother finish when surfaced through a planer, thus improving appear-
ance. Compression and tension wood (also referred to as off-centre heart) is
also considered a degrading factor in lumber and veneer quality. Longitu-
dinal grain characteristics such as slope of grain (also called twist), and curly
grain (also called horse mane) affect both structural and appearance charac-
teristics. Grain that is very sloped yields lumber with very poor strength, but
also with a propensity toward warping and twisting in the drying process
and roughness despite surfacing (due to ‘end grain’ characteristics).
. Deductible defects, even when accounted for via volume reduction, can
further reduce the value of a log, and thus are often accounted for in log
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120 Chapter 4

grades. An example of this is centre rot or breakage in logs, which may only
cause a small loss in scale volume, but which render the log unchuckable
on a lathe for rotary peeling into veneer. Grain separations such as checks
and shake, centre rot, as well as sectional defective areas such as basal scars
can have serious consequences on logs utilized for rotary peeling, which
may otherwise be very good for making lumber. Weather checks (radial
splits from the perimeter of the log into the heart), worm and insect holes
are linked primarily to logs cut from dead trees (but also occasionally occur
in green logs), and are important degrading factors. Sweep and crook, even
when accounted for via deductions, can seriously reduce usability, value
and volume recovery, and thus are commonly addressed by grading rules
(especially when using log scales that do not deduct for sweep or crook).
Defects that are accounted for via defect deductions can also create added
expense in manufacturing costs due to increased processing time incurred
by manufacturing defective portions of a log that yields no products. For
those scaling systems that do not account for defects which reduce the
output of lumber or veneer, defect attributes are extremely important to
account for in the grading process.
. Taper has an effect on recovery, and depending on which methods are
utilized to determine log volume, taper can either reduce or increase
product recovery. When using cubic measure (excepting Swedish Cubic
and JAS Scale), higher taper equals lower product recovery of lumber or
veneer, and less taper equals higher recovery. This situation is the oppos-
ite with the board foot rules and Swedish Cubic and JAS Scale, where the
log is viewed as a cylinder or is tapered at a fixed rate, and thus higher
taper increases the actual volume of a log segment without increasing the
recorded volume. High taper is also indicative of trees that are growing in
open stands, which are often predisposed to more and bigger branches
and less distance between knot whorls – all issues reducing quality. In
general it can be said that high taper decreases recovery for cubically
scaled logs, increases recovery for product output scaled logs and often
indicates a log that has grade-reducing characteristics (numerous big
knots) relative to low tapered logs.
. Sapwood-to-heartwood ratio is important for certain products where
there is a preference for one or the other. Some products specify a prefer-
ence for heartwood, as it may be more resistant to decay, and in some
species, the heartwood has a colour that is preferred for certain products.
High ratios of heartwood to sapwood indicate older logs – generally
bigger, which typically have beneficial grade attributes (as listed under
diameter and grain characteristics).

4.1.2 Grading chip logs

Chip logs, often referred to as pulp logs, have certain attributes that
contribute to their value for making their intended end products, e.g.
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Measuring Log Quality 121

paper and cardboard, OSB, fibreboard, etc. While many of the important
attributes for making lumber or veneer are not so critical for chip logs, the
issues that affect manufacturing costs such as size of log and defects are.
Listed below are some important characteristics when grading chip logs:
. Diameter and length are primarily a driver of value in regard to
handling costs and suitability for manufacture (given the manufacturing
process); e.g. if one is using a single stem debarking and chipping process,
bigger logs mean more production, or if one is using a drum debarker and
can chip multiple stems simultaneously, the size of the log is not such an
issue.
. Grain characteristics are important, in that strength and density of
fibre are key issues for all products produced from woodchips. Chips are
often purchased, not by volume, but by BD content (the weight of the
chips with all moisture removed). There is a wide variation of wood
density between species, and even within species due to age class and
environmental factors.
. Defects cause reduced productivity even if accounted for by defect
deductions, and can cause problems in that rotten areas can become fines
(small particles) that can create difficulties in some of the manufacturing
processes, especially for producing paper. Char is particularly troublesome
for all products made from chips, and is generally forbidden entirely from
chip logs intended for the production of paper. Any defects that prevent
the removal of bark from the log or impede the manufacturing process, such
as forks, excessive crookedness, bark seams or rotten logs that will collapse
in the debarking process, are often rejected or downgraded.
. Freshness is an issue for chip logs as logs that have been down for
some time are often more difficult to debark and may have stains, such as
blue stain, which may have effects on the appearance of some products
produced. Logs cut from dead trees are often utilized for chipping, but can
give somewhat lower recoveries in chips, as a result of increased gener-
ation of fines from rot, and the fact that dry wood is more brittle and
breaks more in the chipping and conveying processes.

4.2 Log Manufacturing Quality

Log manufacturing quality is commonly tracked during the scaling pro-

cess. A typical procedure is to account for log manufacturing errors in a
load of logs, and provide immediate feedback, when serious problems
(such as incorrect lengths) are encountered. Long-term statistics on log
manufacturing errors are often used as a ‘report card’ for the contract
logger and the timber sale administrator. Some important log manufac-
turing quality items to watch for are listed below:
. Lengths can normally be controlled by the logger, and facilitate prod-
ucts that require a fixed length such as studs, ties (sleepers) or peeler
blocks. There are also product lengths that command a premium price
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122 Chapter 4

and thus log length manufacture should favour these lengths when pos-
sible. In some regions, such as North America, lumber lengths are trad-
itionally utilized in certain length multiples, e.g. 20 multiples (0.6096 m),
and are normally sold in lengths from 60 to 200 (1.83–6.1 m). Most manu-
facturers need to have a certain amount of trim allowance (additional
length) to ensure that lengths can be re-squared, end-checking (which
occurs in storage) can be trimmed away and allow for shrinkage, which
will occur when the wood is dried. Nevertheless, too much additional
trim is wasteful. Common practice is to list preferred lengths, allowable
lengths (because it is not always possible to cut the preferred lengths) and
an acceptable tolerance on length, e.g.
100 , þ 200 (
2:5 cm, þ 5 cm).
. Diameters are normally specified as to the minimum and maximum
allowed. Substandard top diameters can severely reduce recovery and
productivity (depending on products produced and plant configuration).
Maximum diameters are normally set at the limit of diameter that can be
processed by the breakdown equipment. Regardless of effects on recovery,
productivity or whether the log is even too big to be processed, the
specifications as to minimum and maximum are controlled by the pur-
chase agreement or by utilization standards.
. Limbing (the removal of branches) is important for conveying logs in
the manufacturing process, and preventing torn-out limbs, which are
caused by the debarker, from reducing the quality and quantity of prod-
ucts produced.
. Squareness of bucked ends are important for allowing proper manu-
facturing processes of sawlogs and veneer logs. Un-square (also called
bevelled) ends often cause log blocks to be cut short at mill chopsaws as
the protruding end of the bevel will come into contact with the log stop,
causing the chopsaw to cut a length that is too short on the short end of
the bevel. There may also be problems with chucking a bevelled end on a
lathe for rotary peeling.
. Long-butting is a term used to describe the removal of cull (worthless)
material through bucking. Cull material creates unnecessary manufactur-
ing, handling and transportation costs, and can cause downtime in the
mill. Like for diameters, a purchase agreement or contractual utilization
specifications should give guidance as to what should be long-butted off
from the log and what should not.
. Mis-sort is normally defined as a log that does not meet the specifica-
tions for a mill, because it was manufactured with the intention of deli-
vering it to another destination. An example of this would be delivering a
properly manufactured pine log to a mill that cuts only hardwoods, or
delivering a log to a sawmill that is a cull for the manufacture of lumber
due to rot or crook, but which is quite suitable as a chip log delivered to
the pulp mill.
. Unnecessary log damage is usually used to classify damage that
occurs in the harvesting process, which should be preventable, such
as breakage, split butts from feller-bunchers or cut to length log processors
(CTLs), damage from improper chainsaw felling, split tops from improper
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Measuring Log Quality 123

bucking or not supporting the top when using a CTL, spike incisions or
‘cat tracks’ caused by using CTLs with long spiked rolls on trees with thin
bark. All these damages can add up to substantial losses of value.
. Crook or sweep allowance is usually specified to encourage the tim-
ber harvester to cut log lengths at, or near, crooks in order to minimize
losses in product recovery from sweep or crook, and to eliminate possible
problems in the manufacturing process from trying to handle and convey
crooked logs. Normally maximum crook or sweep specifications are pre-
sented as the maximum deflection allowed with the ‘bowstring method’
(measured at the point of maximum deflection with a tape line or string
held from end to end on the concave side of the log).
. Excessive bark removal is a problem if logs are stored for periods of
dry hot weather. The bark forms a protective sheath around the log, which
holds in moisture and slows the process of fungal stains and weather
checks. Some equipment used in harvesting timber can inadvertently
strip the bark off the stem. In many cases, the excessive removal of bark
can be prevented by using special feed-rolls and well-maintained delimb-
ing knives.
. Excessive delay in delivery can contribute to stained wood, weather
checks and difficult-to-debark logs. Weather conditions have a big influ-
ence on what is excessive and what is not; obviously, when the weather is
cold and damp, damage from delay is minimized. In general, if one is
finding the beginning stages of stain and weather checks on delivered logs
cut from green trees, the time lag between felling and delivery is too long.
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5 Roundwood Weight and General

Physical Properties

As discussed in Section 2.4.1, weight is useful for measuring roundwood.

For most commercial woodland and wood manufacturing operations, it
would be impossible to conduct business without utilizing weight met-
rics in some form. In order to obtain the highest level of usefulness from
weight and its relationship with volume, it is important to understand the
drivers that determine weight.

5.1 The Variables that Determine Weight-to-Volume Ratios

5.1.1 Moisture content

A living tree is made up of large quantities of moisture, and the level of

moisture retained within a log can have a big impact on its weight. Water
weighs 62:4 lb=ft3 (1000 kg=m3 ). Normally the moisture in a log is meas-
ured as a percentage of the bone-dry (BD) (0% moisture) weight. For
example, if a BD m3 of wood weighs 340 kg (750 lb) while it weighed
880 kg (1940 lb) when green, it is considered to have a 159% mc:
(880
340)  340 ¼ 1:59. The moisture content of wood typically varies
from around 30% to more than 200% (USDA, 1974). Aside from the
variance attributable to the norms within a given species, the drivers of
moisture content are as follows.

Heartwood-to-sapwood ratio can have a large effect on weight-to-volume

ratios. This is because the heartwood generally has less moisture (espe-
cially with coniferous species). The heartwood is in essence dead and
only serves a structural purpose. The sapwood is the living part of the
stem with a primary purpose of storing moisture and nutrients. Table 5.1
shows some examples of average moisture contents of heartwood and
sapwood by species. It is also important to note that young trees, which
tend to be the smaller trees, typically have a higher percentage of sapwood
than older trees; this gives many species a decreasing weight-to-volume
ratio as log diameter increases. This characteristic can be seen in Table
A.2.A for most of the species that have size class information.
ßM.A. Fonseca 2005. The Measurement of Roundwood: Methodologies
and Conversion Ratios (M.A. Fonseca) 125
 126

Table 5.1. Average physical characteristics of logs from some common North American tree species.

Wood Bark % whole Bark %

% moisture % moisture specific log weight log wood
Common name Latin name heartwood sapwood *kg=m3 *lbs=ft3 gravity** (bark & wood) volume

Conifers
Balsam fir Abies balsamea 88 173 864.1 54.0 0.33 10.7 15.0
Grand fir Abies grandis 91 136 884.6 56.0 0.35 11.7 14.3
Western larch Larix occidentalis 54 119 921.4 57.2 0.48 10.1 19.5
Engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii 51 173 858.5 53.6 0.33 11.0 13.0
Black spruce Picea mariana 52 113 848.8 53.0 0.38 7.2 14.0
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta 41 120 905.2 56.7 0.38 5.4 6.0
Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata 32 122 1025.0 64.0 0.47 9.4 15.0
Western white pine Pinus monticola 62 148 842.5 52.6 0.35 12.4 15.0
Longleaf pine Pinus palustris 31 106 1140.3 71.2 0.54 8.4 15.0
Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa 40 148 1015.6 62.3 0.38 11.7 20.3
Red pine Pinus resinosa 32 134 859.1 53.6 0.41 8.7 16.0
Eastern white pine Pinus strobus 50 175 839.9 52.4 0.34 18.0 16.0
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Loblolly pine Pinus taeda 33 110 1026.6 64.1 0.47 9.4 15.0
Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii 30 112 950.8 58.8 0.45 13.7 20.1
Northern white cedar Thuja occidentalis 32 240 649.6 40.6 0.29 11.2 12.0
Western red cedar Thuja plicata 58 249 621.1 38.8 0.31 11.8 12.6
Eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis 97 119 979.1 61.1 0.38 18.2 21.0
Western hemlock Tsuga heterophylla 85 170 942.8 58.9 0.42 9.2 10.3
Chapter 5
Hardwoods
Soft maple Acer saccharinum 58 97 993.0 62.0 0.49 11.2 12.0
Hard maple Acer saccharum 65 72 1121.1 70.0 0.56 10.5 12.0
Yellow birch Betula alleghaniensis 74 72 1089.1 68.0 0.55 11.1 12.0
Paper birch Betula papyrifera 89 72 1009.0 63.0 0.48 14.7 16.0
Pecan hickory Carya illinoensis 71 49 1057.0 66.0 0.60 11.6 13.0
Hickory Carya spp. 97 62 1201.2 75.0 0.64 17.0 17.0
Hackberry Celtis spp. 61 65 961.0 60.0 0.49 13.3 15.0
American beech Fagus grandifolia 55 72 1025.0 64.0 0.56 6.6 7.0
White ash Fraxinus americana 46 44 961.0 60.0 0.54 9.1 16.0
Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua 79 137 1121.1 70.0 0.48 12.0 11.0
Yellow poplar Liriodendron tulipifera 83 106 1025.0 64.0 0.44 12.4 15.0
Water tupelo Nyssa aquatica 150 116 944.9 59.0 0.45 11.0 11.0
Roundwood Weight and Physical Properties

Black gum Nyssa sylvatica 87 115 1041.0 65.0 0.48 11.0 12.0
Sycamore Platanus occidentalis 114 130 1089.1 68.0 0.45 4.0 4.6
Cottonwood Populus spp. 162 146 944.9 59.0 0.37 15.0 15.0
Aspen Populus tremuloides 95 113 944.9 59.0 0.39 18.9 18.0
White oak Quercus alba 64 78 1185.2 74.0 0.64 10.0 11.0
Water oak Quercus nigra 81 81 1249.2 78.0 0.57 12.8 13.0
Southern red oak Quercus falcata 83 75 1249.2 78.0 0.57 17.0 20.0
American basswood Tilia americana 81 133 784.8 49.0 0.32 18.3 16.0
Elm Ulmus spp. 95 92 1089.1 68.0 0.46 10.1 14.0

Note: The data presented in this table are based on empirically determined averages, individual logs or populations of logs may differ substantially from these data.
*Weight-to-volume ratios is for green logs, includes weight of bark, and volume of wood only.
**
Specific gravity based on oven-dry weight (0% moisture content), volume measured when green.
Source: Moisture contents and specific gravity from USDA Forest Products Laboratory, 1974. Sources for weight-to-volume ratios for wood and bark content of
logs listed at end of Table A.2.A on p. 227.
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127
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128 Chapter 5

Environmental factors and seasonality have a big effect on moisture

content. Because of seasonal biological processes, many evergreens and
most deciduous trees are lighter in the bole of the tree during summer and
autumn in relation to winter and spring. While conducting a 2-year-long
study of weight-to-volume ratios on pure species loads of softwood logs in
the inland northwest and the southeast USA (loblolly, shortleaf and long-
leaf pines only), the author noted that the log weight-to-volume ratios of
some species were significantly higher during the heavy season (Novem-
ber–June) vs. light season (July–October): ponderosa pine þ4:0%, Douglas
fir þ4:6%, western larch þ5:4%, and grand fir þ7:8%; while no significant
changes were observed for subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, lodgepole
pine, red cedar or any of the Southern pines. These trends may vary
significantly for the same species in different climates and regions.
There are also non-biological events such as drought and heat or
particularly cool wet weather that affect the amount of moisture retained
in the bole of the tree. Other non-biological factors that can impact weight
significantly in felled trees include the time between felling and weighing
(reducing weight-to-volume ratios), and snow and ice sticking to the log
(increasing weight-to-volume ratios). According to published data
(Hamilton, 1975), a delay of 20 days of delivery will reduce the weight-
to-volume ratio by:

Species April–September October–March

Spruce, Douglas fir
6.5%
1.5%
Pine, larch
5%
1%

The rates shown are for timber and conditions in the UK, and one would
assume that the trees are primarily second growth (i.e. small) trees. One
would also assume that these rates of drying would vary according to
temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, etc. and may slow down
beyond 20 days.

5.1.2 Wood density

The density of wood can vary significantly from one species to another,
within a given species, and even within a single tree stem. The density of
wood is normally measured by its BD weight in relation to a given volume
that was displaced when the wood was green (negating the effects of
shrinkage). Because units of volume are variable, wood density is com-
monly reflected as an index, called ‘specific gravity’ (SG). SG uses the
weight of water displacing the same volume as the indexed material, e.g.
wood (or bark, or both) that measures 1 m3 when green (before shrinkage
occurs), and having a weight of 340 kg when BD is said to have an SG of
0.34 (1 m3 of water weighs 1000 kg  340 kg BD weight ¼ 0.34). This
calculation will yield the same SG when using imperial measure
(35:315 ft3 of water weighs 2205 lb  750 lb BD weight ¼ 0.34), and thus
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Roundwood Weight and Physical Properties 129

gives a universal measure of density. In metric countries, BD measure is

commonly referred to as ‘basic density’, and is usually reflected in kg=m3
(m3 being measured in the green state, before shrinkage occurs). This
measure equals SG  1000; thus, an SG of 0.34 equals a basic density of
340 kg=m3. Table 5.1 gives the SG of the wood of some common tree
species (Table A.2.A provides a more comprehensive list).

5.1.3 Bark volume and weight

Bark also has an impact on weight-to-volume ratios as it is generally not

accounted for volumetrically, but is usually present when the logs are
weighed. The weight of bark is typically around 12% of the total weight of
the stem for most species (bark and wood), but can vary from less than 6%
to more than 25% dependent on species, age, log diameter, environmental
factors, location relative to the entire tree stem and man-made factors
such as bark inadvertently stripped off during the logging and handling
processes. In general, bark has a similar weight-to-volume ratio as wood,
but this can vary significantly from one species to another. Bark weight
and volume percentages for some common tree species are shown in
Table 5.1. (Table A.2.A provides a more comprehensive list.)

5.1.4 Deducted defect volume

Most deducted defects carry weight but not volume, and thus weight
factors will increase as the percentage of defect deductions increase. As
there is often tremendous variation in defects depending on differing log
populations, utilization standards in practice and the scale in use, it is
best to use gross volume for conversions to and from weight, and then
factor defect later, if needed, by using stratum-specific knowledge of
defect percentage.

5.2 Conversions to and from Weight

While it is true that there is a certain level of variability in weight-to-
volume ratios of logs (there are many contrasting variables to account for),
which can make use of conversions tricky, thoughtful application of
conversions and accounting of the variables mentioned in Sections
5.1.1–5.1.4 can reduce surprises. Essentially this means, where possible,
stratifying logs to be converted into homogeneous groups and utilizing
locally developed stratum-specific conversions to the greatest extent
practicable. It can also be said that the level of accuracy of weight con-
versions is linked to the unit of measure being converted. Weight correl-
ates more favourably with volume when the unit of measure in use relates
linearly to the actual displaced volume of the log, e.g. it is easier to
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130 Chapter 5

convert weight to BC Firmwood (which closely measures actual displaced

volume) than it is to convert to Scribner Long Log (which measures a
perceived recoverable volume in product rounded in large steps while
ignoring taper). The weight-to-volume ratios listed in Tables 5.1 and
A.2.A should be considered to be based on actual displaced cubic vol-
ume, and thus Table 2.9 should be used to convert to other units of
measure. The ratios listed in Tables 5.1 and A.2.A are best used for
general estimates and should not be used as a substitute for locally
developed stratum-specific averages.

Example 5.1.

Assume that an estimate of tons per gross mbf is needed for Eastern
hemlock measured with the International 1⁄4-Inch Log Rule in log lengths
that will be primarily 160 long (5 m). The log mix is estimated to be 20%
4:5---7:4900 (11.43–19.05 cm), 40% 7:5---11:4900 (19.06–29.19 cm), 30%
11:5---15:4900 (29.2–39.35 cm) and 10% 15:500 þ ( > 39:36 cm).
The conversion factor from actual gross cubic (BC Firmwood) to gross
mbf International 1⁄400 ¼ (0:2  0:126) þ (0:4  0:200) þ (0:3  0:225) þ
(0:1  0:271) ¼ 0:1998 gross mbf=m3 or 5:005 m3 =mbf. Eastern hemlock
is listed as having a typical weight of 979 kg=m3 (2158 lb/m3);
2158  5:005 ¼ 10; 801 lb=mbf (5.40 t/mbf gross). Assuming a defect per-
centage of approximately 10%, 5:40  (1
0:10) ¼ 6:0 t=mbf net.
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6 Metrics of Lumber Recovery

Lumber recovery, defined here as the amount and type of lumber recovered
out of a given quantity of logs, is often misunderstood and difficult to gain
insight into. This is due to the dynamics of many variables that often have
opposing and inconsistent effects on recovery. Many sawmill managers
have been confounded by trying to predict and plan for recovery ratios.
While lumber recovery is an important issue to focus on, trimming off
some lumber length (at the expense of lumber volume recovery) and con-
verting it to chip volume is good business if one can improve lumber value
enough to offset the volume loss from lumber, which has instead become
chips. Besides lumber, mills produce chips, sawdust, shavings and even
products from bark, such as boiler fuel, cogeneration fuel and decorative
landscape mulch. Most modern sawmills achieve recoveries that approach
100% of the delivered wood fibre when accounting for all the products
produced. Table 6.1 shows a typical allocation of recovered wood fibre
from logs manufactured in four different types of sawmills. Note that Table
6.1 (as do all the lumber recoveries shown in this book) assumes the lumber
will be surfaced. For rough lumber recovery, add the percentage loss in
shavings to the lumber percentage, e.g. studs equal 56%.
Recoveries are generally calculated as a ratio of output of product
volume to the input of log volume, e.g. if a mill produces 0:45 m3 of
lumber from 1 m3 of log volume, it is said to have 0.45 or 45% recovery.
This percentage method of reflecting recovery is common in regions that
use the same unit of measurement for output as for input, e.g. m3 log
volume in – m3 lumber volume out.
Where cubic log scale is used, recovery is either reported as percent-
age of input (as shown above) or as is the case in North America, where
the bf measure is still the unit of measure used for lumber, lumber
recovery factor (LRF) is often used. LRF is the volume of lumber in bf
divided by the log volume, either in cubic feet (USA) or cubic metres
(Canada). For example, if the lumber produced is 400,000 bf, and usage is
50,000 ft3 (1415:8 m3 ) of logs, LRF is said to be 8.0 (283 if using m3 for
log scale).
In regions where product output (bf) log scale is used, recoveries are
determined by dividing the output of lumber in bf, by the input of logs in
ßM.A. Fonseca 2005. The Measurement of Roundwood: Methodologies
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132 Chapter 6

Table 6.1. Typical distribution of fibre in the lumber manufacturing process.

Lumber (%) Chips (%) Sawdust (%) Shavings (%) Shrinkage (%)

Board 41 31 12 13 3
Stud 48 34 7 8 3
Dimension 48 33 7 9 3
Hardwood 44 25 14 10 7

Note: Based on recoveries on the following average small-end diameter logs 1000 – boards, 700 – studs,
1000 – dimension, 1300 – hardwood.
Source: Calculated by the author from Tables 6.6–6.9.

bf. If the output volume of lumber exceeds the inputted log volume, the
ratio is called overrun (OR); if the output volume is less than the inputted
log volume, the ratio is called an underrun (UR): e.g. if lumber produced
is 400 mbf and usage is 300 mbf, recovery is said to be 1.33 or a 33.3% OR
(400
300 ¼ 1:333); if instead the usage were 420 mbf, the recovery
would be 0.95 or a 5% UR (400
420 ¼ 0:952). Often a mill will show
an OR as the product output rules tend to understate the actual recovered
volume, but this can vary by log rule, log dimensions and products
produced. Example 6.1 shows the same inputted log volume, outputted
lumber volume (at exactly the same conversion efficiency) reflected via
different scales, different methods of calculating lumber volume (bf or
m3 ), and the traditional units of recovery. Note that it is easy to assume
significant differences in efficiency of recovery.

Example 6.1. Same log volume, product volume and mill efficiency reflected in different units
of measure.

Scale method Log usage Lumber produced Recovery

USFS Cubic 44,198 ft3 400 mbf LRF ¼ 9.05

BC Firmwood 1374.6 m3 400 mbf LRF ¼ 291
Alberta Cubic 1304.7 m3 400 mbf LRF ¼ 307
Ontario Cubic 1339.9 m3 400 mbf LRF ¼ 299
Swedish Cubic 1191.9 m3 640 m3 54%
Russian Standard 1382.8 m3 640 m3 46%
Cubage au Réel 1281.7 m3 640 m3 50%
New Zealand 3-D 1358.8 m3 640 m3 47%
Brereton (PNG) 1284.3 m3 640 m3 50%
Hoppus 1070.7 m3 640 m3 60%
JAS Scale 1260.3 m3 640 m3 51%
Scribner Short Log 241.8 mbf 400 mbf 1.65 or 65% OR
Scribner Long Log 188.4 mbf 400 mbf 2.12 or 112% OR
Doyle 206.7 mbf 400 mbf 1.93 or 93% OR
International 1⁄400 270.4 mbf 400 mbf 1.48 or 48% OR
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Metrics of Lumber Recovery 133

6.1 Measuring Lumber Volume

Lumber volume is often measured in different stages of the manufacturing

process, which can drastically change the volume reported. Lumber pro-
duction can be measured at the rough green stage (the initial milling
process); after drying, but still in the rough form (normally creating a
volume loss of 3–12% from shrinkage); or after the lumber is reprocessed
and surfaced (reducing volume from surfacing off volume, re-trimming
lumber lengths, and even culling some lumber). Table 6.2 shows typical
lumber volume at various stages of manufacture for four categories of
lumber (boards, dimension, studs, hardwood) in actual cubic volume as
well as in the bf measure. Note that while the actual loss of lumber cubic
volume between the rough-green tally and finished-dry tally is 23–32%, the
bf tally only dropped by 3–8% (mostly from grade trimming in the planer)
because the bf tally does not change as a result of shrinkage or planing.
The method of measuring lumber is also important to the overall
understanding of lumber recovery. It is critical to know whether lumber
is measured in actual measure or nominal measure, and if measured
nominally, to what degree. In North America the bf measure is utilized
as the standard unit of measure for lumber, while in most of the world, the
cubic-metric system is utilized. In both the metric and bf systems, nom-
inal sizes are normally the basis for production and sales volumes, but
with the board foot system, volume determination conventions can be
somewhat inconsistent, misleading and complicated in comparison with
the simpler and more accurate cubic-metric measure.

6.1.1 Lumber board foot measure

The bf method of measuring lumber is an old system of measure, which,

despite its complexity and inaccuracies, manages to maintain use for
measuring domestically consumed lumber products in North America.

Table 6.2. Comparison of sawmill lumber volume as measured when rough-green, rough-dry,
and finished-dry.

% change rough-
Rough-green Rough-dry Finished-dry lumber green to finished-dry

mbf ft3 m3 mbf ft3 m3 mbf ft3 m3 mbf ft3, m3

Boards 1.087 83.6 2.37 1.087 80.5 2.28 1 56.6 1.60 8 32
Studs 1.03 72.5 2.05 1.03 70.1 1.98 1 55.6 1.57 3 23
Dimension 1.045 74.8 2.12 1.045 72.3 2.05 1 56.6 1.60 4 24
Hardwood 1.064 100.4 2.84 1.064 90.1 2.55 1 69.2 1.96 6 31

Source: Calculated by the author.

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134 Chapter 6

A bf of lumber is defined as representing a board that is 1 ft2 (1200  1200 ),

and 100 thick. The formula for determining the bf volume is ostensibly:1
bf ¼ (nominal thickness in inches  nominal width in inches 
actual length in feet)
12
In principle, this would indicate that a bf displaces 1⁄12 of a cubic foot
(0:0833 ft3 ). At the time of its inception, a bf likely did represent approxi-
mately 1⁄12 of a cubic foot and was tallied while still green and before
surfacing. Later when lumber manufacturing became more sophisticated,
it was discovered that the wood could be dried and surfaced to a smooth
finish. Obviously, however, this piece of wood that started out with a
0:0833 ft3 would end up with something less volumetrical once dried
down to a stable moisture content (8–19%), and surfaced. Standards
were established as to the actual final size specifications of different
lumber products (generally based on traditional sizes and use). Because
lumber size standards were based on the dimensions finally produced, it
was quickly discovered that the original green target sizes (GTS) could
occasionally be narrowed while still producing the desired nominal size;
conversely, it was discovered that with some products, due to high
shrinkage or mill inefficiency, GTS actually had to be increased over the
stated nominal size in order to produce a saleable product at the size
standard. Unfortunately, there is no consistent actual-to-nominal size
convention or ratio that applies to all lumber types or dimensions.
Table 6.3 shows a typical range of lumber widths by log small-end
diameter, given a sawing strategy toward maximizing wide lumber widths.
It should be noted that beyond 1700 there were no clear trends in width
recovery. Table 6.4 shows the nominal sizes, GTS (which are generaliza-
tions, actual target sizes can vary) and finished sizes for selected
board, dimension and stud lumber, softwood shop, and hardwood lumber
products as well as the actual cubic volume per bf. Nominal sizing is
generally individual to the lumber product lines listed in Table 6.4.
As an example of the difference in nominal sizing between different
products measured by the bf, consider a hypothetical situation of a mill
producing all 6⁄400 softwood shop lumber vs. a mill producing all 200  400
studs. It would appear that the mill producing 6⁄400 softwood shop is
roughly 43% less efficient than a mill producing all 200  400 studs, as it
takes (in principle) 43% more fibre to make a bf of 6⁄400 softwood shop
lumber than it does to make a bf of 200  400 stud lumber (all other things
being equal). In practice, the actual fibre needed to make a bf will vary
depending on saw kerf, surfacing allowance, lumber dimension, edging
and trimming practices, etc., but likely this number is not so far from the
actual.

1
Note: Some stud lumber lengths are based on nominal measure (notably 925⁄800 long studs, which
get tallied as being 9600 ); actual widths are used in the case of softwood shop that is 5⁄400 and thicker, as
well as for hardwood lumber.
 Metrics of Lumber Recovery

Table 6.3. Example of lumber width % yield in North American sizes by small-end diameter of log.

Small-end diameter class of log in inches (cm)

Lumber width
inches ¼ nominal 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700
cm ¼ actual (13 cm) (15 cm) (18 cm) (20 cm) (23 cm) (25 cm) (28 cm) (30 cm) (33 cm) (36 cm) (38 cm) (41 cm) (43 cm)

400 (8.9 cm) 100 99 36 18 11 6 3 3 2 2 2 2 2

600 (14.0 cm) 0 1 64 82 51 21 14 10 7 7 6 5 4
800 (18.4 cm) 0 0 0 0 38 69 47 18 8 8 8 8 5
1000 (23.5 cm) 0 0 0 0 0 4 36 69 21 17 17 16 16
1200 (28.6 cm) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 62 66 67 69 73

Note: The above percentages reflect recoveries observed by the author in several tests on mill processed log lengths (< 200 long (6.1 m)). Actual width recovery will
vary depending on log taper, log lengths, products produced and cutting strategies.
Source: Studies conducted by the author.
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135
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136 Chapter 6

Table 6.4. Board foot actual to nominal sizes and volumes by lumber product type.

Nominal Green target size* Finished

Thick Width bf/ft3 Thick Width bf/ft3 Thick Width bf/ft3

Softwood boards
14 1.00 4.00 12.00 0.94 3.80 13.44 0.75 3.50 18.29
16 1.00 6.00 12.00 0.94 5.88 13.04 0.75 5.50 17.45
18 1.00 8.00 12.00 0.94 7.88 12.97 0.75 7.25 17.66
1  10 1.00 10.00 12.00 0.94 9.88 12.93 0.75 9.25 17.30
1  12 1.00 12.00 12.00 0.94 11.88 12.90 0.75 11.25 17.07

Dimension and studs

2  4 2.00 4.00 12.00 1.75 3.80 14.44 1.50 3.50 18.29
2  6 2.00 6.00 12.00 1.75 5.88 14.01 1.50 5.50 17.45
2  8 2.00 8.00 12.00 1.75 7.88 13.93 1.50 7.25 17.66
2  10 2.00 10.00 12.00 1.75 9.88 13.89 1.50 9.25 17.30
2  12 2.00 12.00 12.00 1.75 11.88 13.86 1.50 11.25 17.07

Softwood shop
5
⁄4 1.25 rw 12.00 1.417 rw 10.58 1.156 rw 12.97
6
⁄4 1.50 rw 12.00 1.680 rw 10.71 1.406 rw 12.80
7
⁄4 1.75 rw 12.00 1.878 rw 11.18 1.594 rw 13.18
8
⁄4 2.00 rw 12.00 2.108 rw 11.39 1.813 rw 13.24
9
⁄4 2.25 rw 12.00 2.404 rw 11.23 2.094 rw 12.90
10
⁄4 2.50 rw 12.00 2.700 rw 11.11 2.375 rw 12.63

Hardwood lumber
2
⁄4** 0.50 rw 24.00 0.605 rw 19.84 0.313 rw 38.40
3
⁄4** 0.75 rw 16.00 0.874 rw 13.74 0.563 rw 21.33
4
⁄4 1.00 rw 12.00 1.142 rw 10.50 0.813 rw 14.77
5
⁄4 1.25 rw 12.00 1.411 rw 10.63 1.063 rw 14.12
6
⁄4 1.50 rw 12.00 1.680 rw 10.71 1.313 rw 13.71
7
⁄4 1.75 rw 12.00 1.882 rw 11.16 1.500 rw 14.00
8
⁄4 2.00 rw 12.00 2.151 rw 11.16 1.750 rw 13.71
9
⁄4 2.25 rw 12.00 2.487 rw 10.86 2.063 rw 13.09
10
⁄4 2.50 rw 12.00 2.688 rw 11.16 2.250 rw 13.33
11
⁄4 2.75 rw 12.00 2.957 rw 11.16 2.500 rw 13.20
12
⁄4 3.00 rw 12.00 3.226 rw 11.16 2.750 rw 13.09
13
⁄4 3.25 rw 12.00 3.495 rw 11.16 3.000 rw 13.00
14
⁄4 3.50 rw 12.00 3.763 rw 11.16 3.250 rw 12.92
15
⁄4 3.75 rw 12.00 4.032 rw 11.16 3.500 rw 12.86
16
⁄4 4.00 rw 12.00 4.301 rw 11.16 3.750 rw 12.80

* Green target sizes are set by the manufacturer based on shrinkage, size control, etc., thus these are just
examples of what may be ‘typical’.
**North American lumber product types tallied as 100 in nominal thickness when the nominal thickness is
100 or less.
Sources: Western Wood Products Association, 1998; National Hardwood Lumber Association, 1994.
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Metrics of Lumber Recovery 137

6.1.1.1 Softwood dimension lumber and studs

This type of lumber is generally used for applications where appearance
is secondary to serviceability and structural strength. Dimension lumber
tends to be manufactured in longer lengths of 10---200 , with a nominal
thickness of 200 , and widths produced in 200 nominal increments from
400 up to 1200 . A stud is also a structural type of lumber, but is generally
produced in shorter lengths (6---90 , with the majority being 925⁄800 ), is
primarily used for vertical applications such was wall framing (thus
requiring less strength and even less appearance characteristics) and,
unlike dimension lumber, can be produced in nominal lengths, notably
the 925⁄800 (7:7190 ) stud, which is tallied as having an 80 length. Studs are
normally produced in nominal widths of 400 and 600 (with the majority
being 400 ). As appearance is not a primary focus when grading this cat-
egory of lumber, surfacing imperfections and relatively large amounts of
wane are tolerated. To market this category of lumber as being dried, it
must have no more than 19% mc.
An example of calculating the bf volume of a nominal 200  400  80 is
(actual dimensions are 1:500  3:500  925⁄800 ): 2  4  8
12 ¼ 5:333 bf. As
this particular board has an actual cubic content of 0:2814 ft3 , there are
18.95 bf of lumber per cubic foot of actual wood fibre (669 bf=m3 ).

6.1.1.2 Softwood boards (appearance type lumber)

Boards (nomenclature for softwood lumber that is manufactured for ap-
plications where appearance is of primary concern) are generally manu-
factured to a nominal thickness of 100 and in nominal widths on the even
inch (generally from 400 to 1200 ). Lengths are normally produced in 20
multiples, and are based on actual length. Because this type of lumber
sees much of its service in visible applications (furniture, fascia, trim,
etc.), it is desirable to have a high finish quality, and small amounts, if
any, of wane are allowed. To market this category of lumber as being
dried, it must have no more than 19% moisture content (mc).
An example of calculating the bf volume of a nominal 100  800  160 is
(actual dimensions are 0:7500  7:2500  160 ): 1  8  16
12 ¼ 10:667 bf.
As this particular board has an actual cubic content of 0:6042 ft3 , there
are 17.66 bf of lumber per cubic foot of actual wood fibre (623 bf=m3 ).

6.1.1.3 Softwood factory lumber (shop)

Factory lumber or shop is often used in the construction of very specific
products such as solid wooden doors, window frames, etc. where appear-
ance is very important. As shop lumber is intended to be remanufactured
into components (clear cuttings between imperfections in the board), it is
only surfaced on the wide faces (S2S). Shop can be manufactured in many
different sizes (generally in 0:2500 nominal increments), but two sizes 5⁄400
and 6⁄400 shop (nominal thickness of 1:2500 and 1:500 respectively) are the most
popular. Shop lumber is measured based on actual random width (but
rounded to the nearest inch, e.g. 8.7 rounds to 9 and 8.4 rounds to 8), and
lengths can be in 10 multiples. To market this category of lumber as being
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138 Chapter 6

dried, it must have no more than 12% mc. Moulding and 4⁄400 shop also fall
into the category of factory lumber, but it should be noted that these two
products are measured in the same manner as softwood boards (typically
nominal widths finished on all four sides, 100 nominal thickness). Shop
lumber is normally produced in tandem with boards.
An example of calculating the bf volume of a 6⁄400 shop board
that is nominally 1:500 thick (actual thickness is 1:40600 ), with an actual
width of 12:300 and an actual length of 130 , is: [(12  13)
12 rounded to
nearest whole number]  1:5 ¼ 19:5 bf. As this board has an actual cubic
content of 1:561 ft3 , there are 12.5 bf of lumber per cubic foot of actual
wood fibre (441 bf=m3 ).

6.1.1.4 Hardwood lumber

Hardwood lumber is similar to softwood shop in that much of it is intended
for remanufacture. It is used heavily in the manufacture of furniture and
flooring amongst other products. Like softwood shop, width and length are
measured in actual measure. Hardwoods tend to shrink quite a bit during
drying, and as hardwoods are utilized heavily in applications with
a priority toward appearance, the finishing requirements are high. The
target moisture content for hardwood lumber is typically around 8%,
which works best in the indoor and heated environments where hard-
woods see most of their use, but which contributes to the already high
levels of shrinkage that commonly occur with hardwoods.
An example of calculating the bf volume of a 6⁄400 shop board that is
nominally 1:500 thick (actual thickness is 1:31300 ), with an actual width of
12:500 and an actual length of 130 , is: [(12:5  13)
12 rounded to nearest
whole number]  1:5 ¼ 21 bf. As this board has an actual cubic content of
1:482 ft3 , there are 14.17 bf of lumber per cubic foot of actual wood fibre
(500:4 bf=m3 ).

6.1.2 Lumber cubic volume

In most of the world, outside of North America, lumber volume is meas-

ured and reflected via cubic-metric measure, and in general, the volume
calculated should closely reflect the actual volume. The formula for
determining lumber cubic volume is:
m3 ¼ thickness in millimetres  width in millimetres 
length in metres
1,000,000
ft3 ¼ thickness in inches  width in inches  length in feet
144
A tolerance level is given for size variation, e.g. þ 6 mm,  2 mm. It is
also often common in the case of green lumber measured before drying to
give an additional allowance (normally around 5%) for shrinkage, based
on the predicted size once the lumber reaches its desired dried moisture
content. For example, green lumber that measures 55 mm  210 mm may
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Metrics of Lumber Recovery 139

be tallied based on 50  200 (shrinkage allowance þ size tolerance)

(Alberta Land and Forest Service, 1997).
An example of calculating the lumber volume of a dried board with an
actual size of 52 mm  199 mm  5:02 m is: (50  200  5:0)
1,000,000 ¼
0:0500 m3 . The actual volume of this board is 0.0519 m3.

6.2 Factors Affecting Lumber Recovery

6.2.1 Milling efficiency

6.2.1.1 Saw kerf

Saw kerf varies by machine centre and type of saw, with primary and
secondary breakdown saws commonly ranging from 0:0900 to 0:3200 thick
(2–8 mm). In general, band saws are thinner than circular saws, and
sawing configurations for large logs or cants, hardwoods, frozen logs
and high feed speeds tend to require thicker saws. According to published
data, for each decrease of 0:0100 (0.254 mm) in saw kerf, LRF will increase
by 0.026 bf of lumber per cubic foot (roughly 0.4%) of log when using
circular saws, and 0.052 bf per cubic foot (roughly 0.8%) when using
band saws (Wade et al., 1992). As can be seen from the examples in
Table 6.1, the results of saw kerf (sawdust) take up a large percentage of
fibre used in a sawmill.

6.2.1.2 Target sizing and size control

A mill’s ability to produce uniformly sized products is a key component
in setting the target size. The target size needs to be large enough to
account for shrinkage and still leave enough fibre for planing in order to
fit the finish requirements for the size and type of product being pro-
duced. Size variation, shrinkage and surfacing allowance are all key
components of the calculation on setting the GTS in order to produce
finished lumber of an acceptable size and finish quality. Obviously, if the
finished thickness of a board needs to be 0:7500 (19 mm) after planing and
shrinkage, and sawing variation is 0:06500 (1.7 mm), the target size will
need to be developed primarily with the minus variation in mind (thus
wasting a significant volume of the lumber that falls into the plus side of
the variation). Size variation can be caused by saws that are too thin for
the feed speeds, dull saws, worn saw spacers or arbor bearings, misalign-
ment on double arbor saws, poor control of the log, cant or boards during
the sawing process, frozen wood, slope of grain, etc.

6.2.1.3 Shape sawing optimization

There are optimal ways of bucking log stems into sawmill lengths and
cutting lumber of a particular size and orientation given the shape of a log
in order to capture the maximal volume and value from a log. In the past,
these decisions were made by the chop-saw operator and the sawyer
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140 Chapter 6

through human judgement. With the advent of true shape scanning and
computer processors, which can rapidly process information and instruct
equipment as to the best sawing solution and even adjust sawing lines to
cut parallel to the curvature of a log (curve sawing), optimization equip-
ment is now incorporated into many mills, including secondary process-
ing equipment such as edgers and trim saws, and this has the potential to
significantly improve product volume recovery.

6.2.1.4 Products manufactured

As discussed in Section 6.1 and shown in Table 6.4, different lumber
products require differing fibre contents to produce as a result of nominal
sizing. Additionally, variability in the fibre needed to produce a given
volume of lumber can be the result of a relatively high percentage of the
wood fibre being converted into sawdust (necessary for manufacturing less
thickness), and producing appearance-type lumber, which does not allow
much wane and requires plenty of planing allowance to prevent skip.
Some facilities also capture short lumber and trim-ends that were
formerly converted into chips, as stock for finger-jointing or other prod-
ucts where these short pieces can be utilized. Tallying these short lumber
lengths can significantly improve volume recovery, but may not have the
same relative effect on value recovery.

6.2.2 Log characteristics

Log characteristics have a dramatic influence on lumber recovery. There

are many geometric influences of manufacturing products with a square or
rectangular cross section of given sizes and multiples from a raw material
with a round cross section which may not be shaped or sized in a manner
that is conducive to gaining maximal or consistent utilization.
It is very important to note that trends that make complete sense when
looking at log volume in a cubic volumetric manner will often not make
sense when looking at the same trends from a product output scale rule
standpoint. This is because the architects of product output scaling rules
tried to account for many of the influences of log characteristics within
the rule (when the scale rule was designed, long ago), and often there are
overcompensations, biases and inaccuracies in these assumptions when
applied to current milling technology, wood utilization practices and
products made.

6.2.2.1 Diameter
Because of limitations in lumber sizes resulting from
CUBIC SCALED LOGS.
the need to produce marketable and profitable lumber sizes of minimum
and standardized thickness and widths, lumber recovery tends to trend
upward steeply from 500 d (13 cm) up to about 1600 d (41 cm) where it
levels off significantly. Slab loss is obviously much higher for small
logs given the needed opening face size to produce profitable products.
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Metrics of Lumber Recovery 141

Using dimension lumber as an example, lumber recovery starts at a 500 d

(11.4–14.0 cm) with roughly 33% lumber recovery, and reaches a peak at
2400 d (60–62 cm) with approximately 63% lumber recovery.

PRODUCT OUTPUT SCALED LOGS.Excepting for the Scribner log rules in some
diameter classes, recovery tends to trend downward as diameters
increase. This is primarily the result of slab loss allowances
assumptions made when the rules were designed, which may have been
appropriate for the large logs, crude technology and wane-free products of
that time, but which no longer apply to the smaller logs, technology and
products of today. In other words, the lumber volume predicted from
product output rules tends to be understated for small logs relative to
large logs.

6.2.2.2 Length
When discussing the effects of length on recovery, it is very important to
identify the length being discussed. The scaling length of a log can be 320
(9.8 m), made up of two segments of 160 (4.9 m), and the mill-processed
length of the same log can be 80 (2.45 m) when cut into four equal mill-
processing lengths.

Shorter log lengths processed in the mill generally increase

CUBIC SCALED LOGS.
recovery. This is because longer lengths will incur more slab loss due to
taper, and related to this, shorter log lengths afford the opportunity to
reassess sawing patterns more frequently given a changed log cross
section. In addition, longer lengths tend to lose recovery because of crook
and sweep, while shorter lengths can minimize these effects.
Longer scaling lengths, especially in small-diameter wood where
the recovery by diameter trend is the steepest, can also increase the
recovery of cubic scaled wood relative to the same small-end diameter
logs that are shorter. This is because the large-end of the log is bigger
relative to a shorter log with the same small-end diameter. In the case of
the Swedish National Log Scale and JAS, this trend is magnified by the
fact that taper is not accounted for until log lengths reach 5.9 and 6 m
respectively.

For the same reasons listed for the cubic scaled

PRODUCT OUTPUT SCALED LOGS.
logs, short mill-processed lengths will increase the recovery of product
output scaled logs. The opposite is true for scaling segment length, as the
longer the unadjusted scaling cylinder is in a log, the better the recovery
will be. This is because the amount of log volume outside the scaling
cylinder increases due to taper, and lumber volume can be recovered from
this unaccounted for volume (see Fig. 2.26 on p. 49). With all of the rules
except the International 1⁄4-Inch Rule, the scaling cylinder is the same
length as the log segment length; the International 1⁄4-Inch Rule scaling
cylinder increases by 1⁄200 every 40 (see Fig. 2.34 on p. 68). Thus, excepting
the International 1⁄4-Inch Rule, longer segment lengths generally translate
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142 Chapter 6

into greater recovery. This trend is rather erratic and less pronounced
with the Scribner log rules due to the step function (see Figs 6.6 and 6.8).
Note that this trend is tied to segment length and not necessarily to
scaling length, e.g. a log that is scaled by the Scribner Short Log Rule
can have a scaling length of 200 with a 200 -long scaling cylinder, but a log
with a 220 scaling length has two segments: 100 for the top segment and 120
for the bottom segment. Thus, the scaling cylinders are shorter and the
second scaling cylinder readjusts to a new and larger diameter, thereby
accounting for more of the log volume, which will likely reduce the
recovery relative to the same small-end diameter log that has a 200
scaling length. Also crook and sweep deductions will be minimized in
the 220 log relative to the 200 log because the log is in theory two log
segments, which allows the scaling cylinder to assume a new direction at
the segment break.

6.2.2.3 Taper
CUBIC SCALED LOGS. Taper has a negative impact on lumber recovery when
accounting for the actual volume of a log. Figure 6.1 indexes the effects
of taper on four size classes of 16.50 (5 m) logs, with taper ranging from
100 (2.5 cm) to 400 (10.2 cm). Note that for 600 d (15 cm) logs with 200 of taper in
16.50 (5.1 cm in 5 m), recovery is 5.9% less than what it is at 100 in 16.50
(2.5 cm in 5 m), and at 400 in 16.50 (10.2 cm in 5 m) recovery falls off by
almost 17%. A notable exception to this trend is in regard to taper
assumptions for cubic measure via standard taper factors. Obviously, if
the actual taper ratio is higher than what is assumed, recovery will be
improved, not because taper truly helps recovery but because the actual
volume of the log was higher than what was assumed. In the case of JAS,
other things being equal, recovery is better for logs that are 5.8 m long
versus logs that are 6.0 m long, as the 5.8 m log is scaled without any
taper allowance while logs that are 6.0 m long and longer are given some
allowances for taper (thus increasing the relative log volume).

Taper is also a key component of recovery ratios

PRODUCT OUTPUT SCALED LOGS.
for product output scaled logs, and like cubic measure where taper is
assumed, increased amounts of taper improve the recovery ratio (Fig. 6.1).

6.2.2.4 Log defects

When only looking at a log’s gross volume, log defects will certainly
reduce the volume of lumber recovered. However, since many scaling
methods account for defects due to deductions of volume from the gross
scale, defects can even increase the recovery ratio. This is because lumber
can often be made from portions of the deducted log volume. Often the
lumber from the defective areas is of very low quality containing some
unsound fibre, fibre separations, oversize knots, etc., but with a value
higher than chips. However, if the scaling method used only accounts for
void, soft-rot and char, or does not account for defect at all, any defects
whatsoever are likely to reduce recovery.
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Metrics of Lumber Recovery 143

Taper in 5 m (cm)
2.5 5.1 7.6 10.2

BF 6
(15 cm) 32.4

30 BF 10
(25 cm)
BF 14
(36 cm)
BF 20
(51 cm) 20.6
CF 6
(15 cm)
20 CF 10
(25 cm)
17.3
Recovery change %

CF 14
(36 cm)

CF 20
(51 cm) 10.6
11.8 12.1
10 8.6
8.2
4.8 5.4
2.9
2.6
0 0
2.4
4.1 4.6
4.8 6 6.4
5.9 8.8 9.4
10
12.4
11.2
16.5
20
1 2 3 4
Taper in 16.59 (inches)
Source: Hallock et al., 1979
Note: BF is Scribner Short Log; CF is cubic foot. Logs are assumed to be 16.5 (5 m) long,
with a small-end diameter of 6
, 10
, 14
, 20
(15, 25, 36, 51 cm).

Fig. 6.1. Effects on lumber recovery from taper in cubic and board foot scaled logs (% change in
recovery for taper exceeding 100 in 16.500 (2.5 cm in 5 m)).

It is also common for defect deductions to be made for crook and

sweep, with assumptions made as to how a log will be processed and
segmented. If a mill has the option of bucking the log into shorter lengths
than were assumed for calculating defect deductions, much of the crook
and sweep can be eliminated by cutting the log into short lengths, thus
nullifying some of the assumed loss. Curve sawing technology also allows
mills to produce lumber from sweep or crook that may be deducted
during the scaling procedures.

6.2.2.5 Wood property issues

An important wood property factor affecting recovery is moisture content.
Water exists in the wood cell cavities and within the cell walls. Shrinkage
normally begins to occur once the water from the cell cavities is absent,
and the water in the cell walls begins to evaporate. Normally, for most
species this occurs at about 30% mc (USDA Forest Products Laboratory,
1974). From the 30% point down to the target dry moisture content for the
lumber product, lumber will shrink. Shrinkage can vary a great deal based
on wood grain orientation and species.
 144

Table 6.5. Shrinkage rates of common North American trees (green to oven-dry).

Conifers Shrinkage (%) Hardwoods Shrinkage (%)

Common name Latin name Radial Tangential Common name Latin name Radial Tangential

Balsam fir Abies balsamea 2.9 6.9 Hard maple Acer saccharum 4.8 9.9
Grand fir Abies grandis 3.4 7.5 Yellow birch Betula alleghaniensis 7.3 9.5
Western larch Larix occidentalis 4.5 9.1 Paper birch Betula papyrifera 6.3 8.6
Engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii 3.8 7.1 Hickory Carya spp. 7.0 10.5
Black spruce Picea mariana 4.1 6.8 Hackberry Celtis spp. 4.8 8.9
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta 4.3 6.7 American beech Fagus grandifolia 5.5 11.9
Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata 4.6 7.7 White ash Fraxinus americana 4.9 7.8
Western white pine Pinus monticola 4.1 7.4 Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua 5.3 10.2
Longleaf pine Pinus palustris 5.1 7.5 Yellow poplar Liriodendron tulipifera 4.6 8.2
Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa 3.9 6.2 Water tupelo Nyssa aquatica 4.2 7.6
Red pine Pinus resinosa 3.8 7.2 Black gum Nyssa sylvatica 5.1 8.7
Eastern white pine Pinus strobus 2.1 6.1 Sycamore Platanus occidentalis 5.0 8.4
Loblolly pine Pinus taeda 4.8 7.4 Cottonwood Populus spp. 3.6 8.6
Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii 4.8 7.6 Aspen Populus tremuloides 3.5 6.7
Northern white cedar Thuja occidentalis 2.2 4.9 White oak Quercus alba 5.3 10.8
Western red cedar Thuja plicata 2.4 5.0 Southern red oak Quercus falcata 4.7 11.3
Eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis 3.0 6.8 American basswood Tilia americana 6.6 9.3
Western hemlock Tsuga heterophylla 4.2 7.8 American Elm Ulmus spp. 4.2 7.2
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 006 Final Proof page 144 20.9.2005 1:44pm

Source: USDA Forest Products Laboratory, 1974.

Chapter 6
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Metrics of Lumber Recovery 145

Table 6.5 shows typical shrinkage percentages of common woods in

North America by grain orientation (radial or tangential). Wood normally
shrinks about half as much radially (across the growth rings) as it does
tangentially along the growth rings, and it shrinks very little longitudin-
ally (generally between 0.1 and 0.2%).
Table 6.5 shows average total shrinkage from green to 0% mc, but
shrinkage to the target moisture content of dried wood can be calculated
with the following formula:
Shrinkage ¼ total shrinkage to 0% mc  (30  target mc)
30
For example, to calculate the shrinkage of Douglas fir if dried to 19% mc:
4:8  (30  19)
30 ¼ 1:76% radial;
7:6  (30  19)
30 ¼ 2:79% tangential

To determine the volume loss to shrinkage the formula is:

% volume loss due to shrinkage ¼ 100  {100  (% radial shrinkage)
[1  (% tangential shrinkage
100)]}

For example, to calculate the percentage of volume loss from drying

Douglas fir lumber from green to 19% mc:
100  (100  1:76)  [1  (2:79
100)] ¼ 4:5%
Green lumber produced from conifers will lose roughly 4% volume dur-
ing the drying process, while green lumber produced from hardwoods
will lose roughly 8% volume (USDA Forest Products Laboratory, 1974).
There is a great deal of variation, however, within different tree species,
and even within the same tree stem.
Aside from shrinkage, many species are prone to cupping, warping,
splitting and twisting during the drying process, which will further reduce
recovery. These tendencies are further aggravated by wood property issues
such as tension/compression of wood, and excessive slope of grain.

6.3 Recovery Trends by Log Size and Lumber Products Produced

With the exception of hardwood, the preceding graphs and tables were
constructed from recovery studies conducted by the author. The softwood
recovery data were taken from numerous ‘return to log’ studies that were
compiled by product type (board, stud, dimension and hardwood). The
studies were conducted in facilities that, in the author’s opinion, have
excellent equipment and practices (curve sawing, cut-in-two solutions for
re-edging, etc.), and thus recovery is somewhat better in comparison with
the absolute recoveries shown in Regional Softwood Sawmill Processing
Variables as Influenced by Productive Capacity (Steele et al., 1991). The
hardwood recovery graphs and tables were constructed from data taken
from Hanks et al. (1980).
The data presented in Tables 6.6–6.9 and Figs 6.2–6.4 represent typical
recovery ratios and trends. As with many ratios involving roundwood,
Table 6.6. Board mill, lumber and residual product recovery by small-end diameter of cubically scaled logs.
146

USFS National CF BC Firmwood

SED Lumber recovery Lumber recovery
Green Planer Dry
inches cm bf=ft3 % bf=m3 % Sawdust (%) chips (%) Shrinkage (%) shavings (%) chips (%)

5 13 6.4 34.8 207 32.0 10.4 42.3 2.1 10.4 2.8

6 15 6.7 36.4 216 33.4 10.8 39.7 2.2 10.9 2.9
7 18 7.0 39.8 228 36.6 11.1 35.5 2.4 11.3 3.2
8 20 7.3 41.6 240 38.6 11.5 32.0 2.5 12.0 3.4
9 23 7.5 42.5 246 39.5 11.6 30.1 2.6 12.7 3.4
10 25 7.7 43.6 252 40.5 11.9 28.4 2.7 13.1 3.5
11 28 7.7 44.0 252 40.9 11.7 28.4 2.7 12.8 3.6
12 30 7.7 44.2 257 41.8 11.9 27.1 2.7 12.8 3.6
13 33 7.8 45.1 260 42.6 11.9 26.2 2.8 12.8 3.7
14 36 7.9 45.9 263 43.4 12.0 25.3 2.8 12.7 3.8
15 38 8.0 46.5 266 43.9 12.1 24.4 2.9 12.8 3.8
16 41 8.2 47.6 278 45.9 12.7 21.0 3.0 13.4 4.0
17 43 8.2 47.6 278 45.9 12.7 21.0 3.0 13.4 4.0
18 46 8.2 47.6 278 45.9 12.7 21.0 3.0 13.4 4.0
19 48 8.2 47.6 278 45.9 12.7 21.0 3.0 13.4 4.0
20 51 8.2 47.6 278 45.9 12.7 21.0 3.0 13.4 4.0
21 53 8.2 47.6 278 45.9 12.7 21.0 3.0 13.4 4.0
22 56 8.2 47.6 278 45.9 12.7 21.0 3.0 13.4 4.0
23 58 8.2 47.6 278 45.9 12.7 21.0 3.0 13.4 4.0
24 61 8.2 47.6 278 45.9 12.7 21.0 3.0 13.4 4.0
25 64 8.2 47.6 278 45.9 12.7 21.0 3.0 13.4 4.0
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 006 Final Proof page 146 20.9.2005 1:44pm

26 66 8.2 47.6 278 45.9 12.7 21.0 3.0 13.4 4.0

27 69 8.2 47.6 278 45.9 12.7 21.0 3.0 13.4 4.0
28 71 8.2 47.6 278 45.9 12.7 21.0 3.0 13.4 4.0
29 74 8.2 47.6 278 45.9 12.7 21.0 3.0 13.4 4.0
30 76 8.2 47.6 278 45.9 12.7 21.0 3.0 13.4 4.0
Chapter 6
Table 6.7. Stud mill, lumber and residual product recovery by small-end diameter of cubically scaled logs.

USFS National CF BC Firmwood

SED Lumber recovery Lumber recovery
Green Planer Dry
inches cm bf=ft3 % bf=m3 % Sawdust (%) chips (%) Shrinkage (%) shavings (%) chips (%)
Metrics of Lumber Recovery

5 13 8.0 42.9 259 39.4 6.7 41.9 2.3 7.3 2.4

6 15 8.7 47.0 284 43.2 7.3 36.3 2.5 8.0 2.6
7 18 9.4 52.3 305 48.1 7.4 30.6 2.8 8.2 2.9
8 20 9.7 53.9 318 50.1 7.5 27.6 2.9 8.6 3.3
9 23 9.7 53.9 318 50.1 7.3 27.5 2.9 8.6 3.5
10 25 9.8 54.4 321 50.6 7.3 26.8 3.0 8.7 3.6
11 28 10.0 55.5 327 51.5 7.3 25.4 3.0 8.9 3.8
12 30 10.2 56.5 339 53.4 7.5 22.7 3.1 9.3 4.0
13 33 10.3 57.1 342 53.9 7.4 21.9 3.2 9.4 4.2
14 36 10.3 57.1 342 53.9 7.3 21.9 3.2 9.4 4.2
15 38 10.3 57.1 342 53.9 7.3 21.9 3.2 9.4 4.2
16 41 10.3 57.1 350 55.1 7.5 20.3 3.3 9.6 4.3
17 43 10.3 57.1 350 55.1 7.5 20.3 3.3 9.6 4.3
18 46 10.3 57.1 350 55.1 7.5 20.3 3.3 9.6 4.3
19 48 10.4 57.6 353 55.6 7.5 19.6 3.3 9.7 4.4
20 51 10.5 58.1 356 56.1 7.6 18.8 3.3 9.7 4.4
21 53 10.9 60.8 372 58.6 8.0 15.1 3.5 10.2 4.6
22 56 11.4 63.4 389 61.2 8.3 11.4 3.6 10.6 4.8
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 006 Final Proof page 147 20.9.2005 1:44pm

23 58 11.4 63.4 389 61.2 8.3 11.4 3.6 10.6 4.8

24 61 11.4 63.4 389 61.2 8.3 11.4 3.6 10.6 4.8
25 64 11.4 63.4 389 61.2 8.3 11.4 3.6 10.6 4.8
147
Table 6.8. Dimension mill, lumber and residual product recovery by small-end diameter of cubically scaled logs.
148

USFS National CF BC Firmwood

SED Lumber recovery Lumber recovery
Green Planer Dry
inches cm bf=ft3 % bf=m3 % Sawdust (%) chips (%) Shrinkage (%) shavings (%) chips (%)

5 13 6.7 36.4 216 33.4 5.6 50.1 2.0 6.3 2.5

6 15 8.1 44.2 262 40.6 6.9 39.4 2.4 7.6 3.1
7 18 8.9 50.5 290 46.4 7.1 32.1 2.7 8.0 3.5
8 20 8.9 50.8 293 47.1 7.0 31.2 2.8 8.2 3.6
9 23 9.0 51.1 296 47.5 6.9 30.5 2.8 8.7 3.6
10 25 9.0 51.1 296 47.5 6.8 30.5 2.8 8.9 3.6
11 28 9.3 53.2 305 49.5 6.9 28.3 2.9 8.7 3.7
12 30 9.5 54.6 317 51.6 7.1 25.5 3.0 8.9 3.9
13 33 9.5 55.0 317 52.0 7.0 25.5 3.0 8.6 3.9
14 36 9.5 55.4 317 52.3 6.9 25.5 3.0 8.3 4.0
15 38 9.5 55.4 317 52.3 6.9 25.5 3.0 8.3 4.0
16 41 9.5 55.4 324 53.4 7.0 23.9 3.1 8.5 4.0
17 43 10.0 58.1 340 56.1 7.4 20.1 3.3 8.9 4.2
18 46 10.0 58.1 340 56.1 7.4 20.1 3.3 8.9 4.2
19 48 10.0 58.1 340 56.1 7.4 20.1 3.3 8.9 4.2
20 51 10.3 59.8 350 57.7 7.6 17.9 3.4 9.1 4.4
21 53 10.5 60.9 356 58.8 7.7 16.3 3.4 9.3 4.5
22 56 10.9 63.7 372 61.4 8.1 12.5 3.6 9.7 4.7
23 58 10.9 63.7 372 61.4 8.1 12.5 3.6 9.7 4.7
24 61 11.2 65.3 382 63.0 8.3 10.3 3.7 10.0 4.8
25 64 11.0 64.2 376 62.0 8.2 11.8 3.6 9.8 4.7
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 006 Final Proof page 148 20.9.2005 1:44pm

26 66 10.8 63.1 369 60.9 8.0 13.3 3.5 9.6 4.6

27 69 10.6 62.0 363 59.8 7.9 14.8 3.5 9.5 4.5
28 71 10.5 60.9 356 58.8 7.7 16.3 3.4 9.3 4.5
29 74 10.3 59.8 350 57.7 7.6 17.9 3.4 9.1 4.4
30 76 10.1 58.7 343 56.6 7.4 19.4 3.3 9.0 4.3
Chapter 6
Table 6.9. Hardwood mill, lumber and residual product recovery by small-end diameter of cubically scaled logs.

USFS National CF BC Firmwood

SED Lumber recovery Lumber recovery
Green Planer Dry
inches cm bf=ft3 % bf=m3 % Sawdust (%) chips (%) Shrinkage (%) shavings (%) chips (%)
Metrics of Lumber Recovery

8 20 5.62 38.9 184 36.1 11.3 36.3 5.3 8.1 2.8

9 23 6.00 41.5 197 38.6 12.0 32.0 5.7 8.6 3.0
10 25 6.10 42.2 200 39.2 12.2 30.9 5.8 8.8 3.1
11 28 6.25 43.2 205 40.2 12.5 29.2 5.9 9.0 3.1
12 30 6.35 44.0 212 41.5 13.0 26.8 6.1 9.3 3.2
13 33 6.80 47.1 227 44.5 13.9 21.6 6.6 10.0 3.5
14 36 6.83 47.3 228 44.7 13.9 21.2 6.6 10.0 3.5
15 38 6.87 47.6 229 44.9 14.0 20.8 6.6 10.1 3.5
16 41 6.99 48.4 238 46.7 14.6 17.7 6.9 10.5 3.6
17 43 7.34 50.8 250 49.0 15.3 13.6 7.3 11.0 3.8
18 46 7.38 51.1 251 49.3 15.4 13.2 7.3 11.0 3.8
19 48 7.45 51.6 254 49.8 15.5 12.3 7.4 11.2 3.9
20 51 7.52 52.1 256 50.2 15.7 11.5 7.4 11.3 3.9
21 53 7.44 51.5 253 49.7 15.5 12.4 7.3 11.1 3.9
22 56 7.47 51.7 255 49.9 15.6 12.1 7.4 11.2 3.9
23 58 7.55 52.3 257 50.5 15.7 11.1 7.5 11.3 3.9
24 61 7.86 54.4 268 52.5 16.4 7.4 7.8 11.8 4.1
25 64 7.39 51.2 252 49.4 15.4 13.0 7.3 11.1 3.9
26 66 7.71 53.4 263 51.5 16.1 9.2 7.6 11.5 4.0
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 006 Final Proof page 149 20.9.2005 1:44pm

27 69 7.66 53.0 261 51.2 16.0 9.9 7.6 11.5 4.0

28 71 7.47 51.7 255 49.9 15.6 12.0 7.4 11.2 3.9
29 74 7.52 52.1 256 50.2 15.7 11.5 7.4 11.3 3.9
30 76 7.56 52.3 258 50.5 15.8 11.0 7.5 11.3 3.9
149
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 006 Final Proof page 150 20.9.2005 1:44pm

150 Chapter 6

SED (cm)
13 15 18 20 23 25 28 30 33 36 38 41 43 46 48 51 53 56 58 61 64 66 69 71 74 76
65%
Boards Stud
60% Dimension Hardwood

55%
Lumber recovery

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
SED (inches)

Fig. 6.2. Lumber recovery by small-end diameter (SED) of log and mill type, actual log volume
(BC Firmwood). (% of actual displaced log volume).

SED (cm)
13 15 18 20 23 25 28 30 33 36 38 41 43 46 48 51 53 56 58 61 64 66 69 71 74 76
395 10.8
Boards Stud
370 Dimension Hardwood 10.2

345 9.6
9.0
BF lumber/m3 log

BF lumber/ft3 log

320
8.4
295
7.8
270
7.2
245
6.6
220 6.0
195 5.4
170 4.8
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
SED (inches)

Fig. 6.3. Lumber recovery by small-end diameter (SED) of log and mill type, actual log volume
(BC Firmwood). (LRF).
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 006 Final Proof page 151 20.9.2005 1:44pm

Metrics of Lumber Recovery 151

Length of log in metres

10.1
10.4
10.7
11.0
11.3
11.6
11.9
12.2
2.4
2.7
3.0
3.4
3.7
4.0
4.3
4.6
4.9
5.2
5.5
5.8
6.1
6.4
6.7
7.0
7.3
7.6
7.9
8.2
8.5
8.8
9.1
9.4
9.8
10.5
365
10.0
350
9.5
335
BF lumber/ft3 log

BF lumber/m3 log
9.0 320

305
8.5
290
8.0
275
7.5 5
(13 cm)
8
(20 cm) 260
7.0 12
(30 cm)
245
20
(51 cm)
6.5 230
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Length of log in feet
Note: Product recovery tables and graphs based on mill lengths of 20 and less in nominal lengths (< 6.1m).
Lengths from 21 to 40 in nominal length are included in this figure for comparison with Fig. 6.8.

Fig. 6.4. Cubic lumber recovery trends by log length (LRF).

these data should not be construed as universal ratios that are applicable to
all log populations, sawmill configurations or cutting strategies. Despite
every effort to show results and trends that are typical and universal, the
data may have attributes unique to the recovery tests on which these data
were based, and thus, there may be certain data points or outcomes unique
to the source data. It is more important to focus on the relative recovery
rates by log size and lumber type than on the absolute recovery numbers,
which can vary substantially as a result of the variables discussed in
Section 6.2.
All recovery data are based on log segments 8.3–20.50 (2.5–6.2 m)
long. Data and ratios were applied from stud blocks into the longer
segment lengths used for comparison. Comparisons assume the original
range of diameters covered in the log recovery tests from which the data
were extracted. Recovery ratios for the different scaling methods were
calculated using the conversion ratios from Section 2.5. All lumber except
hardwood is assumed to be finished S4S (surfaced on all four sides).
Hardwood is assumed to be S2S (only surfaced on the wide faces).

6.3.1 Cubic scaled logs

Recovery for cubic scaled logs have similar trends amongst the different log
scales, and so recovery data is displayed for BC Firmwood (representing
the assumed actual displaced volume), although in the case of Tables 6.6–
6.9, the USFS Cubic Log Scale is also shown, as it was the original measure
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 006 Final Proof page 152 20.9.2005 1:44pm

152 Chapter 6

used for the tests (excepting the hardwood scenario). If one wants to estimate
cubic recoveries for the other cubic scales, use the index figures from Table
2.9 on pp. 85–88 to adjust estimates. Note that because BC Firmwood
theoretically measures the actual volume, the total product recoveries
(% lumber þ % sawdust þ % green chips þ % planer shavings þ % dry
chips þ shrinkage) will add up to 100%; this will likely not occur when
using recovery ratios of other log scales, e.g. the USFS Cubic Log Scale.
Lumber recovery factors (LRFs) are shown in three different units of meas-
ure: bf lumber as it relates to m3 log, bf lumber as it relates to the ft3 log, and
actual volume of lumber recovered as a percentage of the total volume of log.
Note that the mills producing structural lumber (studs and dimen-
sion) tend to have higher recovery than the mills producing appearance-
type lumber (boards and hardwood). It is also interesting to note, in Fig.
6.2 based on recovery as a percentage, that stud mills and dimension mills
share similar recoveries, and their graph lines even cross in several
places. The same holds true of board mills and hardwood mills, with
the board mill showing better recovery for small logs and the hardwood
mill showing better recovery for larger logs. In Fig. 6.3, which is based on
lumber recovery of bf lumber to cubic volume of the logs, it appears that
the dimension mill recovery is consistently less than the stud mill’s, but it
also appears in a more pronounced manner that hardwood recovery is
significantly less than what a board mill attains. In terms of actually
measuring efficiency (especially across product lines), Fig. 6.2 gives the
more accurate measure. Figure 6.4 shows lumber recovery trends by
diameter and log length for cubic scaled logs based on BC Firmwood
but they are applicable to all of the cubic methods excepting Swedish
Cubic and JAS because taper is ignored for lengths less than 6 m.

6.3.2 Product output scaled logs

Recovery trends for product output scaled logs can be very diverse, and so
recovery ratios and trends for each of the four product output rules are
discussed at length in this book. These ratios were extrapolated from the
log segment volumes taken from the logs shown in Table A.1.M.
In the case of Scribner Long Log, which utilizes segments up to 400 in
length, volume was allocated from these long segments (over 200 ) to the
shorter mill-processed lengths via the cubic volume contained in the mill-
processed lengths, e.g. a log that is 320  500  900 (with a 700 midpoint) has a
volume of 30 bf using the Scribner Long Log Rule. Since comparisons
were made against mill-processed lengths, the 30 bf was allocated to the
top 160  500  700 segment and bottom 160  700  900 segment via the actual
cubic volume contained in each segment. In this case, the top segment
was allocated 36% of the 30 bf (11 bf) and the bottom segment was
allocated 64% of the 30 bf (19 bf). In addition, the small-end diameter
used for comparison is based on conventional rounding rules – not the
truncated rounding rules of Scribner Long Log. While this methodology
could be construed as being somewhat arbitrary, it is a workable approach
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 006 Final Proof page 153 20.9.2005 1:44pm

Metrics of Lumber Recovery 153

to making the various scale rules comparable on an equal basis with

conventionally rounded diameter classifications and log lengths that are
likely used in a mill.
When reviewing the data in Tables 6.10–6.13 and Figs 6.5–6.9,
it is interesting to note the erratic trend lines that occur in the two Scribner
diagram rules versus the more predictable trends in the formula-based
rules (Doyle and International 1⁄4-Inch) and cubic. As Doyle is rarely used
for diameters under 800 , recovery is only shown for 800 and larger logs. All of
the product output rules display more linear trends as the diameters get
larger, and the International 1⁄4-Inch does a particularly good job of predict-
ing lumber output when making hardwood lumber. It is also important to
note that the recovery ratios shown for the two Scribner rules for the
smaller-end diameter logs (500 and 800 d) are particularly volatile to changes
in log lengths (Figs 6.6 and 6.8) in comparison to the same trends shown
for cubic scaled logs (Fig. 6.4). Doyle and the International 1⁄4 -Inch Rule were
not graphed by length as they will have linear trend lines.

Table 6.10. Board mill, lumber recovery by small-end diameter (SED) of product output
scaled logs (bf lumber/bf log).

SED

inches cm Scribner SL Scribner LL Doyle International 1⁄4-Inch

5 13 1.19 1.86 1.95

6 15 1.55 1.83 1.44
7 18 1.43 2.21 1.32
8 20 1.76 2.14 2.97 1.31
9 23 1.66 1.99 2.28 1.26
10 25 1.51 2.08 1.99 1.26
11 28 1.48 2.18 1.79 1.18
12 30 1.45 1.79 1.66 1.20
13 33 1.37 1.64 1.53 1.16
14 36 1.36 1.69 1.47 1.13
15 38 1.25 1.57 1.33 1.12
16 41 1.31 1.63 1.37 1.16
17 43 1.25 1.60 1.33 1.10
18 46 1.18 1.46 1.25 1.09
19 48 1.17 1.47 1.23 1.07
20 51 1.14 1.44 1.23 1.08
21 53 1.11 1.26 1.16 1.04
22 56 1.14 1.32 1.18 1.07
23 58 1.07 1.24 1.09 1.04
24 61 1.08 1.27 1.08 1.03
25 64 1.03 1.23 1.07 1.03
26 66 1.04 1.08 1.05 1.04
27 69 1.00 1.17 1.03 1.02
28 71 0.99 1.13 1.01 1.01
29 74 1.06 1.10 1.03 1.00
30 76 1.04 1.13 1.00 1.02
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154 Chapter 6

Table 6.11. Stud mill, lumber recovery by small-end diameter (SED) of product output
scaled logs (bf lumber/bf log).

SED

inches cm Scribner SL Scribner LL Doyle International 1⁄4-Inch

5 13 1.49 2.33 2.45

6 15 2.04 2.41 1.89
7 18 1.91 2.96 1.77
8 20 2.34 2.83 3.93 1.74
9 23 2.14 2.57 2.94 1.63
10 25 1.92 2.64 2.53 1.60
11 28 1.92 2.82 2.32 1.53
12 30 1.92 2.37 2.19 1.59
13 33 1.81 2.17 2.02 1.52
14 36 1.77 2.19 1.91 1.47
15 38 1.61 2.02 1.71 1.44
16 41 1.64 2.04 1.72 1.45
17 43 1.57 2.01 1.67 1.38
18 46 1.49 1.83 1.57 1.37
19 48 1.48 1.87 1.55 1.35
20 51 1.46 1.84 1.58 1.38
21 53 1.48 1.68 1.56 1.39
22 56 1.60 1.84 1.65 1.50
23 58 1.49 1.72 1.52 1.45
24 61 1.51 1.77 1.51 1.44
25 64 1.44 1.71 1.50 1.43

Table 6.12. Dimension mill, lumber recovery by small-end diameter (SED) of product output
scaled logs (bf lumber/bf log).

SED

inches cm Scribner SL Scribner LL Doyle International 1⁄4-Inch

5 13 1.24 1.94 2.04

6 15 1.88 2.23 1.74
7 18 1.81 2.81 1.68
8 20 2.15 2.61 3.63 1.60
9 23 2.00 2.39 2.74 1.51
10 25 1.77 2.44 2.34 1.48
11 28 1.79 2.63 2.17 1.43
12 30 1.79 2.21 2.05 1.49
13 33 1.68 2.01 1.87 1.41
14 36 1.64 2.03 1.77 1.36
15 38 1.49 1.87 1.59 1.34
16 41 1.52 1.89 1.59 1.34
17 43 1.52 1.96 1.62 1.34
continued
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 006 Final Proof page 155 20.9.2005 1:44pm

Metrics of Lumber Recovery 155

Table 6.12. continued

SED

inches cm Scribner SL Scribner LL Doyle International 1⁄4-Inch

18 46 1.44 1.78 1.53 1.33

19 48 1.43 1.80 1.50 1.30
20 51 1.43 1.80 1.55 1.35
21 53 1.41 1.61 1.49 1.33
22 56 1.53 1.76 1.58 1.44
23 58 1.42 1.65 1.46 1.39
24 61 1.49 1.74 1.49 1.41
25 64 1.39 1.65 1.45 1.39
26 66 1.38 1.44 1.39 1.38
27 69 1.30 1.53 1.35 1.32
28 71 1.26 1.45 1.29 1.29
29 74 1.33 1.38 1.29 1.26
30 76 1.28 1.39 1.23 1.25

Table 6.13. Hardwood mill, lumber recovery by small-end diameter (SED) of product output
scaled logs (bf lumber/bf log).

SED

inches cm Scribner SL Scribner LL Doyle International 1⁄4-Inch

8 20 1.35 1.64 2.28 1.01

9 23 1.33 1.59 1.82 1.01
10 25 1.20 1.65 1.58 1.00
11 28 1.20 1.77 1.45 0.96
12 30 1.20 1.48 1.37 0.99
13 33 1.20 1.44 1.34 1.01
14 36 1.18 1.46 1.27 0.98
15 38 1.08 1.35 1.15 0.97
16 41 1.12 1.39 1.17 0.99
17 43 1.12 1.44 1.19 0.99
18 46 1.07 1.31 1.13 0.98
19 48 1.07 1.34 1.12 0.97
20 51 1.05 1.32 1.13 0.99
21 53 1.01 1.14 1.06 0.95
22 56 1.05 1.20 1.08 0.98
23 58 0.98 1.14 1.01 0.96
24 61 1.04 1.22 1.04 0.99
25 64 0.93 1.11 0.97 0.93
26 66 0.98 1.02 0.99 0.98
27 69 0.93 1.10 0.97 0.95
28 71 0.90 1.03 0.92 0.92
29 74 0.97 1.01 0.95 0.92
30 76 0.96 1.05 0.92 0.94
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 006 Final Proof page 156 20.9.2005 1:44pm

156 Chapter 6

SED (cm)
13 15 18 20 23 25 28 30 33 36 38 41 43 46 48 51 53 56 58 61 64 66 69 71 74 76

2.30 Board Stud

Dimension Hardwood
2.10
BF lumber/BF log

1.90

1.70

1.50

1.30

1.10

0.90
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
SED (inches)

Fig. 6.5. Scribner Short Log Rule recovery by lumber product and log diameter. SED, small-end
diameter.

Length of log (metres)

2.4 2.7 3.0 3.4 3.7 4.0 4.3 4.6 4.9 5.2 5.5 5.8 6.1
3.50
5⬙ (13cm)
3.30
8⬙ (20cm)
3.10 12⬙ (30 cm)
2.90 20⬙ (51 cm)
2.70
BF lumber/BF log

2.50
2.30
2.10
1.90
1.70
1.50
1.30
1.10
0.90
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Length of log (feet)

Fig. 6.6. Scribner Short Log Rule recovery trends by log length for selected diameters.
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 006 Final Proof page 157 20.9.2005 1:44pm

Metrics of Lumber Recovery 157

SED (cm)
13 15 18 20 23 25 28 30 33 36 38 41 43 46 48 51 53 56 58 61 64 66 69 71 74 76
3.10
2.90 Board Stud

2.70 Dimension Hardwood

2.50
BF lumber/BF log

2.30
2.10
1.90
1.70
1.50
1.30
1.10
0.90
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
SED (inches)

Fig. 6.7. Scribner Long Log Rule recovery by lumber product and log diameter. SED, small-end
diameter.

Length of log (metres)

10.1
10.4
10.7
11.0
11.3
11.6
11.9
12.2
2.4
2.7
3.0
3.4
3.7
4.0
4.3
4.6
4.9
5.2
5.5
5.8
6.1
6.4
6.7
7.0
7.3
7.6
7.9
8.2
8.5
8.8
9.1
9.4
9.8

3.50
3.30
3.10
2.90
2.70
BF lumber/BF log

2.50
2.30
2.10
1.90
1.70
1.50 5
(13 cm)
8
(20 cm)
1.30
12
(30 cm)
1.10 20
(51 cm)
0.90
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Length of log (feet)

Fig. 6.8. Scribner Long Log Rule recovery trends by log length for selected diameters.
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158 Chapter 6

SED (cm)
20 23 25 28 30 33 36 38 41 43 46 48 51 53 56 58 61 64 66 69 71 74 76
3.90
Board Stud
3.70
3.50 Dimension Hardwood
3.30
3.10
BF lumber/BF log

2.90
2.70
2.50
2.30
2.10
1.90
1.70
1.50
1.30
1.10
0.90
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
SED (inches)

Fig. 6.9. Doyle Log Rule recovery by lumber product and log diameter. SED, small-end
diameter.

SED (cm)
13 15 18 20 23 25 28 30 33 36 38 41 43 46 48 51 53 56 58 61 64 66 69 71 74 76
2.50
Board Stud
2.30
Dimension Hardwood
2.10
BF lumber/BF log

1.90

1.70

1.50

1.30

1.10

0.90
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
SED (inches)

Fig. 6.10. International 1⁄4-Inch Log Rule recovery by lumber product and log diameter. SED,
small-end diameter.
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 007 Final Proof page 159 20.9.2005 1:45pm

7 Metrics of Plywood/Veneer
Recovery

Measuring the recovery of solid wood panel products (plywood and

veneer) is generally more straightforward than measuring lumber recov-
ery. The concept is the same as lumber – measure product output as a
ratio to log input, but the product (veneer or plywood panels) is generally
measured with actual measurements, removing at least one significant
variable present in many lumber recovery calculations.
When cubic log measure is used, recovery is often measured as a
percentage, e.g. 52% recovery means that 52% of the log volume was
converted into veneer or plywood. Recovery is also reflected as the units
of plywood measure (ft2 3⁄800 basis, m2 1 mm basis) vs. units of log measure,
which is commonly referred to as the ‘veneer recovery factor’ (VRF). There
are 32 ft2 3⁄800 basis in a cubic foot, so the equivalent of 52% recovery is: 0.52

32 ¼ a VRF of 16.64. Since there are 1000 m2 1 mm basis in a cubic metre,
52% recovery is a VRF of 520 (0.52
1000 ¼ 520).
When product output measure is used to measure log volume, recov-
ery is always measured via product output in ft2 3⁄800 basis to bf log scale. If
a mill produces 2750 ft2 3⁄800 basis of plywood from 1000 bf of logs, the
recovery is 2.75 (2750 7 1000 ¼ 2.75).
The focus of this section will be on the measure of recovery for veneer
that has been rotary peeled with a lathe and laid up into plywood panels.
Veneer is also produced by ‘slicing’, which is used extensively for expen-
sive face-quality veneer. Slicing can produce very thin veneer (0.2 mm
[0.00800 ]); it is easier to match grain patterns when composing faces, and
clear veneer can be made from clear areas of a log even when the other
side of the log has knots or blemishes. Often slicing operations utilize
flitches, cants and even lumber as raw materials. While we will not be
covering the dynamics of veneer recovery from slicing specifically, keep
in mind that many of the same basic concepts and trends that apply to
rotary peeled veneer also apply to sliced veneer.

ßM.A. Fonseca 2005. The Measurement of Roundwood: Methodologies

and Conversion Ratios (M.A. Fonseca) 159
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160 Chapter 7

7.1 Measuring Plywood and Veneer Volume

Plywood and veneer are measured via surface measure (square area),
cubic volume and quantified surface measure (ft2 3⁄800 basis, or m2 1 mm
basis). Excepting surface measure, all units can be accurately quantified
and converted.
Traditionally in North America, plywood and veneer have been meas-
ured on what is called surface measure, e.g. a 40
80 piece of veneer or
plywood contains 32 ft2 surface measure. Because veneer is often peeled in
different thicknesses and plywood is made into panels of different thick-
ness, surface measure does not indicate volume, only surface area. In order
to put ‘surface measure’ into a relative unit of measure that indicates
volume, measurements are harmonized by putting everything on a relative
equivalent thickness of 3⁄800 . A ft2 3⁄800 is defined as being the equivalent
of a piece of wood 10
10
3⁄800 , or volumetrically speaking it is
0:03125 ft3 (0:000885 m3 ). This concept is similar to the ‘bf’ used for meas-
uring lumber volume except that rather than being 100 thick, the ft2 is 0.37500
thick, and rather than nominal sizing (which can vary greatly in lumber as
to the degree of nominalization), measurements are based on actual size
when the finished product is measured, with a small plus or minus toler-
ance. The formula for determining the ft2 (3⁄800 basis) is:
ft2 3/8 00 ¼ width in feet
length in feet
thickness in inches  0:375
For example, ft2 3⁄800 for a sheet of plywood measuring 40
80
5⁄800 is
calculated as follows:
4
8
0:625  0:375 ¼ 53:33 ft2 3/8 00 basis
In most of the world, outside of North America, plywood and veneer are
measured in cubic volume (m3 ) or surface measure (m2 1 mm basis)
(Briggs, 1994). A m2 1 mm basis is equal to a sheet of veneer that is 1 m

1 m
1 mm thick, or volumetrically it is 0:001 m3 (0:035315 ft3 ). Note
that there are 1000 m2 on a 1 mm basis in a m3 and that the volume of a
ft2 3⁄800 basis is 11.5% smaller than that of a m2 1 mm basis. The formula for
determining the m2 1 mm basis is:
m2 1 mm ¼ width in metres
length in metres
thickness in millimetres
For example, m2 1 mm for a sheet of plywood measuring 1.22 m
2.44 m

8 mm is calculated as follows:
1:22
2:44
8 ¼ 23:814 m2 1 mm basis

7.2 Factors Affecting Plywood and Veneer Recovery

7.2.1 Milling efficiency

Veneer and plywood plants tend to be quite automated. Many of the

machines perform their functions with scanners and photocells rather
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Metrics of Plywood/Veneer Recovery 161

than human command. Listed below is a brief summary of some of the

manufacturing functions that commonly affect recovery:

Green target sizing: Like lumber, veneer is dried, resulting in shrinkage.

In addition, veneer is glued into plies to form plywood, and thus a certain
amount of extra material is required to allow for some misalignments
during the lay-up process. Lastly, plywood is often finished via a sander,
requiring extra thickness for finishing.

Size control is quite important to ensure proper veneer thickness and thus
maximum recovery. There is always some variation in peel thickness,
which causes a certain degree of ‘oversizing’ to prevent undersize.

Core size plays an important role in recovery. Obviously, the smaller the
core, the greater the potential amount of wood for making veneer. There
is, however, some discussion as to whether the quality of the veneer
obtained when the core goes below 3.400 (8.6 cm) is worth recovering, in
lieu of selling the core as a product (post, landscape timber) or chipping
the core to obtain chip value.

Centring the peeler block on the lathe chucks is typically accomplished

with a piece of equipment called the XY charger. It normally rotates the
log, scans its shape and then positions it on the chucks to obtain optimum
recovery; obviously if it is not calibrated and performing properly, recov-
ery will suffer.

Clipping the veneer is normally accomplished with a knife that cuts the
moving ribbon of veneer into: (i) uniform sized sheets at preset intervals
(commonly around 5100 or 1.3 m), or (ii) sections of usable ‘strip’ veneer
which fall between defects that are removed by the clipper. Correct
optical readings and calibration of cuts and feed speeds are tantamount
to obtaining good recovery, as is the separation and gathering of good strip
and fishtail veneer from the defects that were clipped out.

Waste gate operation and outfeed belt speed: The waste gate is normally
held open while the peeler block is going through the ‘round-up’ process
or when there is defective veneer not worth saving. Obviously any good
veneer that is sent under the waste gate is a loss of recovery, and the waste
gate in tandem with the outfeed belt can create wrinkled veneer ribbon,
which will normally be clipped out (again wasting good veneer).

7.2.2 Log characteristics

7.2.2.1 Diameter
Recovery tends upward steeply in the smaller diameters.
CUBIC SCALED LOGS.
In the case of rotary produced veneer, it is not a result of slab loss as it is
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 007 Final Proof page 162 20.9.2005 1:45pm

162 Chapter 7

with lumber (although in sliced veneer it is a factor), but rather due to the
fact that core size is generally constant regardless of log size, e.g. a 3.400
(8.6 cm) diameter core is a bigger percentage of a 600 (15 cm) log than it is
of a 2600 d (66 cm) log. This same principle continues with round-up loss.
Given that taper is more a function of log position in the tree, species,
growing site conditions and stocking levels (as opposed to diameter),
taper rates (inches/ft, cm/m) tend to be similar between small logs and
large logs. This means that small logs will have higher percentage of the
total volume sent to the waste gate before round-up (causing lower
recovery). Further reductions to recovery result from logs that are less
round and more elliptical in shape (again creating more round-up loss).

The same general trends that are mentioned in

PRODUCT OUTPUT SCALED LOGS.
Section 6.2.2.1 concerning the effects of diameter on lumber recovery
hold true with plywood and veneer as well.

7.2.2.2 Length
The same trends mentioned in Section 6.2.2.2 regarding the effect of
length on lumber recovery are true for veneer and plywood recovery for
both cubic and product output scaled logs. However, there are additional
factors to consider, such as length which is bucked off logs at the chop
saw (and chipped), or which is trimmed off the veneer (as it is extra).
Often logs are presented in lengths that are not entirely utilizable for
peeling, e.g. a mill may only have a lathe that is capable of peeling log
blocks which are 8.33–8.750 long (2.54–2.67 m), and thus a log which is
12.50 (3.81 m) will result in a substantial loss of potential recovery. Even
when peeler logs are presented in the preferred lengths, there is com-
monly an additional 9.4% of length and thus volume, which does not
make it into the finished product, compared to a typical 3.0% for saw
logs. Of course, additional length (trim allowance) is needed, but any-
thing that can be done to reduce it will improve recovery.

7.2.2.3 Taper
Again, the trends outlined in Section 6.2.2.3 regarding lumber recovery
and taper are relevant to veneer and plywood productions. Figure 7.1
shows the effects of taper on plywood/veneer recovery.

7.2.2.4 Log defects

While the trends mentioned in Section 6.2.2.4 are applicable to veneer
and plywood production as well, there are additional variables intro-
duced by defect. Namely, since most rotary peeled logs need to be grasped
firmly on each end in order to spin the log, any unsound or damaged
wood in these areas can render the log block unchuckable and therefore
unusable. Also, as a result of the nature of rotary peeling, defects that may
affect only a small area of the log (scars, heart checks, large knots, knot
clusters, etc.) may end up causing severe losses as a result of the fact that
the veneer ribbon repeats the defect over and over again, and despite the
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Metrics of Plywood/Veneer Recovery 163

Taper in 5.33 m (cm)

2.5 5.1 7.6 10.2

BF 8
(20 cm)
30 BF 10
(25 cm)
BF 14
(36 cm)
BF 20
(51 cm) 25.5
CF 8
(20 cm)
20 CF 10
(25 cm) 16.4 18.9
Recovery change (%)

CF 14
(36 cm)

12.2
CF 20
(51 cm) 12.7
10 7.8
5.8 8.3 8.4
4.1 5.7
2.7
0 0 −2.0
−3.1 −4.5
−4.4 −6.2 −6.4
−4.7 −8.2
−8.8
−10 −8.7 −11.5
−12.8

−20
1 2 3 4
Taper in 17.5' (inches)
Note: 17.5 (5.33 m) log length assumed and s.e.d of 8
, 10
14
, 20
(20, 25, 36, 51 cm). CF is cubic foot;
BF is Scribner Short Log.
Source: Calculated by the author, using own data.

Fig. 7.1. Effects on plywood recovery from taper in cubic and board foot scaled logs (% change
in recovery for taper exceeding 100 in 17.500 (2.5 cm in 5.33 m)).

fact that good veneer may reside adjacent to the defect, it may not be
possible to salvage it.
Log checks (surface and end checks) result from storage of logs and
the resulting drying effect on the wood. This situation can be especially
bad given that these defects are not normally accounted for via scaling
defect (they normally occur after the log has been scaled). This defect is
more common now than in the past, owing to the mechanized log harvest-
ing equipment, which can remove large areas of bark increasing the
drying effects on the wood. Keeping logs stored for only short periods or
keeping them wet by submersion and/or sprinkling of water are solutions.
Neglecting this issue will seriously reduce recovery opportunities.

7.2.2.5 Wood property issues

The wood property dynamics discussed in Section 6.2.2.5 similarly affect
veneer and plywood. Shrinkage becomes even more important for veneer
and plywood given that veneer is commonly dried to about 6% mc,
increasing the amount of shrinkage relative to lumber.
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164 Chapter 7

As a result of wood characteristics (moisture content, density, cell

structure, etc.), some species are prone to producing veneer that is brittle
and breaks in the handling and layout process (especially when rotary
peeling), and thus give less recoverable veneer. Some of these wood
property issues are minimized through the conditioning of peeler logs
with warm water or steam (commonly to temperatures of 30–558C).

7.3 Plywood and Veneer Recovery Trends by Log Size

and Scaling Method

These data were based on numerous ‘return to log’ studies, and in the
author’s opinion the mills had above average milling practices. Like the
lumber recovery data, it is more important to focus on the relative recov-
ery rates by log size than on the absolute recovery numbers, which vary
substantially from one mill to another owing to the variables listed in
Section 7.2. The recovery numbers are for finished plywood. If one wants
to approximate the percent recovery of just veneer, add the dry fibre chip
loss percentage from Table 7.1 to the plywood recovery percentage.

7.3.1 Cubic scaled logs

The data shown in Table 7.1 and illustrated in Fig. 7.2 show a very
smooth and predictable progression through the diameter classes. Note
that recovery percentages will add up to 100% when using the BC Firm-
wood percentage of product recovery, but do not when using the USFS
Cubic Log Scale.

7.3.2 Product output scaled logs

The Scribner Long Log recovery trends were calculated using the proced-
ures listed in Section 6.3.2. Taper is assumed to be 0.11400 /ft. (0.952 cm/
m). The recoveries shown in Table 7.2 and Fig. 7.3 are calculated from the
cubic recoveries in Table 7.1 using the cubic log scale to product output
rule ratios on a segment basis from the logs in Table A.1.M.
When reviewing Table 7.2 and Fig. 7.3, note the predictable recovery
trends shown by the International 1⁄4-Inch Rule. Given that at least in
principle there are 2:67 ft2 3⁄800 equivalent in a bf of lumber, it is interesting
to note how close the International 1⁄4-Inch comes to this number for most
of the diameters. Doyle recovery is only given for 800 and larger diameters.
As with lumber, the two Scribner rules have the most erratic recovery
trends, although it should be noted that it is not too common for logs
under 800 to be peeled, and thus when looking at the recovery trend for
logs of 8–3000 , the trend is fairly linear and predictable for Scribner Short
Log, and the Scribner Long Log trend is much improved.
Table 7.1. Plywood recovery by small-end diameter (SED) of cubically scaled logs.

USFS CF BC Firmwood
SED Plywood recovery Plywood recovery
Log core Green chip loss Shrinkage Dry fibre chip loss
cm inches VRF ft2 /ft3 % VRF ft2 /m3 % % % % %

13 5 11.3 35.5 368 32.6 30.5 28.9 4.2 3.8

15 6 13.3 41.5 431 38.2 22.5 27.8 5.1 6.4
18 7 14.6 45.5 472 41.8 17.2 27.0 5.7 8.3
20 8 15.5 48.5 509 45.1 13.6 26.4 6.1 8.8
23 9 16.2 50.6 531 47.0 11.1 25.8 6.4 9.7
Metrics of Plywood/Veneer Recovery

25 10 16.8 52.4 551 48.7 9.2 25.3 6.7 10.1

28 11 17.2 53.7 563 49.8 7.7 25.0 6.8 10.7
30 12 17.6 54.9 586 51.8 6.6 24.8 7.0 9.8
33 13 17.8 55.8 596 52.7 5.7 24.4 7.1 10.1
36 14 18.0 56.4 602 53.3 4.9 24.1 7.2 10.5
38 15 18.3 57.3 612 54.1 4.3 24.1 7.3 10.2
41 16 18.5 57.9 631 55.9 3.8 24.0 7.4 8.9
43 17 18.7 58.5 638 56.5 3.4 23.8 7.4 8.9
46 18 18.8 58.8 641 56.7 3.1 23.7 7.5 9.0
48 19 19.0 59.4 648 57.3 2.8 23.5 7.5 8.9
51 20 19.1 59.7 651 57.6 2.5 23.4 7.6 8.9
53 21 19.2 60.0 655 57.9 2.3 23.3 7.6 8.9
56 22 19.4 60.6 661 58.5 2.1 23.2 7.6 8.6
58 23 19.5 60.9 664 58.8 1.9 23.1 7.7 8.5
61 24 19.6 61.2 668 59.1 1.8 23.0 7.7 8.4
64 25 19.7 61.5 671 59.4 1.6 22.9 7.7 8.4
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 007 Final Proof page 165 20.9.2005 1:45pm

66 26 19.8 61.8 674 59.7 1.5 22.9 7.7 8.2

69 27 19.9 62.1 678 60.0 1.4 22.8 7.8 8.0
71 28 19.9 62.1 678 60.0 1.3 22.7 7.8 8.2
74 29 20.0 62.4 681 60.3 1.2 22.7 7.8 8.0
76 30 20.1 62.7 684 60.6 1.2 22.7 7.8 7.7
165

Note: Core assumed to be 3.400 (8.6 cm) in diameter, log length assumed to be 5.33 m (170 600 ). *Square feet 3⁄800 basis.
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 007 Final Proof page 166 20.9.2005 1:45pm

166 Chapter 7

SED (cm)
13 15 18 20 23 25 28 30 33 36 38 41 43 46 48 51 53 56 58 61 64 66 69 71 74 76
20.0
61
19.0 59
57
ft2 plywood (38" basis)/ft3 log

18.0
55
17.0 53
51

% recovery
16.0
49
15.0 47
45
14.0 43
13.0 41
39
12.0 37
35
11.0
33
10.0 31
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
SED (inches)

Fig. 7.2. Plywood recovery by small-end diameter (SED) (BC Firmwood).

Table 7.2. Plywood recovery by small-end diameter (SED) of product output scaled logs
(ft 2 plywood/bf log).
SED
inches cm Scribner SL Scribner LL Doyle International 1⁄4-Inch

5 13 2.12 3.31 3.48

6 15 3.10 3.66 2.87
7 18 2.95 4.58 2.74
8 20 3.74 4.53 6.30 2.79
9 23 3.58 4.29 4.92 2.72
10 25 3.29 4.53 4.35 2.75
11 28 3.30 4.85 4.00 2.63
12 30 3.31 4.09 3.79 2.74
13 33 3.15 3.77 3.51 2.65
14 36 3.12 3.86 3.36 2.59
15 38 2.87 3.60 3.06 2.58
16 41 2.97 3.69 3.10 2.62
17 43 2.86 3.68 3.04 2.52
18 46 2.72 3.35 2.88 2.50
19 48 2.72 3.42 2.85 2.48
20 51 2.66 3.36 2.88 2.52
21 53 2.60 2.95 2.74 2.45
22 56 2.71 3.12 2.80 2.55
23 58 2.54 2.95 2.60 2.48
24 61 2.60 3.04 2.60 2.47
25 64 2.48 2.96 2.59 2.48
26 66 2.52 2.63 2.53 2.52
27 69 2.42 2.85 2.51 2.47
28 71 2.40 2.75 2.45 2.46
29 74 2.58 2.69 2.52 2.46
30 76 2.56 2.78 2.45 2.50
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Metrics of Plywood/Veneer Recovery 167

SED (cm)
13 15 18 20 23 25 28 30 33 36 38 41 43 46 48 51 53 56 58 61 64 66 69 71 74 76
6.50

6.00 Scribner SL Scribner LL

5.50 Doyle International ¼"

5.00
ft2 380/BF log

4.50

4.00

3.50

3.00

2.50

2.00
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
SED (inches)

Fig. 7.3. Plywood recovery by small-end diameter (SED), product output scaled logs.

Some of the same trends shown in Figs 6.6 and 6.8 regarding lumber
recovery by log length apply to veneer/plywood recovery as well; this
trend of recovery volatility is reduced for veneer/plywood recovery (es-
pecially for Scribner Short Log) as log lengths tend to be more consistent
as a result of common product lengths (peeler logs are commonly manu-
factured into length multiples of 8.750 (2.67 m).
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8 Metrics of Wood Chips and other

Residue Recovery from Logs

Wood chips, sawdust, shavings, bark and ‘hog fuel’ are all products that
are obtained either directly or indirectly from logs. In general, sawdust,
shavings and bark are produced as residual products from wood-manu-
facturing processes. Chips are also commonly produced as a residual
product, but wood chips can be made directly from logs as well. Hog
fuel is generally a loose classification for combustible wood residues that
are used to fire a boiler. At one time, most of these products were burned
in incinerators as a means of disposing of them. In recent times, however,
the demand for wood chips has reached a point where wood-chipping
operations can occasionally compete with sawmills for the smaller lower-
valued logs. Some products, namely oriented strand board (OSB), require
a particular sized chip, which primarily comes from roundwood as it is
difficult to obtain chips that are good for the manufacture of OSB from
residual produced chips.

8.1 Units of Measure

As these products start out as solid wood, become loose particles, are
dried and are often compressed into products more or less dense than
solid wood, it is a challenge to find a relevant unit of measure that is
meaningful for all of the changes to volumetric area and weight.
Wood chips, residues and bark can be measured in volumetric units
or by weight. Although weight can be straightforward, it is highly affected
by contained moisture. Obviously wood residues can have tremendous
variability in moisture content due to species variability, heartwood vs.
sapwood, seasonality, drying in storage, wood residue from green vs. dry
wood, etc. Moisture can even be introduced on stockpiled residuals, and
is often added to sawdust with a water spray used to keep the saws cool
and the sawdust from becoming airborne. Actual usable wood chip and
residue volume vs. displaced volume is also quite variable, depending on
compaction (and degree of compaction is often linked to weight). An old
unit of volume for measuring wood is the ‘unit’, which was simply 200 ft3
of wood chips, residues or bark.
ßM.A. Fonseca 2005. The Measurement of Roundwood: Methodologies
and Conversion Ratios (M.A. Fonseca) 169
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170 Chapter 8

A unit of measure that seems to suit the aforementioned needs is BD

weight. In simple terms, it is the weight of the product with all the
moisture removed. There are a number of methods for determining BD
weight, but normally it is determined by taking a representative sample of
the wood fibre, establishing its weight in the green state, heating it in a
pan at approximately 1038C (2178F) until the weight stabilizes because all
the moisture is gone. The BD weight of the sample is then divided by the
green weight to establish a ratio to apply to the non-sampled population.
For example, a truckload of wood chips with a net weight of 32,200 kg
(71,000 lb) is sampled; the chip sample has a green weight of 922 g and a
BD weight 497 g:
(497
922) ¼ 53:9% fibre content; 0:539  71,000 ¼ 17,356 kg (38,269 lb)
of BD weight in the load

Rather than using pounds or kilograms, weight is usually reflected in the

following units of measure:
. Bone-dry unit (BDU), 2400 lb (1088 kg) of BD fibre.
. Bone-dry ton (BDT), 1 t or 2000 lb (907 kg) of BD fibre.
. Bone-dry metric tonne (BDMT), 1 MT or 1000 kg (2205 lb) of BD fibre.
In the above example, the load of chips would contain 15.945 BDU,
19.135 BDT, or 17.356 BDMT.
As discussed briefly in Section 5.1.2, SG is another way of presenting
the BD weight of material reflected as the decimal representation of its
weight (generally measured in volume when green, but weighed at 0%
moisture) against the weight of the same volume of water (water weighs
62:4 lb=ft3 or 1000 kg=m3 ). Often in metric countries, it is referred to as
‘basic density’ rather than SG, with a basic density of 540 kg being the
same as SG of 0.54. If volume is measured when dried, wood will have a
higher SG than if measured when green, as the volume will be less due to
shrinkage, but the BD weight will be the same.
For example, one wants to estimate the weight of lumber that has had
the volume measured after it has been dried to 19% mc. The wood is from
a tree species listed as having a SG of 0.45; the volumetric shrinkage at the
moisture content in question (e.g. 19% for finished lumber) is determined
to be 4.5% by using the information and methods in Section 6.2.2.5 and
Table 6.5 on p. 144 to determine shrinkage. The formula is: specific
gravity
(1  shrinkage represented as a decimal) ¼ SG adjusted for
shrinkage, i.e. 0:45
(1  0:045) ¼ 0:471.
3
With an SG of 0.471, the BD weight would be 29:4 lb=ft3 (471 kg=m ).
3
Since the wood has 19% mc (0:19  29:4 ¼ 5:6 lb=ft of moisture
(89 kg=m3 )), the weight of the wood is estimated to be 35 lb=ft3
(560 kg=m3 ) or 2.0 lbs/bf using an estimated 17:5 bf=ft3 for dimension
lumber (taken from Table 6.4).
If one knows the SG of a material, it is easy to determine the volume-
to-BD measure ratios, such as ft3 =BDU or m3 =BDMT. The green weight-
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 008 Final Proof page 171 20.9.2005 1:48pm

Metrics of Wood Chips and Residue Recovery 171

to-volume ratio can be used to determine green weight-to-BD weight

ratios. The formulas for converting SG to other BD measures are as follows:
ft3 =BDU ¼ 2400
(SG  62:4)
Green ton=BDU ¼
ft3 =BDU  lb=green ft3
2000
m3 =BDU ¼ 2400
(SG  2205) Green tonne=BDU ¼
m3 =BDU  kg=green m3
1000
3
ft =BDT ¼ 2000
(SG  62:4) Green ton=BDT ¼
ft3 =BDT  lb=green ft3
2000
m3 =BDMT ¼ 1000
(SG  1000) Green tonne=BDMT ¼
m3 =BDMT  kg=green m3
1000
Table 8.1 lists the average BD weight of some common North American
timber species by both green weight (including bark) and volume (wood
only). A more complete listing of BD volume and weight conversions can
be found in Table A.2.B. Note that even amongst conifers, there is great
variation in log volume-to-BDU ratios, e.g. Long leaf pine ¼ 71:2 ft3 =BDU
vs. Western red cedar ¼ 124:1 ft3 =BDU, and significant variation by green
log weight as well, e.g. Western larch ¼ 2:30 t=BDU vs. Ponderosa
pine ¼ 3:21 t=BDU.

8.2 Product Recovery

8.2.1 Chips

Chips are wood particles larger and thicker than sawdust or shavings that
are produced via a chipper head from larger pieces of wood or whole logs.
Chips are used in the manufacture of many products ranging from compost,
biofuels, decorative ground cover, paper, OSB and other products. The
chips utilized in OSB (strands) tend to be long and thin. As chips require
particular characteristics depending upon the end use, many things can
affect product recovery. Aside from issues of quality control, such as char,
presence of bark, dirt, etc., is the fact that wood chips by definition are large
particles of wood, and it is not possible to chip wood without making some
smaller particles (fines). Fines are simply undersized particles that are
generally removed from the process by the use of screening (the pieces
fall through the mesh of a screen). Fines can be generated due to many
different causes, some of which are dull chipper knifes, the presence of rot
in the wood, overly slow feed speeds of wood fibre into chipping heads, dry
wood, frozen wood, and high speed impacts of chips against other objects.
Overs (excessively large chips) are also problematic and can lead to re-
duced recovery if there is not a system for rechipping.
In general, if chipping equipment is set up properly, sound-green logs
should yield less than 5% fines, leaving 95%þ available chips. Dry wood
or wood containing rot may yield less.
Chips are often segregated into categories based on the characteristics
of the source species. Typical categories of chips include softwood,
hardwood, brown woods (dark coloration) and white woods (light
Table 8.1. Bone-dry weight and volume conversions for selected tree species of North America.
172

Green with
bark kg=m3
Green with
bark lbs=ft3
Specific gravity
(green volume)
BD weight
kg=m3
BD weight
lbs=ft3
ft3 =BDU*
m3 =BDU*
ft3 =BDT*
m3 =BDMT*
Ton/BDU**
Tonne/BDU**
Ton/BDT**
Tonne/BDMT

Common name Latin name

North American conifers

Balsam fir Abies balsamea 864.1 54.0 0.33 330.0 20.6 116.6 3.30 97.1 3.03 3.14 2.85 2.62
White fir Abies concolor 1034.1 64.6 0.37 370.0 23.1 104.0 2.94 86.6 2.70 3.36 3.05 2.80
Grand fir Abies grandis 884.6 55.2 0.35 350.0 21.8 109.9 3.11 91.6 2.86 3.03 2.75 2.53
Subalpine fir Abies lasiocarpa 756.5 47.2 0.31 310.0 19.3 124.1 3.51 103.4 3.23 2.93 2.66 2.44
Tamarack Larix laricina 951.7 59.4 0.49 490.0 30.6 78.5 2.22 65.4 2.04 2.33 2.12 1.94
Western larch Larix occidentalis 921.4 57.5 0.48 480.0 30.0 80.1 2.27 66.8 2.08 2.30 2.09 1.92
Engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii 927.3 57.9 0.33 330.0 20.6 116.6 3.30 97.1 3.03 3.37 3.06 2.81
White spruce Picea glauca 797.7 49.8 0.33 330.0 20.6 116.6 3.30 97.1 3.03 2.90 2.63 2.42
Black spruce Picea mariana 848.8 53.0 0.38 380.0 23.7 101.2 2.86 84.3 2.63 2.68 2.43 2.24
Sitka spruce Picea sitchensis 840.0 52.4 0.37 370.0 23.1 104.0 2.94 86.6 2.70 2.73 2.47 2.27
Jack pine Pinus banksiana 861.7 53.8 0.40 400.0 25.0 96.2 2.72 80.1 2.50 2.59 2.35 2.16
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta 905.2 56.5 0.38 380.0 23.7 101.2 2.86 84.3 2.63 2.86 2.59 2.38
Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata 1025.0 64.0 0.47 470.0 29.3 81.8 2.32 68.2 2.13 2.62 2.38 2.18
Slash pine Pinus elliottii 1039.5 64.9 0.54 540.0 33.7 71.2 2.02 59.4 1.85 2.31 2.10 1.93
Limber pine Pinus flexilis 930.2 58.1 0.37 370.0 23.1 104.0 2.94 86.6 2.70 3.02 2.74 2.52
Western white pine Pinus monticola 842.5 52.6 0.35 350.0 21.8 109.9 3.11 91.6 2.86 2.89 2.62 2.41
Longleaf pine Pinus palustris 1140.3 71.2 0.54 540.0 33.7 71.2 2.02 59.4 1.85 2.54 2.30 2.11
Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa 1015.6 63.4 0.38 380.0 23.7 101.2 2.86 84.3 2.63 3.21 2.91 2.67
Monterey pine Pinus radiata 1042.8 65.1 0.40 400.0 25.0 96.2 2.72 80.1 2.50 3.13 2.84 2.61
Red pine Pinus resinosa 859.1 53.6 0.41 410.0 25.6 93.8 2.65 78.2 2.44 2.52 2.28 2.10
Eastern white pine Pinus strobus 839.9 52.4 0.34 340.0 21.2 113.1 3.20 94.3 2.94 2.97 2.69 2.47
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 008 Final Proof page 172 20.9.2005 1:48pm

Loblolly pine Pinus taeda 1026.6 64.1 0.47 470.0 29.3 81.8 2.32 68.2 2.13 2.62 2.38 2.19
Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii 950.8 59.4 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 2.54 2.30 2.11
Western red cedar Thuja plicata 621.1 38.8 0.31 310.0 19.3 124.1 3.51 103.4 3.23 2.41 2.18 2.00
Eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis 979.1 61.1 0.38 380.0 23.7 101.2 2.86 84.3 2.63 3.09 2.81 2.58
Western hemlock Tsuga heterophylla 942.8 58.9 0.42 420.0 26.2 91.6 2.59 76.3 2.38 2.70 2.44 2.25
Mountain hemlock Tsuga mertensiana 1073.0 67.0 0.42 420.0 26.2 91.6 2.59 76.3 2.38 3.07 2.78 2.56
Chapter 8
North American hardwoods
Red maple Acer rubrum 993.0 62.0 0.54 540.0 33.7 71.2 2.02 59.4 1.85 2.21 2.00 1.84
Soft maple Acer saccharinum 993.0 62.0 0.49 490.0 30.6 78.5 2.22 65.4 2.04 2.43 2.21 2.03
Hard maple Acer saccharum 1121.1 70.0 0.56 560.0 34.9 68.7 1.94 57.2 1.79 2.40 2.18 2.00
Yellow birch Betula alleghaniensis 1089.1 68.0 0.55 550.0 34.3 69.9 1.98 58.3 1.82 2.38 2.16 1.98
Paper birch Betula papyrifera 1009.0 63.0 0.48 480.0 30.0 80.1 2.27 66.8 2.08 2.52 2.29 2.10
Pecan hickory Carya illinoensis 1057.0 66.0 0.60 600.0 37.4 64.1 1.81 53.4 1.67 2.12 1.92 1.76
Hickory Carya spp. 1201.2 75.0 0.64 640.0 39.9 60.1 1.70 50.1 1.56 2.25 2.04 1.88
Hackberry Celtis spp. 961.0 60.0 0.49 490.0 30.6 78.5 2.22 65.4 2.04 2.35 2.14 1.96
American beech Fagus grandifolia 1025.0 64.0 0.56 560.0 34.9 68.7 1.94 57.2 1.79 2.20 1.99 1.83
White ash Fraxinus americana 961.0 60.0 0.54 540.0 33.7 71.2 2.02 59.4 1.85 2.14 1.94 1.78
Black ash Fraxinus nigra 912.9 57.0 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 2.44 2.21 2.03
Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvania 880.9 55.0 0.53 530.0 33.1 72.6 2.05 60.5 1.89 2.00 1.81 1.66
Butternut Juglans cinerea 832.8 52.0 0.36 360.0 22.5 106.8 3.02 89.0 2.78 2.78 2.52 2.31
Black walnut Juglans nigra 993.0 62.0 0.51 510.0 31.8 75.4 2.13 62.8 1.96 2.34 2.12 1.95
Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua 1121.1 70.0 0.48 480.0 30.0 80.1 2.27 66.8 2.08 2.80 2.54 2.34
Yellow poplar Liriodendron tulipifera 1025.0 64.0 0.44 440.0 27.5 87.4 2.47 72.8 2.27 2.80 2.54 2.33
Metrics of Wood Chips and Residue Recovery

Water tupelo Nyssa aquatica 944.9 59.0 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 2.52 2.29 2.10
Black gum Nyssa sylvatica 1041.0 65.0 0.48 480.0 30.0 80.1 2.27 66.8 2.08 2.60 2.36 2.17
Sycamore Platanus occidentalis 1089.1 68.0 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 2.91 2.64 2.42
Balsam poplar Populas balsamifera 993.0 62.0 0.37 370.0 23.1 104.0 2.94 86.6 2.70 3.22 2.92 2.69
Cottonwood Populus spp. 944.9 59.0 0.37 370.0 23.1 104.0 2.94 86.6 2.70 3.07 2.78 2.56
Aspen Populus tremuloides 944.9 59.0 0.39 390.0 24.3 98.6 2.79 82.2 2.56 2.91 2.64 2.42
Black cherry Prunus serotina 864.9 54.0 0.47 470.0 29.3 81.8 2.32 68.2 2.13 2.21 2.00 1.84
White oak Quercus alba 1185.2 74.0 0.64 640.0 39.9 60.1 1.70 50.1 1.56 2.22 2.02 1.85
Scarlet oak Quercus coccinea 1217.2 76.0 0.57 570.0 35.6 67.5 1.91 56.2 1.75 2.56 2.33 2.14
Laurel oak Quercus laurifolia 1249.2 78.0 0.59 590.0 36.8 65.2 1.84 54.3 1.69 2.54 2.31 2.12
Water oak Quercus nigra 1249.2 78.0 0.57 570.0 35.6 67.5 1.91 56.2 1.75 2.63 2.39 2.19
Chestnut oak Quercus prinus 1153.1 72.0 0.62 620.0 38.7 62.0 1.76 51.7 1.61 2.23 2.03 1.86
Post oak Quercus stellata 1185.2 74.0 0.64 640.0 39.9 60.1 1.70 50.1 1.56 2.22 2.02 1.85
Southern red oak Quercus falcata 1249.2 78.0 0.57 570.0 35.6 67.5 1.91 56.2 1.75 2.63 2.39 2.19
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 008 Final Proof page 173 20.9.2005 1:48pm

Black willow Salix nigra 896.9 56.0 0.34 340.0 21.2 113.1 3.20 94.3 2.94 3.17 2.87 2.64
American basswood Tilia americana 784.8 49.0 0.32 320.0 20.0 120.2 3.40 100.2 3.13 2.94 2.67 2.45
Elm Ulmus spp. 1089.1 68.0 0.46 460.0 28.7 83.6 2.37 69.7 2.17 2.84 2.58 2.37

Note: All volumetric units (ft3 , m3 ) measured in the green state prior to any shrinkage. Green weight to volume ratios for logs includes weight of bark, and volume of
wood only. Bone dry weight to volume ratios includes weight and volume of wood only.
*
Volume (ft, m3 ) is green log volume.
**
173

Ton and Tonne are for green logs weighed with bark.
Source: Calculated by the author from data taken from the sources listed at the end of Table A.2.A on p. 227.
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 008 Final Proof page 174 20.9.2005 1:48pm

174 Chapter 8

coloration). There are also differentiations made based on density, fibre

characteristics and even individual species when there are particular
physical, aesthetic or chemical features to account for.

8.2.1.1 Whole log chips

Estimation of chip recovery from whole logs is best accomplished if one
knows the BD content of wood fibre contained in the logs that will be
chipped. This could be obtained from historical data on timber with
similar parameters. Often, however, this type of data is not available,
and thus generic information such as that contained in Table 8.1 must
be utilized.
For example, assume that one would like to estimate the green tons
and cunits of logs needed per BDU (using the data in Table 8.1 or A.2.B),
with a mix of thinning logs that will be about 10% Western larch, 30%
Douglas fir, 50% Grand fir, and 10% Lodgepole pine.
Estimated log tons=BDU: (0:1  2:3) þ (0:3  2:54) þ (0:5  3:03) þ
(0:1  2:86) ¼ 2:79 log tons=BDU
Estimated log ft3 =BDU: (0:1  80:1) þ (0:3  85:5) þ (0:5  109:9) þ
(0:1  101:2) ¼ 98:73 ft3 =BDU
The metric calculation for the above example would be as follows:
Estimated log tonnes=BDMT: (0:1  1:92) þ (0:3  2:11) þ (0:5  2:53) þ
(0:1  2:38) ¼ 2:33 log tonnes=BDMT
Estimated log m3 =BDMT: (0:1  2:08) þ (0:3  2:22) þ (0:5  2:86) þ
(0:1  2:63) ¼ 2:57 m3 =BDMT
Adjustments to the above factors may be needed to account for loss of
recovery due to log breakage, or fines and overs that are taken out of the
system. It should also be kept in mind that all the factors listed in Chapter 5,
regarding roundwood weight and physical properties, will affect the accur-
acy of conversions, including the conversions listed in Tables 8.1 and A.2.B.

8.2.1.2 Residual wood chips

During the manufacture of many wood products (lumber, veneer, poles,
etc.) scrap wood is generated, e.g. slabs, edgings, trim ends, pieces of
veneer, peeler cores, cull veneer or lumber. During the historical devel-
opment of the forest products industry, it was discovered that these wood
scraps could be chipped and converted into a saleable product. In fact,
the revenue from chips alone is often quite substantial; commonly
chip revenues can constitute as much as 15% of gross revenues for a
sawmill. Obviously, the goal of most mills is to produce as little chips
as possible, thereby generating more of the primary products, which are
more profitable.
Because of the reasons listed above, many wood manufacturing facil-
ities closely monitor the production of chips, not only for the sake of
gaining insight into chip revenues but also as a cross-reference to primary
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 008 Final Proof page 175 20.9.2005 1:48pm

Metrics of Wood Chips and Residue Recovery 175

product recovery. When the lumber recovery is lesser or greater than

expected, conventional wisdom is to check chip production during the
same period to see if the inverse occurred with chip recovery.
The production ratio of residual chips can be estimated by combining
data from Tables 8.1 and 8.2; or for more size-specific data, from Tables
6.10–6.13 (if a sawmill) and from Table 7.1 (if a plywood or veneer mill). If
Table 8.1 does not list the cubic foot per bone-dry measure for the desired
species, it may be listed in Table A.2.B.
For example, assume that one wants to estimate the approximate BDU
or BDMT of chips generated per mbf or cubic metre lumber scale in a stud
mill with Douglas fir as the raw material:
BDU=mbf ¼ ft3 of chips from Table 8:2
ft3 =BDU from Table 8:1,
i:e: 38:8
85:5 ¼ 0:454 BDU=mbf lumber
metric calculation is: m3 chips per m3 lumber from Table 8:2
m3
per BDMT from Table 8:1, i:e: 0:70
2:22 m3 ¼ 0:315 BDMT=m3 lumber
Assume that one wants to estimate the approximate BDU of chips gener-
ated per mbf lumber scale in a stud mill with subalpine fir as the raw
material:
38:8
124:1 ¼ 0:313 BDU=mbf lumber
metric calculation is: 0:70 m3 chips per m3 lumber
3:23 m3
per BDMT ¼ 0:217 BDMT=m3 lumber
As can be seen in the above example, it would appear that while cutting
subalpine fir the production of wood chips falls by more than 31%, which
could lead to the incorrect assumption that the mill should have better

Table 8.2. Examples of residual product recovery by product type (solid wood equivalent
volume by log and products).

ft3 /mbf lumber m3 /m3 lumber

Log Lumber Chips Sawdust Shavings Log Lumber Chips Sawdust Shavings

Boards 139.9 56.6 44.6 16.6 18.3 2.47 1 0.79 0.29 0.32
Stud 115.7 55.6 38.8 8.6 9.5 2.08 1 0.70 0.15 0.17
Dimension 119.3 56.6 40.6 8.1 10.6 2.11 1 0.72 0.14 0.19
Hardwood 155.6 69.2 39.0 21.6 15.5 2.25 1 0.56 0.31 0.22

ft3 /msf plywood m3 /m3 plywood

Log Plywood Chips Core Dry fibre Log Plywood Chips Core Dry fibre

Plywood 62.5 31.3 15.6 4.7 7.2 2.00 1 0.50 0.15 0.23

Note: These figures are calculated from data in Chapters 6 and 7 and may not apply to any one individual
operation. Lumber and residual volume will not add up to log volume on account of lumber shrinkage and
rounding. Plywood dry fibre recovery will contain some sanding dust, usable dry chips, and dry chips
contaminated by glue; the ratio will be dependent on the operation.
Source: Calculated by the author.
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 008 Final Proof page 176 20.9.2005 1:48pm

176 Chapter 8

recovery of the primary product (lumber). In fact, the mill is operating at

the exact efficiency level with both Douglas fir and subalpine fir. Sub-
alpine fir is a species with very low density, and thus the BD fibre weight
of a given volume is very low.
Another good use for the BD measure ratios listed in Table 8.1 or
Table A.2.B is to calculate if boards of a given grade are worth further
processing or should be chipped.
For example, assume that the price for #5 common grade Western
larch lumber is $100 mbf, and the downstream (from the sawmill) manu-
facturing costs to cover drying, surfacing and handling average to $62/
mbf, which leaves a net return from this point forward of about $38/mbf
(this does not include any cost for the log or any upstream manufacturing
and handling). Appearance boards having a ratio of 12:90 : 13:44 bf=ft3 for
green lumber cut to the GTS (with an approximate 13.1 average) would
yield 76:3 ft3 =mbf lumber; dividing 76.3 by the cubic feet per BDU for
Western larch (from Table 8.1) gives the number of BDUs in an mbf of
lumber. Assuming a chip price of $56/BDU, this example would yield:
76:3
80:1 ¼ 0:95 BDU=mbf; 0:95  $56 ¼ $53:20
This represents an improvement in value of $15.20/mbf, or 40% over the
value if made into lumber. Of course, this is a simplified example. There
are some incremental costs in chipping, and there may be a percentage of
loss due to fines; nevertheless, given the variables listed in this example,
it would seem safe to assume that #5 common larch lumber should be sent
to the chipper.

8.2.2 Sawdust

Sawdust is the wood fibre that is removed via the saws in the mill.
The particles tend to be quite small with a consistency similar to coffee
grounds. The amount of sawdust removed is controlled primarily by
the thickness of the saw blade (see Section 6.2.1.1), the number of cuts
made and whether or not the mill utilizes slabbers (chipping heads that
grind slabs and edgings into chips rather than sawing them).
Sawdust is used for making some paper products (generally as a com-
ponent in lower grades of paper), as a component in fibreboard and some
particleboards, as a source of fuel and raw materials for making heating
pellets and as other miscellaneous items such as livestock bedding and
compost. Sawdust is generally of significantly lower value than chips.
As can be seen in Table 8.2 or Tables 6.6–6.9, board and hardwood
mills produce significantly more sawdust than do stud or dimension
mills. This is because board mills primarily produce 100 thick lumber, and
hardwood mills, which also commonly favour 100 lumber, generally use
thicker saws.
The procedures for calculating sawdust production per lumber or log
volume is the same as for chips: divide volume of sawdust per mbf or m3
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 008 Final Proof page 177 20.9.2005 1:48pm

Metrics of Wood Chips and Residue Recovery 177

(from Table 8.2) by the desired volume (ft3 or m3 ) per BD measure (from
Table 8.1) to calculate approximate ratios per lumber or log volume.
To roughly approximate the solid wood equivalent sawdust produc-
tion volume, one can estimate the surface area of an mbf or cubic metre of
a particular type of lumber, and multiply it by one half the average
sawkerf. Unfortunately, this method will underestimate sawdust produc-
tion in a mill without slabbers, as slabs and edgings have surface area cut
by a saw (which will not be accounted for), and may overestimate sawdust
volume in mills with slabbers as some of the surface area of lumber was
created via the slabber heads (which create chips rather than sawdust). In
addition, quite a bit of lumber is trimmed back and even sent to the
chipper (in the case of cull). Further complicating the use of a theoretical
approach is the fact that small logs have a much higher percentage of
volume in slabs relative to large logs, making it difficult to use an assumed
ratio for unaccounted for, sawn or chipped slabs.

8.2.3 Shavings

Shavings comprise wood fibre that is removed from lumber via planer
knives. The planing process serves two primary functions: (i) it provides a
smooth finish to the wood; and (ii) it sizes the wood so that each piece is
of the desired thickness and/or width. Planing generally occurs after the
wood is dried (to remove the effects of shrinkage).
Planer shavings are used for the same applications as sawdust, but
have the added advantage of longer fibre lengths (which can give more
strength to composed products), and typically have a lower moisture
content, which can be a disadvantage for some products.
If one is using the average dried dimensions out of the kiln vs. the
finished size out of the planer to establish the solid wood equivalent cubic
volume of shavings to estimate BD quantity, the SG or volume to BD weight
measure (BDU, BDT, BDMT) will need to be adjusted to account for the
increased density resulting from shrinkage (see Section 8.1).

8.2.4 Bark

Tree bark sees most of its use as fuel for boilers, and as a ground treatment
for landscaping and mulch. Most bark is utilized from the debarking
systems at mills. Generally, the bark is removed, conveyed into a hog (a
machine that pulverizes the bark fragments into smaller, easier-to-convey
sizes) and concentrated into a bin for eventual transport or use in a boiler.
Roughly, 10% of the weight and volume of softwoods and 13% of the
weight and volume of a hardwood log consist of bark. These percentages
can vary substantially from one species to another (Table 8.3). Note that
the data on bark quantity which is shown in Table 8.3 gives the percent-
age of total log weight for bark, but lists the percentage of volume relative
 178

Table 8.3. Physical characteristics and heat content of common North American tree species.

Wood lbs=ft3 *
Wood specific
gravity
(green m3 )
Wood heating
value BTU/lb
Wood gigajoules
per tonne
Bark %
log weight
(bark & wood)
Bark %
log wood
volume
Bark lbs=ft3 **
Bark specific
gravity
(green m3 )
Bark heating
value BTU/lb

Common name Latin name

Conifers
Balsam fir Abies balsamea 48.2 0.33 — — 10.7 15.0 53.0 0.38 9339
Grand fir Abies grandis 48.8 0.35 8150 18.99 11.7 14.3 45.1 0.54 —
Subalpine fir Abies lasiocarpa 39.9 0.31 — — 15.5 15.7 46.7 — —
Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana 43.0 0.44 — — 10.0 12.0 40.0 0.54 —
Tamarack Larix laricina 55.0 0.49 — — 7.4 13.0 34.0 0.30 9010
Western larch Larix occidentalis 51.7 0.48 — — 10.1 19.5 29.9 0.44 8750
Engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii 51.5 0.33 — — 11.0 13.0 48.8 0.48 8820
White spruce Picea glauca 46.2 0.37 — — 7.3 10.0 36.0 0.29 8530
Black spruce Picea mariana 49.2 0.38 — — 7.2 14.0 27.3 0.38 8782
Jack pine Pinus banksiana 47.0 0.40 — — 12.6 17.0 40.0 0.34 9339
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta 53.5 0.38 8600 20.04 5.4 6.0 50.7 0.46 9382
Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata 58.0 0.47 — — 9.4 15.0 40.0 0.32 9319
Slash pine Pinus elliottii 58.9 0.54 — — 9.2 15.0 40.0 0.32 9327
Western white pine Pinus monticola 46.1 0.35 9610 22.39 12.4 0.0 43.5 0.49 —
Longleaf pine Pinus palustris 65.2 0.54 — — 8.4 15.0 40.0 0.32 9130
Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa 56.0 0.38 9120 21.25 11.7 20.3 33.6 0.34 9616
Red pine Pinus resinosa 49.0 0.41 — — 8.7 16.0 29.0 0.24 9070
Eastern white pine Pinus strobus 43.0 0.34 — — 18.0 16.0 59.0 0.37 9647
Loblolly pine Pinus taeda 58.1 0.47 — — 9.4 15.0 40.0 0.32 9320
Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii 51.2 0.45 8910 20.76 13.7 20.1 40.5 0.44 9962
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 008 Final Proof page 178 20.9.2005 1:48pm

Bald cypress Taxodium distichum 57.0 0.42 — — 11.1 13.0 55.0 0.40 —
Northern white cedar Thuja occidentalis 36.0 0.29 9070 21.13 11.2 12.0 38.0 0.30 —
Western red cedar Thuja plicata 34.2 0.31 9700 22.60 11.8 12.6 36.2 0.37 8700
Eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis 50.0 0.38 8500 19.81 18.2 21.0 53.0 0.40 9348
Western hemlock Tsuga heterophylla 53.5 0.42 — — 9.2 10.3 52.6 0.50 9297
Mountain hemlock Tsuga mertensiana 56.9 0.42 — — 15.0 25.1 40.0 — —
Chapter 8
Hardwoods
Soft maple Acer saccharinum 55.0 0.49 — — 11.2 12.0 40.0 0.52 8293
Hard maple Acer saccharum 62.7 0.56 — — 10.5 12.0 61.0 0.54 8230
Yellow birch Betula alleghaniensis 60.4 0.55 — — 11.1 12.0 63.0 0.56 9548
Paper birch Betula papyrifera 53.7 0.48 9340 21.76 14.7 16.0 58.0 0.51 10,310
Pecan hickory Carya illinoensis 58.8 0.60 — — 11.6 13.0 59.0 0.60 —
Hickory Carya spp. 62.3 0.64 — — 17.0 17.0 61.0 0.60 8423
Hackberry Celtis spp. 52.1 0.49 — — 13.3 15.0 53.0 0.49 —
American beech Fagus grandifolia 59.8 0.56 — — 6.6 7.0 60.0 0.56 7993
White ash Fraxinus americana 54.6 0.54 9630 22.44 9.1 16.0 34.0 0.34 8453
Black ash Fraxinus nigra 50.0 0.45 — — 12.3 14.0 50.0 0.45 —
Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvania 48.5 0.53 — — 11.8 13.0 50.0 0.40 8367
Butternut Juglans cinerea 44.5 0.36 — — 14.4 15.0 50.0 0.40 —
Black walnut Juglans nigra 57.4 0.51 — — 7.5 15.0 31.0 0.28 —
Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua 61.6 0.48 — — 12.0 11.0 61.0 0.46 7650
Yellow poplar Liriodendron tulipifera 56.1 0.44 — — 12.4 15.0 53.0 0.40 8956
Metrics of Wood Chips and Residue Recovery

Water tupelo Nyssa aquatica 52.5 0.45 — — 11.0 11.0 — 0.35 —

Black gum Nyssa sylvatica 57.9 0.48 — — 11.0 12.0 58.0 0.42 8412
Sycamore Platanus occidentalis 65.3 0.45 — — 4.0 4.6 56.0 0.58 7877
Cottonwood Populus spp. 50.2 0.37 9630 22.44 15.0 15.0 59.0 0.43 8765
Aspen Populus tremuloides 47.8 0.39 — — 18.9 18.0 62.0 0.50 8712
Black cherry Prunus serotina 48.9 0.47 — — 9.4 10.0 51.0 0.48 —
White oak Quercus alba 66.6 0.64 9510 22.16 10.0 11.0 53.0 0.61 7450
Water oak Quercus nigra 68.0 0.57 — — 12.8 13.0 — 0.69 8340
Southern red oak Quercus falcata 64.7 0.57 9360 21.81 17.0 20.0 74.0 0.68 8371
Black willow Salix nigra 46.6 0.34 — — 16.9 16.0 59.0 0.43 7648
Elm Ulmus spp. 61.1 0.46 — — 10.1 14.0 34.0 0.45 7385

*Green without bark.

**Green state.
Source: Heat values: Ince, 1979; Hartman et al., 1976.
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 008 Final Proof page 179 20.9.2005 1:48pm

179
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 008 Final Proof page 180 20.9.2005 1:48pm

180 Chapter 8

to wood volume only. This is because log volume is usually given for just
the volume of wood. To determine the percentage of bark volume to the
entire log volume (wood and bark), use the following formula:
Bark % of wood plus volume ¼ Bark % of wood
(100 þ bark % of wood)
If one is trying to estimate available bark yield at a wood-manufacturing
facility, be very careful not to assume that the total percentages listed in
Table 8.3 would be available at the debarker. Often, because of log hand-
ling, some bark is inadvertently stripped off in the woods and upon
arrival at the wood-processing facility. The ratio of missing bark will
change by species, log handling equipment and season of the year.

8.2.5 Residual wood fibre-to-product ratios

It is not the intent of this publication to explore the recovery ratios of

reconstituted wood products such as composite panels and pulp and
paper. However, it is often helpful to have generalized information in
order to make approximations. All of the products listed in Table 8.4 can
have recovery ratios that can vary significantly from those listed. Variation
occurs because specifications on product density differ from the assump-
tions utilized, quantity of binders and fillers used, efficiency level of the
manufacturing process and because SG and physical characteristics of
the wood utilized have a great effect on recovery ratios. All of the products
listed below assume an SG of about 0.40 for the inputted wood fibre, and
the author’s interpretation of the middle range of densities for the products

Table 8.4. Composite panels and pulp recovery ratios.

Inputted solid wood to

product output ratios ft3 =ft3
Approximate
Composite panels (m3 =m3 ) BDU=msf 3⁄800 BDMT=m3 product SG

Insulation board 0.66 0.21 0.26 0.26

Particleboard 1.32 0.43 0.53 0.53
MDF 1.73 0.56 0.69 0.69
OSB 1.7 0.55 0.68 0.68
Pulp yields ft3 =BDT m3 =BDMT BDT/BDT
Mechanical paper 84.3 2.63 1.05
Chemi-mechanical process 89.0 2.78 1.11
Kraft paper (bleached) 186.3 5.82 2.33
Kraft paper (unbleached) 157.1 4.90 1.96

Note: These figures are generalized approximations and should not be utilized for anything that requires
exactness. Volumetric units are solid wood equivalent (measured in the green state for inputted fibre).
Source: Calculated by the author from Ahmed et al., 2001; Briggs, 1994; Hartman et al., 1976; Spelter,
1996; Spelter et al., 1996a; United Nations Economic Commission for Europe/Food and Agriculture
Organization, 1987.
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 008 Final Proof page 181 20.9.2005 1:48pm

Metrics of Wood Chips and Residue Recovery 181

listed, based on available data. Note that in North America, composite

panels are often measured via square feet on a standardized thickness
like plywood, excepting that particleboard and MDF are generally meas-
ured on a 3⁄400 basis (1 square foot 3⁄400 basis ¼ 0:0625 ft3 ); and insulation
board is generally measured on a 1⁄200 basis (1 square foot 1⁄200 basis
¼ 0:04167 ft3 ). OSB is measured on a 3⁄800 basis like plywood and veneer.

8.2.6 Wood energy

In many regions of the world, wood fibre sees its primary use as a source
of heat energy through combustion. Even in regions where wood is valued
and utilized for manufacturing products, there are many by-products of
timber harvesting and product manufacturing that are burned to generate
heat, steam pressure and electricity.
There are different heating values between wood, bark, moisture
content, and between species because of chemical make-up and SG.
Table 8.3 shows published average heating values per BD pound of
wood and bark of some common North American tree species. These
values are ‘higher heating values’ and are not 100% achievable because
wood fibre will always have some moisture content, which causes the
consumption of energy in order to evaporate the moisture, and heat is
always lost out of the exhaust. Table 8.5 shows the heating values for both
wood and bark based on solid wood volume (ft3 , m3 ) as well as stacked

Table 8.5. Heating value of common North American tree species by volume.
Wood MBTU=ft3

Bark MBTU=ft3

Bark GJ/stere
Wood (million
Bark (million

Bark (million
(1000 BTU)

(1000 BTU)

BTU/Cord)
Wood and

Wood and
BTU=m3 )

BTU=m3 )

Common name Latin name Note

Conifers
Balsam fir Abies balsamea 1 175.0 221.4 16.15 6.2 7.8 4.70
Grand fir Abies grandis 2 178.0 310.0 17.39 6.3 10.9 5.06
Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana 3 233.4 310.0 21.68 8.2 10.9 6.31
Tamarack Larix laricina 1 259.9 168.7 22.31 9.2 6.0 6.49
Western larch Larix occidentalis 1 254.6 240.2 22.19 9.0 8.5 6.46
Engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii 1 175.0 264.2 16.60 6.2 9.3 4.83
White spruce Picea glauca 1 196.2 154.4 17.33 6.9 5.5 5.04
Black spruce Picea mariana 1 201.6 208.2 18.08 7.1 7.4 5.26
Jack pine Pinus banksiana 1 212.2 198.1 18.62 7.5 7.0 5.42
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta 203.9 269.3 18.81 7.2 9.5 5.47
Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata 1 249.3 183.7 21.43 8.8 6.5 6.24
Slash pine Pinus elliottii 1 286.4 183.7 24.30 10.1 6.5 7.07
continued
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 008 Final Proof page 182 20.9.2005 1:48pm

182 Chapter 8

Table 8.5. Heating value of common North American tree species by volume. Continued

Wood MBTU=ft3

Bark MBTU=ft3

Bark GJ/stere
Wood (million
Bark (million

Bark (million
(1000 BTU)

(1000 BTU)

BTU/Cord)
Wood and

Wood and
BTU=m3 )

BTU=m3 )
Common name Latin name Note

Western white pine Pinus monticola 2 209.9 281.3 19.55 7.4 9.9 5.69
Longleaf pine Pinus palustris 1 286.4 183.7 24.30 10.1 6.5 7.07
Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa 216.3 195.2 18.66 7.6 6.9 5.43
Red pine Pinus resinosa 1 217.5 137.8 18.33 7.7 4.9 5.33
Eastern white pine Pinus strobus 1 180.3 212.4 16.43 6.4 7.5 4.78
Loblolly pine Pinus taeda 1 249.3 183.7 21.43 8.8 6.5 6.24
Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii 250.2 252.6 22.01 8.8 8.9 6.41
Bald cypress Taxodium distichum 3 222.8 229.6 20.01 7.9 8.1 5.82
Northern white cedar Thuja occidentalis 2 164.1 172.2 14.80 5.8 6.1 4.31
Western red cedar Thuja plicata 187.6 212.4 17.06 6.6 7.5 4.97
Eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis 201.6 229.6 18.09 7.1 8.1 5.27
Western hemlock Tsuga heterophylla 1 222.8 287.0 20.60 7.9 10.1 5.99
Hardwoods
Soft maple Acer saccharinum 1 259.9 269.1 23.41 9.2 9.5 6.81
Hard maple Acer saccharum 1 297.0 277.3 26.45 10.5 9.8 7.70
Yellow birch Betula alleghaniensis 1 291.7 333.6 26.58 10.3 11.8 7.74
Paper birch Betula papyrifera 279.8 328.1 25.47 9.9 11.6 7.41
Pecan hickory Carya illinoensis 3 318.2 344.4 28.76 11.2 12.2 8.37
Hickory Carya spp. 1 339.5 315.4 29.77 12.0 11.1 8.66
Hackberry Celtis spp. 3 259.9 281.3 23.41 9.2 9.9 6.81
American beech Fagus grandifolia 1 297.0 279.3 26.76 10.5 9.9 7.79
White ash Fraxinus americana 324.5 179.3 27.02 11.5 6.3 7.86
Black ash Fraxinus nigra 3 238.7 258.3 21.54 8.4 9.1 6.27
Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvania 1 281.1 208.8 24.41 9.9 7.4 7.10
Butternut Juglans cinerea 3 190.9 229.6 17.47 6.7 8.1 5.08
Black walnut Juglans nigra 3 270.5 160.7 22.80 9.6 5.7 6.64
Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua 1 254.6 219.6 22.57 9.0 7.8 6.57
Yellow poplar Liriodendron tulipifera 1 233.4 223.5 20.68 8.2 7.9 6.02
Water tupelo Nyssa aquatica 3 238.7 200.9 21.11 8.4 7.1 6.15
Black gum Nyssa sylvatica 1 254.6 220.5 22.51 9.0 7.8 6.55
Sycamore Platanus occidentalis 1 238.7 285.1 21.83 8.4 10.1 6.35
Cottonwood Populus spp. 222.3 235.2 19.96 7.9 8.3 5.81
Aspen Populus tremuloides 1 206.9 271.8 19.18 7.3 9.6 5.58
Black cherry Prunus serotina 3 249.3 275.6 22.67 8.8 9.7 6.60
White oak Quercus alba 379.8 283.6 33.27 13.4 10.0 9.68
Water oak Quercus nigra 1 302.3 359.1 27.66 10.7 12.7 8.05
Southern red oak Quercus falcata 332.9 355.2 29.58 11.8 12.5 8.61
Black willow Salix nigra 1 180.3 205.2 16.34 6.4 7.2 4.76
Elm Ulmus spp. 1 244.0 207.4 21.38 8.6 7.3 6.22

Note: 1 ¼ wood assumed to have 8500 BTU/lb if conifer, 9400 BTU/lb if hardwood; 2 ¼ bark assumed to be
9200 BTU/lb if conifer, 8400 BTU/lb if hardwood; 3 ¼ both wood and bark assumed as per 1 and 2.
Source: Calculated by author from data given by Ince, 1979; Hartman et al., 1976.
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood 008 Final Proof page 183 20.9.2005 1:48pm

Metrics of Wood Chips and Residue Recovery 183

volume (cord and stere assumes 78% wood and bark content, 22% void
space). Heating value is reflected in British thermal units (BTU) and
gigajoules (GJ). One million BTU equals 1.055 gigajoules.
Aside from combustion, wood is also used to make ethanol alcohol,
which can be used, among other things, as a fuel for internal combustion
engines. Ethanol alcohol can be made from virtually all wood fibre in-
cluding bark and even pulp sludge. According to McCloy and O’Conner
(1999), one BDMT will make 350–450 litres of ethanol alcohol with the
typical technology being closer to the low side of the range.
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood refer Final Proof page 185 8.9.2005 7:49pm

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forestdoc/reg_manuals/manuals/scaling/entire_document.pdf
Ontario Woodlot Association. 2003-02-11. http://www.ont-woodlot-assoc.org
Swedish Timber Measurement Council. 2004-11-26. http://www.virkesmatnings
radet.org/eng.htm
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 191 20.9.2005 5:41pm

Appendix 1
Measuring Log Volume

Table A.1.A
Commonly used conversion ratios 193
Table A.1.B
Brief description of other selected log scales in use 196
Table A.1.C
USFS segment length and trim allowance chart 203
Table A.1.D
USFS segment taper distribution chart 204
Table A.1.E
USFS Cubic Log Scale ‘half segment’ volume chart 205
Table A.1.F
Half segment cubic metre volume chart 207
Table A.1.G
Alberta Cubic Metre Scale ‘one diameter regression
formula method’ 209
Table A.1.H Full segment cubic metre volume chart 211
Table A.1.I Swedish cubic volume chart 213
Table A.1.J New Zealand 3-D volume chart 214
Table A.1.K Hoppus cubic feet and cubic metre volume chart 216
Table A.1.L JAS cubic volume 218
Table A.1.M Summarized volumes of control group of logs used for
modeling of conversions used in Section 2.5 220
Table A.1.N Long Log Scribner volume per Short Log Scribner
volume index 222
Table A.1.O Washington and Oregon mill survey Scribner to BC
cubic metre index by length and small-end diameter class 224

ßM.A. Fonseca 2005. The Measurement of Roundwood: Methodologies

and Conversion Ratios (M.A. Fonseca) 191
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 193 20.9.2005 5:41pm

Appendix 1 193

Table A.1.A. Commonly used conversion ratios.

To convert from To Multiply by

Length

millimetre (mm) centimetre (cm) 0.1

millimetre (mm) inch (00 ) 0.0394
millimetre (mm) foot (0 ) 0.00328
millimetre (mm) metre (m) 0.001
centimetre (cm) millimetre (mm) 10
centimetre (cm) inch (00 ) 0.394
centimetre (cm) foot (0 ) 0.0328
centimetre (cm) metre (m) 0.01
inch (00 ) millimetre (mm) 25.4
inch (00 ) centimetre (cm) 2.54
inch (00 ) foot (0 ) 0.0833
inch (00 ) metre (m) 0.0254
foot (0 ) millimetre (mm) 304.8
foot (0 ) centimetre (cm) 30.48
foot (0 ) inch (00 ) 12
foot (0 ) metre (m) 0.3048
metre (m) millimetre (mm) 1,000
metre (m) centimetre (cm) 100
metre (m) inch (00 ) 39.37
metre (m) foot (0 ) 3.281

Area

square centimetre (cm2 ) square inch (in2 ) 0.155

square centimetre (cm2 ) square foot (ft2 ) 0.001076
square centimetre (cm2 ) square metre (m2 ) 0.0001
square inch (in2 ) square centimetre (cm2 ) 6.452
square inch (in2 ) square foot (ft2 ) 0.0069444
square inch (in2 ) square metre (m2 ) 0.0006452
square foot (ft2 ) square centimetre (cm2 ) 929
square foot (ft2 ) square inch (in2 ) 144
square foot (ft2 ) square metre (m2 ) 0.0929
square metre (m2 ) square centimetre (cm2 ) 10,000
square metre (m2 ) square inch (in2 ) 1,550
square metre (m2 ) square foot (ft2 ) 10.764

Density

specific gravity (sg) basic density (bd) 1,000

basic density (bd) specific gravity (sg) 0.001
continued
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 194 20.9.2005 5:41pm

194 Appendix 1

Table A.1.A. continued

To convert from To Multiply by

Stacked measure

cubic foot (ft3 ) stere 0.02832

cubic foot (ft3 ) cord 0.0078125
cubic metre (m3 ) stere 1
cubic metre (m3 ) cord 0.2759
cord cubic foot (ft3 ) 128
cord cubic metre (m3 ) 3.6245
cord stere 3.6245
stere cubic foot (ft3 ) 35.315
stere cubic metre (m3 ) 1
stere cord 0.2759

Weight

gram (g) pounds (lbs) 0.002205

gram (g) kilogram 0.001
pounds (lbs) gram (g) 454
pounds (lbs) kilogram (kg) 0.454
pounds (lbs) ton (t) 0.0005
pounds (lbs) tonne (MT) 0.000454
kilogram (kg) gram (g) 1,000
kilogram (kg) pounds (lbs) 2.205
kilogram (kg) ton (t) 0.0011023
kilogram (kg) tonne (MT) 0.001
ton (t) kilogram (kg) 907
ton (t) pounds (lbs) 2,000
ton (t) tonne (MT) 0.907
tonne (MT) pounds (lbs) 2,205
tonne (MT) kilogram 1,000
tonne (MT) ton (t) 1.1023
continued
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 195 20.9.2005 5:41pm

Appendix 1 195

Table A.1.A. continued

To convert from To Multiply by

Volume

square foot 3⁄800 square metre1mm 0.885

square foot 3⁄800 cubic foot (ft3 ) 0.03125
square foot 3⁄800 cubic metre (m3 ) 0.000885
square foot 3⁄800 cunit (ccf) 0.0003125
square metre1mm square foot 3⁄800 1.13008
square metre1mm cubic foot (ft3 ) 0.35315
square metre1mm cubic metre (m3 ) 0.001
square metre1mm cunit (ccf) 0.00035315
cubic foot (ft3 ) square foot 3⁄800 32
cubic foot (ft3 ) square metre1mm 28.32
cubic foot (ft3 ) cubic metre (m3 ) 0.02832
cubic foot (ft3 ) cunit (ccf) 0.01
cubic metre (m3 ) square foot 3⁄800 1,130.08
cubic metre (m3 ) square metre1mm 1,000
cubic metre (m3 ) cubic foot (ft3 ) 35.315
cubic metre (m3 ) cunit (ccf) 2.832
cunit (ccf) square foot 3⁄800 3,200
cunit (ccf) square metre1mm 2,832
cunit (ccf) cubic foot (ft3 ) 100
cunit (ccf) cubic metre (m3 ) 2.832

Heat

British thermal unit (BTU) joule (j) 1,055

joule (j) British thermal unit (BTU) 0.0009481

Weight to volume ratios

lbs per cubic foot (lbs=ft3 ) kg per cubic metre (kg=m3 ) 16.019
kg per cubic metre (kg=m3 ) lbs per cubic foot (lbs=ft3 ) 0.06243
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 196 20.9.2005 5:41pm

196 Appendix 1

Table A.1.B. Brief description of other selected log scales in use.

British Standard Brief description: this is the standard guideline for measuring round-
Source: wood utilized in the United Kingdom. It is overseen by the Forestry
Hamilton, 1975. Commission. The mid-diameter method is approved for all sawlogs; the
top-diameter method approved for conifers only.
Diameters: the midpoint diameter is measured either via a diameter tape,
or with calipers outside bark. The top diameter is obtained by measuring
inside bark, the narrow way. Both with the mid- or top-diameter method,
round down to the nearest 1-cm class.
Length measurement: lengths are measured short-end to short-end and
rounded down to closest 0.1 m length for lengths up to 10 m long, and
rounded down to the nearest 1 m scaling length for lengths over 10 m.
Taper: assumption for the top-diameter method is 0.833 cm of taper per
metre (conifers only).
Gross volume determination: the formula for mid-diameter method is:
m3 ¼ midpoint in cm2
length in metres
0:00007854.
The formula for top-diameter method is: m3 ¼ (((small-end diameter in
centimetres þ ((length in metres
0:5)
0:833))2 )
length)

0:00007854.
Defect deductions: no specific data could be found.

German Log Brief description: the German log scaling standard is based on EU
Scaling directive (68/89 EEC), which is also the basis for the scaling standards of
Standard many other European countries. Apparently, defects, including void, soft-
Source: rot and char, are not taken into account in volume determination, however,
Sächsisches the grading structure takes log defect into account. As the Huber formula is
Staatsminister- used, diameter measurements are taken at the midpoint via calipers.
ium, 1997. Under bark volume is used by either taking the measurement(s) under
bark, or taking over bark diameters minus an allowance for bark from a bark
thickness table.
Diameters: up to a midpoint diameter of 19 cm under bark, only one
midpoint diameter is measured and considered. At a midpoint diameter of
20 cm and above under bark, the smallest and widest midpoint diameter
should be measured, vertical to each other, and the average calculated.
The measured diameters are rounded down to the next lower whole
centimetre; the result of the average calculation is also rounded down if
fractional. If a branch or other irregularity lies at the midpoint diameter,
two diameters, above and below the midpoint diameter, are measured
and the average is calculated.
Length measurement: Length is defined as the shortest possible dis-
tance between both ends, however, if there is a beveled cut, measure-
ment starts in the middle of the bevel. The length is measured in metres,
to the nearest tenth of a metre (occasionally lengths can be rounded to
half metre length increments). A 1% trim allowance is given.
Taper: not a factor as the midpoint diameter is utilized.
Gross volume determination: the formula is: m3 ¼ midpoint in
cm2
length in metres
0:00007854.

continued
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 197 20.9.2005 5:41pm

Appendix 1 197

Table A.1.B. continued

Hirogoku Brief description: apparently, this is an old method which is used in

Source: Briggs Japan. This log scale is similar to JAS (see Section 2.2.11 on page 44) in
and Flora, 1991. approach, but the procedures for measuring diameters differ and there is
no adjustment in diameter made for logs over 6 m in length.
Diameters: measure the narrow and wide-way and round down to the
closest 2 cm class (29.9 is rounded down to 28). Average the narrow and
wide dimension and record to the nearest centimetre (24 the narrow-way
and 26 the wide-way equals a diameter of 25 cm). Only the small-end
diameter is used to calculate volumes.
Length measurement: lengths are measured short-end to short-end and
rounded down to closest 0.2 m length, e.g. 10.78 m rounds down to
10.6 m.
Taper: as only the small-end diameter is utilized, taper is ignored.
Gross volume determination: the formula is: m3 ¼ (scaling diameter in
cm2
length in metres)  10,000.
Defect deductions: no specific data could be found.

Norwegian Brief description: this is the official scaling method for Norway. It is based
Cubic Log Scale on a forestry law that came into effect in 1994 and is overseen by a
Source: cooperative Joint Committee for Norwegian Grading and Scaling of
Tømmermålingfo- Roundwood. Logs can be measured by mid-diameter or top-diameter
ren-ingenes methods.
Fellesorgan, Diameters: top diameter measured at 10 cm in from the top-end of the log if
1998. using the top measure method, at the midpoint if using the mid-diameter
method, or for pulpwood logs that are butt-cut, measure the mid-diameter at
a point 40 cm closer to the butt than to the top. Measure under bark (or over
bark subtracting the bark thickness), and take two measurements, wide and
narrow directions. Round the diameters down to the lower cm class.
Length measurement: lengths are recorded in multiples of 0.1 m, 0.3 m,
or 0.5 m, if lengths are recorded in multiples of 0.1 m, length is rounded
down to next 0.1 m length; with 0.3 or 0.5 multiples, lengths are rounded
to nearest length class. Maximum scaling length is 5.8 m.
Taper: Taper for conifers is considered to equal 1 cm per metre when
using top-diameter method.
Gross volume determination: the truncated diameter is compensated for
in the formula by adding 0.5 cm to the recorded diameter. The formula is:
top diameter m3 ¼ 0:00007854
(((small-end diameter þ 0:5) þ (length
in metres  2)2 )
length).
mid-diameter m3 ¼ 0:00007854
(mid-diameter þ 0:5)2
length.
Defect deductions: similar to Swedish National Scale (see Section 2.2.5
on page 26).

Quebec Cubic Brief description: the province of Quebec uses a cubic metric method
Metric which is similar to the Ontario Cubic Scale (see Section 2.2.4 on page 22)
Source: Québec in procedures, although the Smalian formula is used. Short logs can be
Ministère des scaled from one end, like Ontario Cubic, but only if the logs are less than
Resources 2.6 m in length and small and large ends are evenly distributed on the end
Naturelles, 2001. of the log rows or stacks. Only fibre loss defects are deducted (void, soft
rot and char).

continued
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 198 20.9.2005 5:41pm

198 Appendix 1

Table A.1.B. continued

Diameters: measured in 2 cm scaling classes, e.g. 19.01–21.00 cm is the

20 cm scaling class. For elliptical logs (with a 3 or more scaling class
difference between the narrow and perpendicular measurement), take
two measurements through the true centre of the log (narrow and per-
pendicular), if the average of the two measurements is an odd diameter
class, round down to closest even class, e.g. d1 is 26 cm, d2 is 32 cm
average is 29 cm; round down to 28 cm. For logs that have less than three
scaling classes between the narrow and perpendicular axis (e.g. narrow
way is 26 cm, perpendicular measurement is 30 cm), take one meas-
urement, seeking neither the narrow nor the wide axis. Butt-cut ends are
measured via one measurement across the narrow axis and inside of any
butt-flare.
Length measurement: same as Ontario cubic (see section 2.2.4 on
page 22)
Taper: actual taper between the large-end and small-end diameters.
Gross volume determination: the formula is: m3 ¼ (((large-end
diameter2 þ small-end diameter2 )  2)
length)
0:00007854.
If using the ‘one end’ method: m3 ¼ diameter2
length
0:00007854:
Defect deductions: Similar to Ontario cubic (see Section 2.2.4 on page
22).

New Brunswick Brief description: the New Brunswick Cubic Metre Scale was approved
Cubic Metre for use in 1979. It is unique in that it is based on sample populations of
Scale logs by small-end diameter, length, and whether coniferous or broad-
Source: New leaved. One must use a volume table (for either conifer or broad-leaved) to
Brunswick Natural look up the volume of the log once a diameter and length are determined.
Resources and Diameters: measure only the small-end, using only one measurement
Energy, Forest through the true centre and narrow axis. Diameters are rounded to the
Management nearest 2 cm scaling class, e.g. a log which measures 19.01–21 cm is a
Branch, 2003. 20 cm class.
Length measurement: lengths are measured in specific length classes
and are reflected in the metric equivalent of imperial foot classes. Nor-
mally logs are manufactured in the metric equivalent of 20 multiples thus
for brevity, the table below only shows the more common even multiple
lengths.
Taper: is not factored in the scaling process, but was accounted for in the
sample used to develop the table.
Gross volume determination: the volume table was originally derived
from a large sample of logs scaled via the Smalian formula. To use, find
the intersect of the small-end diameter and length class in the hardwoods
or softwoods section of the table, e.g. a log which is 4.9 m long (160
scaling class) and has a small-end diameter of 34 cm contains 0:595 m3 if
a softwood and 0:583 m3 if a hardwood.
Defect deductions: deductions are only made for rot and are calculated
by deducting the area of the rot.

continued
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 199 20.9.2005 5:41pm

Appendix 1 199

Table A.1.B. continued

New Brunswick Cubic Metre Log Scale Volume (m3)

Softwood length in metres Hardwood length in metres

>2.4 >3.0 >3.6 >4.2 >4.8 >5.4 >2.4 >3.0 >3.6 >4.2 >4.8 >5.4
sed ¼2.6 ¼3.2 ¼3.8 ¼4.4 ¼5.0 ¼5.6 ¼2.6 ¼3.2 ¼3.8 ¼4.4 ¼5.0 ¼5.6
cm 80 100 120 140 160 180 80 100 120 140 160 180

14 0.048 0.066 0.085 0.100 0.116 0.130 0.050 0.062 0.074 0.091 0.113 0.138
16 0.062 0.085 0.108 0.127 0.146 0.164 0.062 0.081 0.100 0.123 0.146 0.173
18 0.079 0.106 0.133 0.157 0.181 0.202 0.077 0.103 0.128 0.157 0.182 0.212
20 0.097 0.129 0.161 0.190 0.219 0.246 0.094 0.126 0.158 0.192 0.222 0.254
22 0.118 0.155 0.192 0.226 0.261 0.293 0.114 0.152 0.190 0.230 0.264 0.302
24 0.141 0.184 0.226 0.266 0.307 0.345 0.136 0.180 0.224 0.270 0.310 0.353
26 0.166 0.214 0.263 0.310 0.356 0.402 0.160 0.210 0.260 0.313 0.358 0.408
28 0.192 0.248 0.303 0.356 0.410 0.463 0.186 0.242 0.297 0.357 0.410 0.467
30 0.222 0.284 0.346 0.407 0.468 0.528 0.215 0.276 0.337 0.403 0.464 0.531
32 0.253 0.322 0.391 0.460 0.529 0.598 0.246 0.312 0.378 0.451 0.522 0.598
34 0.286 0.363 0.440 0.518 0.595 0.673 0.279 0.351 0.422 0.502 0.583 0.670
36 0.322 0.406 0.491 0.578 0.664 0.752 0.315 0.391 0.467 0.554 0.647 0.745
38 0.360 0.453 0.546 0.642 0.737 0.835 0.353 0.434 0.514 0.609 0.714 0.825
40 0.400 0.502 0.603 0.708 0.814 0.923 0.393 0.478 0.563 0.666 0.784 0.909
42 0.442 0.552 0.663 0.780 0.896 1.015 0.436 0.525 0.614 0.724 0.857 0.997
44 0.486 0.606 0.726 0.853 0.980 1.112 0.481 0.574 0.667 0.785 0.934 1.089
46 0.532 0.662 0.793 0.931 1.069 1.213 0.528 0.625 0.722 0.848 1.013 1.185
48 0.580 0.721 0.862 1.012 1.162 1.318 0.577 0.678 0.779 0.913 1.095 1.285
50 0.631 0.782 0.933 1.096 1.259 1.428 0.629 0.734 0.838 0.980 1.181 1.389
52 0.683 0.846 1.008 1.184 1.359 1.543 0.683 0.791 0.898 1.049 1.269 1.498
54 0.738 0.912 1.086 1.275 1.464 1.662 0.740 0.850 0.961 1.121 1.361 1.610
56 0.795 0.980 1.166 1.369 1.572 1.786 0.798 0.912 1.026 1.194 1.456 1.726
58 0.854 1.052 1.250 1.467 1.684 1.914 0.859 0.976 1.092 1.269 1.554 1.847
60 0.915 1.126 1.336 1.568 1.800 2.046 0.923 1.042 1.160 1.347 1.655 1.972

Maine Rule Brief description: the Maine rule is a product output rule (board foot) and
(also known as like the Scribner is a diagram rule.
the Holland rule) Diameters: same as the International 1⁄4" Log Rule (see Section 2.3.4 on
Source: Maine page 67).
Department of Taper: is ignored excepting that logs over 300 long in nominal length are
Agriculture, Food scaled in two segments.
and Rural Re- Length measurement: same as the International 1⁄4" Log Rule (see
sources, no year; section 2.3.4 on page 67), except that segment lengths can be as long as
Freese, 1973. 300 in nominal length before the log is divided into two segments.
Gross volume determination: the Maine rule is based on a diagram
rule, so volume cannot be calculated via a formula, and must be deter-
mined via the table below.
Defect deductions: same as International 1⁄4" Log Rule (see section 2.3.4
on page 67). Logs with less than 33 1⁄3 % net volume will be culled.

continued
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 200 20.9.2005 5:41pm

200 Appendix 1

Table A.1.B. continued

Maine log rule (bf )

Segment length in feet

8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
6 10 12 16 18 20 23 25 28 30 33 36 38
7 16 19 23 27 31 35 39 43 47 50 55 58
8 22 27 33 39 44 50 55 61 66 72 76 82
9 26 32 39 46 52 59 65 72 78 85 92 98
10 34 42 51 59 68 76 85 94 102 111 119 128
11 41 51 62 72 83 93 103 114 124 134 145 155
Small-end diameter

12 52 65 78 92 105 118 131 144 157 170 183 196

13 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180 195 210 225
14 71 89 107 124 142 160 178 195 213 231 249 266
15 81 101 121 141 161 181 202 222 242 262 282 302
16 89 111 134 157 179 201 223 246 268 291 313 335
17 102 128 154 179 205 231 256 282 307 333 359 384
18 116 145 174 203 232 261 290 319 348 378 407 436
19 136 169 203 237 271 305 339 373 407 441 475 509
20 151 189 227 265 302 340 378 415 454 491 529 567
21 168 210 252 294 336 378 420 462 504 545 587 629
22 182 227 272 318 363 408 454 499 545 590 635 681
23 200 250 300 351 401 451 501 551 601 651 701 751
24 220 274 327 384 439 494 549 604 659 713 768 823
25 238 298 358 417 477 537 596 656 715 775 835 894
26 254 317 380 444 507 570 634 697 761 824 887 951

Newfoundland Brief description: the Newfoundland Board Foot Rule has been in use
Board Foot Rule since the early 1900s. It is measured in imperial units and reflected in
Source: board feet. Cubic Measure is starting to take hold in Newfoundland, but
Newfoundland the Newfoundland Rule still has a following there.
Forest Service, Diameters: small-end diameters are measured inside of bark through the
about 1976. true centre (seeking neither the narrow nor wide axis), and rounded to the
nearest inch, e.g. 7.5100 up to and including 8.500 are scaled as an 800
diameter measurement. If a log is significantly elliptical, take two meas-
urements at right angles to each other (round down if fractional).
Taper: is ignored excepting that logs over 240 long in nominal length are
scaled in two segments.
Length measurement: same as the International 1⁄4-Inch Log Rule (see
Section 2.3.4 on page 67) except that segment lengths can be as long as
240 in nominal length before the log is divided into two segments.
Gross volume determination: volume is determined by the following
formula:
bf ¼ small-end diameter2
L  24; round to the nearest board foot.
Example: 2200 diameter 160 long; 222
16  24 ¼ 322:67; round to 323 bf.
Defect deductions: similar to the International 1⁄4-Inch Log Rule (see
Section 2.3.4 on page 67). Squared defects are deducted by measuring
the defect (rounding the width and height up to the next inch if fractional)
via the following formula: W00
H00
L0  16 (round to nearest bf). De-
fects showing in one end of the log are considered to go through half the
log length. Logs with less than 50% net volume will be culled.

continued
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 201 20.9.2005 5:41pm

Appendix 1 201

Table A.1.B. continued

New Brunswick Brief description: the New Brunswick Board Foot Rule was adopted as
Board Foot Rule the statute rule for New Brunswick in 1845. It is still used in the provinces
Source: New of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The rule is at least in part a diagram
Brunswick Natural rule (although logs with diameters of 11–1600 can be calculated via the
Resources and Newfoundland Board Foot Rule formula).
Energy, Forest Diameters: measure through the true centre, under bark. One measure-
Management ment can be taken on relatively round logs (without trying to favour the
Branch, 2003; narrow or wide measurement), or two measurements can be taken on
Freese, 1973. elliptical logs. Diameter measurements are truncated, e.g. 7.99 rounds to
700 . When averaging two diameters, round down if fractional, e.g. narrow
measurement of 1000 and a perpendicular measurement of 1300 , round to
1100 .
Taper: is ignored excepting that logs over 230 long in nominal length are
scaled in two segments.
Length measurement: same as the International 1⁄4-Inch Log Rule (see
Section 2.3.4 on page 67) except that segment lengths can be as long as
230 in nominal length before the log is divided into two segments.
Gross volume determination: volume is determined via the table below.
Defect deductions: similar to the International 1⁄4-Inch and Newfound-
land Log Rules. Squared defects are deducted by measuring the defect
(rounding the width and height down to the next inch if fractional) via the
following formula: W00
H00
L0  16 (round to nearest bf). Defects
showing in one end are estimated as to the length affected. Logs with less
than 50% net volume will be culled.

New Brunswick Board Foot Log Rule (bf )

Segment length in feet

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 – – – – –
6 10 11 12 14 15 17 18 19 20 22 23 – – – – –
7 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 – – – – –
8 20 23 25 28 30 33 35 38 40 43 45 48 50 35 55 58
9 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48 51 54 57 60 63 66 69
10 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92
11 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115
12 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120 126 132 138
Small-end diameter

13 56 63 70 77 84 91 98 105 112 119 126 133 140 147 154 161

14 65 74 82 90 98 106 114 122 130 139 147 155 163 171 179 188
15 75 84 93 102 112 121 131 140 150 159 168 177 187 196 205 214
16 85 96 107 117 128 138 149 159 170 181 192 202 213 223 234 245
17 99 111 124 136 149 161 174 186 198 210 223 235 248 261 275 286
18 115 129 143 158 172 186 200 215 229 244 258 272 286 301 315 330
19 131 147 163 180 196 212 228 245 261 278 294 310 326 343 359 376
20 150 168 187 206 225 243 262 281 300 318 337 356 375 393 412 431
21 164 185 206 227 247 268 288 308 327 349 370 391 411 432 453 474
22 181 204 227 250 272 295 317 340 362 385 408 431 453 476 498 521
23 188 223 248 272 297 317 336 356 376 411 445 470 495 519 544 569
24 216 243 270 297 324 352 380 406 432 459 486 513 540 569 594 621
25 238 268 298 328 358 388 419 448 477 507 537 566 596 620 656 685
26 253 285 317 348 380 411 444 475 507 538 570 602 634 665 697 729

continued
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 202 20.9.2005 5:41pm

202 Appendix 1

Table A.1.B. continued

Ontario Board Brief description: the Ontario Rule is a product output rule (board foot).
Foot Rule It was authorized for use in the Province of Ontario, Canada in 1869, and
Source: Honer, is still used for measuring privately owned timber. It is still measured and
1998; Ontario reflected in imperial units (feet, inches and board feet).
Wood Lot Diameters: same as the International 1⁄4-Inch Log Rule (see Section 2.3.4
Association, on p. 67).
2003. Taper: all log segments are considered a cylinder having the diameter of
the small-end of the log segment.
Length measurement: same as the International 1⁄4-Inch Log Rule (see
Section 2.3.4 on p. 67), except that the maximum segment length is 180 .
Gross volume determination: the board foot volume is calculated via
the following formula:
board foot volume ¼ ((0:55
diameter2  (1:2
diameter))
(length 
12); round to the nearest board foot
Defect deductions: defect deductions are taken for all defects that
reduce lumber recovery (similar to the International 1⁄4-Inch Log Rule
(see Section 2.3.4 on p. 67). Squared defects are deducted by measuring
the defect (rounding the width and height down to the next inch
if fractional) via the following formula: (W00
H00
L0 )  12 (round
to nearest bf). Logs with less than 331⁄3% net volume will be culled.
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 203 20.9.2005 5:41pm

Appendix 1 203

Table A.1.C. USFS segment length and trim allowance chart (feet).

Segment length Segment length

Measured Recorded Measured Recorded
length length Top Segment 2 length length Top Segment 2 Segment 3

8–8.5 8 8 35.1–36.0 35 17 18
8.6–9.5 9 9 36.1–37.0 36 18 18
9.6–10.5 10 10 37.1–38.0 37 18 19
10.6–11.5 11 11 38.1–39.0 38 18 20
11.6–12.5 12 12 39.1–40.0 39 19 20
12.6–13.5 13 13 40.1–41.0 40 20 20
13.6–14.5 14 14 41.1–42.5 41 13 14 14
14.6–15.5 15 15 42.6–43.5 42 14 14 14
15.6–16.5 16 16 43.6–44.5 43 14 14 15
16.6–17.5 17 17 44.6–45.5 44 14 14 16
17.6–18.5 18 18 45.6–46.5 45 14 15 16
18.6–19.5 19 19 46.6–47.5 46 14 16 16
19.6–20.5 20 20 47.6–48.5 47 15 16 16
20.6–22.0 21 10 11 48.6–49.5 48 16 16 16
22.1–23.0 22 10 12 49.6–50.5 49 16 16 17
23.1–24.0 23 11 12 50.6–51.5 50 16 16 18
24.1–25.0 24 12 12 51.6–52.5 51 16 17 18
25.1–26.0 25 12 13 52.6–53.5 52 16 18 18
26.1–27.0 26 12 14 53.6–54.5 53 17 18 18
27.1–28.0 27 13 14 54.6–55.5 54 18 18 18
28.1–29.0 28 14 14 55.6–56.5 55 18 18 19
29.1–30.0 29 14 15 56.6–57.5 56 18 18 20
30.1–31.0 30 14 16 57.6–58.5 57 18 19 20
31.1–32.0 31 15 16 58.6–59.5 58 18 20 20
32.1–33.0 32 16 16 59.6–60.5 59 19 20 20
33.1–34.0 33 16 17 60.6–61.5 60 20 20 20
34.1–35.0 34 16 18
 204

Table A.1.D. USFS segment taper distribution chart.

Total taper in inches

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Two segment Inches of taper in segment 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13

logs 210 –4000 Inches of taper in segment 2 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12

Total taper in inches

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Three segment Inches of taper in segment 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 9

logs 410 –6000 Inches of taper in segment 2 0 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8
Inches of taper in segment 3 0 0 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8

Note: Segment numbering starts at the small-end of the log, e.g. for a two segment log, segment 1 occurs on the end of the log with the small diameter; segment
2 occurs on the end of the log with the large diameter. To use this table, locate the total taper of the log and find the appropriate taper for the segment dependent
on whether a two or three segment log, e.g. for a log which is 440 long with a small-end diameter of 1000 and a large-end diameter of 1700 (700 of total taper), the
segment 1 l.e.d. and segment 2 s.e.d. will be 1300 (10 þ 3 ¼ 1300 ), the segment 2 l.e.d. and the segment 3 s.e.d. will be 1500 (13 þ 2 ¼ 1500 ).
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 204 20.9.2005 5:41pm

Appendix 1
 Table A.1.E. USFS Cubic Log Scale ‘half segment’ volume chart (ft3 ).
Appendix 1

Length of log segment in feet

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

3 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5
4 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.9
5 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.4
6 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0
7 0.1 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.9 2.0 2.1 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.7
8 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.7 0.9 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.7 1.9 2.1 2.3 2.4 2.6 2.8 3.0 3.1 3.3 3.5
9 0.2 0.4 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.7 2.9 3.1 3.3 3.5 3.8 4.0 4.2 4.4
10 0.3 0.5 0.8 1.1 1.4 1.6 1.9 2.2 2.5 2.7 3.0 3.3 3.5 3.8 4.1 4.4 4.6 4.9 5.2 5.5
11 0.3 0.7 1.0 1.3 1.6 2.0 2.3 2.6 3.0 3.3 3.6 4.0 4.3 4.6 4.9 5.3 5.6 5.9 6.3 6.6
12 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2.0 2.4 2.7 3.1 3.5 3.9 4.3 4.7 5.1 5.5 5.9 6.3 6.7 7.1 7.5 7.9
13 0.5 0.9 1.4 1.8 2.3 2.8 3.2 3.7 4.1 4.6 5.1 5.5 6.0 6.5 6.9 7.4 7.8 8.3 8.8 9.2
14 0.5 1.1 1.6 2.1 2.7 3.2 3.7 4.3 4.8 5.3 5.9 6.4 6.9 7.5 8.0 8.6 9.1 9.6 10.2 10.7
15 0.6 1.2 1.8 2.5 3.1 3.7 4.3 4.9 5.5 6.1 6.7 7.4 8.0 8.6 9.2 9.8 10.4 11.0 11.7 12.3
16 0.7 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.5 4.2 4.9 5.6 6.3 7.0 7.7 8.4 9.1 9.8 10.5 11.2 11.9 12.6 13.3 14.0
17 0.8 1.6 2.4 3.2 3.9 4.7 5.5 6.3 7.1 7.9 8.7 9.5 10.2 11.0 11.8 12.6 13.4 14.2 15.0 15.8
18 0.9 1.8 2.7 3.5 4.4 5.3 6.2 7.1 8.0 8.8 9.7 10.6 11.5 12.4 13.3 14.1 15.0 15.9 16.8 17.7
19 1.0 2.0 3.0 3.9 4.9 5.9 6.9 7.9 8.9 9.8 10.8 11.8 12.8 13.8 14.8 15.8 16.7 17.7 18.7 19.7
20 1.1 2.2 3.3 4.4 5.5 6.5 7.6 8.7 9.8 10.9 12.0 13.1 14.2 15.3 16.4 17.5 18.5 19.6 20.7 21.8
21 1.2 2.4 3.6 4.8 6.0 7.2 8.4 9.6 10.8 12.0 13.2 14.4 15.6 16.8 18.0 19.2 20.4 21.6 22.8 24.1

Small-end diameter of log segment in inches

22 1.3 2.6 4.0 5.3 6.6 7.9 9.2 10.6 11.9 13.2 14.5 15.8 17.2 18.5 19.8 21.1 22.4 23.8 25.1 26.4
23 1.4 2.9 4.3 5.8 7.2 8.7 10.1 11.5 13.0 14.4 15.9 17.3 18.8 20.2 21.6 23.1 24.5 26.0 27.4 28.9
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 205 20.9.2005 5:41pm

24 1.6 3.1 4.7 6.3 7.9 9.4 11.0 12.6 14.1 15.7 17.3 18.8 20.4 22.0 23.6 25.1 26.7 28.3 29.8 31.4
25 1.7 3.4 5.1 6.8 8.5 10.2 11.9 13.6 15.3 17.0 18.7 20.5 22.2 23.9 25.6 27.3 29.0 30.7 32.4 34.1
26 1.8 3.7 5.5 7.4 9.2 11.1 12.9 14.7 16.6 18.4 20.3 22.1 24.0 25.8 27.7 29.5 31.3 33.2 35.0 36.9
27 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 9.9 11.9 13.9 15.9 17.9 19.9 21.9 23.9 25.8 27.8 29.8 31.8 33.8 35.8 37.8 39.8
205

continued
 206

Table A.1.E. continued

Length of log segment in feet

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

28 2.1 4.3 6.4 8.6 10.7 12.8 15.0 17.1 19.2 21.4 23.5 25.7 27.8 29.9 32.1 34.2 36.3 38.5 40.6 42.8
29 2.3 4.6 6.9 9.2 11.5 13.8 16.1 18.3 20.6 22.9 25.2 27.5 29.8 32.1 34.4 36.7 39.0 41.3 43.6 45.9
30 2.5 4.9 7.4 9.8 12.3 14.7 17.2 19.6 22.1 24.5 27.0 29.5 31.9 34.4 36.8 39.3 41.7 44.2 46.6 49.1
31 2.6 5.2 7.9 10.5 13.1 15.7 18.3 21.0 23.6 26.2 28.8 31.4 34.1 36.7 39.3 41.9 44.6 47.2 49.8 52.4
32 2.8 5.6 8.4 11.2 14.0 16.8 19.5 22.3 25.1 27.9 30.7 33.5 36.3 39.1 41.9 44.7 47.5 50.3 53.1 55.8
33 3.0 5.9 8.9 11.9 14.8 17.8 20.8 23.8 26.7 29.7 32.7 35.6 38.6 41.6 44.5 47.5 50.5 53.5 56.4 59.4
34 3.2 6.3 9.5 12.6 15.8 18.9 22.1 25.2 28.4 31.5 34.7 37.8 41.0 44.1 47.3 50.4 53.6 56.7 59.9 63.0
35 3.3 6.7 10.0 13.4 16.7 20.0 23.4 26.7 30.1 33.4 36.7 40.1 43.4 46.8 50.1 53.4 56.8 60.1 63.5 66.8
36 3.5 7.1 10.6 14.1 17.7 21.2 24.7 28.3 31.8 35.3 38.9 42.4 45.9 49.5 53.0 56.5 60.1 63.6 67.1 70.7
37 3.7 7.5 11.2 14.9 18.7 22.4 26.1 29.9 33.6 37.3 41.1 44.8 48.5 52.3 56.0 59.7 63.5 67.2 70.9 74.7
38 3.9 7.9 11.8 15.8 19.7 23.6 27.6 31.5 35.4 39.4 43.3 47.3 51.2 55.1 59.1 63.0 66.9 70.9 74.8 78.8
39 4.1 8.3 12.4 16.6 20.7 24.9 29.0 33.2 37.3 41.5 45.6 49.8 53.9 58.1 62.2 66.4 70.5 74.7 78.8 83.0
40 4.4 8.7 13.1 17.5 21.8 26.2 30.5 34.9 39.3 43.6 48.0 52.4 56.7 61.1 65.4 69.8 74.2 78.5 82.9 87.3
41 4.6 9.2 13.8 18.3 22.9 27.5 32.1 36.7 41.3 45.8 50.4 55.0 59.6 64.2 68.8 73.3 77.9 82.5 87.1 91.7
42 4.8 9.6 14.4 19.2 24.1 28.9 33.7 38.5 43.3 48.1 52.9 57.7 62.5 67.3 72.2 77.0 81.8 86.6 91.4 96.2
43 5.0 10.1 15.1 20.2 25.2 30.3 35.3 40.3 45.4 50.4 55.5 60.5 65.5 70.6 75.6 80.7 85.7 90.8 95.8 100.8
44 5.3 10.6 15.8 21.1 26.4 31.7 37.0 42.2 47.5 52.8 58.1 63.4 68.6 73.9 79.2 84.5 89.8 95.0 100.3 105.6
45 5.5 11.0 16.6 22.1 27.6 33.1 38.7 44.2 49.7 55.2 60.7 66.3 71.8 77.3 82.8 88.4 93.9 99.4 104.9 110.4
46 5.8 11.5 17.3 23.1 28.9 34.6 40.4 46.2 51.9 57.7 63.5 69.2 75.0 80.8 86.6 92.3 98.1 103.9 109.6 115.4

Small-end diameter of log segment in inches

47 6.0 12.0 18.1 24.1 30.1 36.1 42.2 48.2 54.2 60.2 66.3 72.3 78.3 84.3 90.4 96.4 102.4 108.4 114.5 120.5
48 6.3 12.6 18.8 25.1 31.4 37.7 44.0 50.3 56.5 62.8 69.1 75.4 81.7 88.0 94.2 100.5 106.8 113.1 119.4 125.7
49 6.5 13.1 19.6 26.2 32.7 39.3 45.8 52.4 58.9 65.5 72.0 78.6 85.1 91.7 98.2 104.8 111.3 117.9 124.4 131.0
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 206 20.9.2005 5:41pm

50 6.8 13.6 20.5 27.3 34.1 40.9 47.7 54.5 61.4 68.2 75.0 81.8 88.6 95.4 102.3 109.1 115.9 122.7 129.5 136.4

Note: To use this table add the one-half volume shown for the small-end diameter and length combination, with the one-half volume shown for the large-end
diameter and length combination, e.g. for a log that is 160 long, has a small-end diameter of 1300 and a large-end diameter of 1400 , a value of 7:4 ft3 is shown for 1300
and 8:6 ft3 for 1400 (7:4 þ 8:6 ¼ 16:0); log volume is 16:0 ft3 .
Appendix 1
 Table A.1.F. Half segment cubic metre volume chart (m3 ).
Length of log segment in metres

Rads cm 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Appendix 1

4 8 0.003 0.005 0.008 0.010 0.013 0.015 0.018 0.020 0.023 0.025 0.028 0.030 0.033 0.035 0.038 0.040 0.043 0.045 0.048 0.050
9 0.003 0.006 0.010 0.013 0.016 0.019 0.022 0.025 0.029 0.032 0.035 0.038 0.041 0.045 0.048 0.051 0.054 0.057 0.060 0.064
5 10 0.004 0.008 0.012 0.016 0.020 0.024 0.027 0.031 0.035 0.039 0.043 0.047 0.051 0.055 0.059 0.063 0.067 0.071 0.075 0.079
11 0.005 0.010 0.014 0.019 0.024 0.029 0.033 0.038 0.043 0.048 0.052 0.057 0.062 0.067 0.071 0.076 0.081 0.086 0.090 0.095
6 12 0.006 0.011 0.017 0.023 0.028 0.034 0.040 0.045 0.051 0.057 0.062 0.068 0.074 0.079 0.085 0.090 0.096 0.102 0.107 0.113
13 0.007 0.013 0.020 0.027 0.033 0.040 0.046 0.053 0.060 0.066 0.073 0.080 0.086 0.093 0.100 0.106 0.113 0.119 0.126 0.133
7 14 0.008 0.015 0.023 0.031 0.038 0.046 0.054 0.062 0.069 0.077 0.085 0.092 0.100 0.108 0.115 0.123 0.131 0.139 0.146 0.154
15 0.009 0.018 0.027 0.035 0.044 0.053 0.062 0.071 0.080 0.088 0.097 0.106 0.115 0.124 0.133 0.141 0.150 0.159 0.168 0.177
8 16 0.010 0.020 0.030 0.040 0.050 0.060 0.070 0.080 0.090 0.101 0.111 0.121 0.131 0.141 0.151 0.161 0.171 0.181 0.191 0.201
17 0.011 0.023 0.034 0.045 0.057 0.068 0.079 0.091 0.102 0.113 0.125 0.136 0.148 0.159 0.170 0.182 0.193 0.204 0.216 0.227
9 18 0.013 0.025 0.038 0.051 0.064 0.076 0.089 0.102 0.115 0.127 0.140 0.153 0.165 0.178 0.191 0.204 0.216 0.229 0.242 0.254
19 0.014 0.028 0.043 0.057 0.071 0.085 0.099 0.113 0.128 0.142 0.156 0.170 0.184 0.198 0.213 0.227 0.241 0.255 0.269 0.284
10 20 0.016 0.031 0.047 0.063 0.079 0.094 0.110 0.126 0.141 0.157 0.173 0.188 0.204 0.220 0.236 0.251 0.267 0.283 0.298 0.314
21 0.017 0.035 0.052 0.069 0.087 0.104 0.121 0.139 0.156 0.173 0.190 0.208 0.225 0.242 0.260 0.277 0.294 0.312 0.329 0.346
11 22 0.019 0.038 0.057 0.076 0.095 0.114 0.133 0.152 0.171 0.190 0.209 0.228 0.247 0.266 0.285 0.304 0.323 0.342 0.361 0.380
23 0.021 0.042 0.062 0.083 0.104 0.125 0.145 0.166 0.187 0.208 0.229 0.249 0.270 0.291 0.312 0.332 0.353 0.374 0.395 0.415
12 24 0.023 0.045 0.068 0.090 0.113 0.136 0.158 0.181 0.204 0.226 0.249 0.271 0.294 0.317 0.339 0.362 0.385 0.407 0.430 0.452
25 0.025 0.049 0.074 0.098 0.123 0.147 0.172 0.196 0.221 0.245 0.270 0.295 0.319 0.344 0.368 0.393 0.417 0.442 0.466 0.491
13 26 0.027 0.053 0.080 0.106 0.133 0.159 0.186 0.212 0.239 0.265 0.292 0.319 0.345 0.372 0.398 0.425 0.451 0.478 0.504 0.531
27 0.029 0.057 0.086 0.115 0.143 0.172 0.200 0.229 0.258 0.286 0.315 0.344 0.372 0.401 0.429 0.458 0.487 0.515 0.544 0.573
14 28 0.031 0.062 0.092 0.123 0.154 0.185 0.216 0.246 0.277 0.308 0.339 0.369 0.400 0.431 0.462 0.493 0.523 0.554 0.585 0.616
29 0.033 0.066 0.099 0.132 0.165 0.198 0.231 0.264 0.297 0.330 0.363 0.396 0.429 0.462 0.495 0.528 0.561 0.594 0.627 0.661
15 30 0.035 0.071 0.106 0.141 0.177 0.212 0.247 0.283 0.318 0.353 0.389 0.424 0.459 0.495 0.530 0.565 0.601 0.636 0.672 0.707

Small-end diameter of log in cm or rads

31 0.038 0.075 0.113 0.151 0.189 0.226 0.264 0.302 0.340 0.377 0.415 0.453 0.491 0.528 0.566 0.604 0.642 0.679 0.717 0.755
16 32 0.040 0.080 0.121 0.161 0.201 0.241 0.281 0.322 0.362 0.402 0.442 0.483 0.523 0.563 0.603 0.643 0.684 0.724 0.764 0.804
33 0.043 0.086 0.128 0.171 0.214 0.257 0.299 0.342 0.385 0.428 0.470 0.513 0.556 0.599 0.641 0.684 0.727 0.770 0.813 0.855
17 34 0.045 0.091 0.136 0.182 0.227 0.272 0.318 0.363 0.409 0.454 0.499 0.545 0.590 0.636 0.681 0.726 0.772 0.817 0.863 0.908
35 0.048 0.096 0.144 0.192 0.241 0.289 0.337 0.385 0.433 0.481 0.529 0.577 0.625 0.673 0.722 0.770 0.818 0.866 0.914 0.962
18 36 0.051 0.102 0.153 0.204 0.254 0.305 0.356 0.407 0.458 0.509 0.560 0.611 0.662 0.713 0.763 0.814 0.865 0.916 0.967 1.018
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 207 20.9.2005 5:41pm

37 0.054 0.108 0.161 0.215 0.269 0.323 0.376 0.430 0.484 0.538 0.591 0.645 0.699 0.753 0.806 0.860 0.914 0.968 1.021 1.075
19 38 0.057 0.113 0.170 0.227 0.284 0.340 0.397 0.454 0.510 0.567 0.624 0.680 0.737 0.794 0.851 0.907 0.964 1.021 1.077 1.134
39 0.060 0.119 0.179 0.239 0.299 0.358 0.418 0.478 0.538 0.597 0.657 0.717 0.776 0.836 0.896 0.956 1.015 1.075 1.135 1.195
20 40 0.063 0.126 0.188 0.251 0.314 0.377 0.440 0.503 0.565 0.628 0.691 0.754 0.817 0.880 0.942 1.005 1.068 1.131 1.194 1.257
41 0.066 0.132 0.198 0.264 0.330 0.396 0.462 0.528 0.594 0.660 0.726 0.792 0.858 0.924 0.990 1.056 1.122 1.188 1.254 1.320
207

continued
 Table A.1.F. continued
Length of log segment in metres
208

Rads cm 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 42 0.069 0.139 0.208 0.277 0.346 0.416 0.485 0.554 0.623 0.693 0.762 0.831 0.901 0.970 1.039 1.108 1.178 1.247 1.316 1.385
43 0.073 0.145 0.218 0.290 0.363 0.436 0.508 0.581 0.653 0.726 0.799 0.871 0.944 1.017 1.089 1.162 1.234 1.307 1.380 1.452
22 44 0.076 0.152 0.228 0.304 0.380 0.456 0.532 0.608 0.684 0.760 0.836 0.912 0.988 1.064 1.140 1.216 1.292 1.368 1.445 1.521
45 0.080 0.159 0.239 0.318 0.398 0.477 0.557 0.636 0.716 0.795 0.875 0.954 1.034 1.113 1.193 1.272 1.352 1.431 1.511 1.590
23 46 0.083 0.166 0.249 0.332 0.415 0.499 0.582 0.665 0.748 0.831 0.914 0.997 1.080 1.163 1.246 1.330 1.413 1.496 1.579 1.662
47 0.087 0.173 0.260 0.347 0.434 0.520 0.607 0.694 0.781 0.867 0.954 1.041 1.128 1.214 1.301 1.388 1.475 1.561 1.648 1.735
24 48 0.090 0.181 0.271 0.362 0.452 0.543 0.633 0.724 0.814 0.905 0.995 1.086 1.176 1.267 1.357 1.448 1.538 1.629 1.719 1.810
49 0.094 0.189 0.283 0.377 0.471 0.566 0.660 0.754 0.849 0.943 1.037 1.131 1.226 1.320 1.414 1.509 1.603 1.697 1.791 1.886
25 50 0.098 0.196 0.295 0.393 0.491 0.589 0.687 0.785 0.884 0.982 1.080 1.178 1.276 1.374 1.473 1.571 1.669 1.767 1.865 1.964
51 0.102 0.204 0.306 0.409 0.511 0.613 0.715 0.817 0.919 1.021 1.124 1.226 1.328 1.430 1.532 1.634 1.736 1.839 1.941 2.043
26 52 0.106 0.212 0.319 0.425 0.531 0.637 0.743 0.849 0.956 1.062 1.168 1.274 1.380 1.487 1.593 1.699 1.805 1.911 2.018 2.124
53 0.110 0.221 0.331 0.441 0.552 0.662 0.772 0.882 0.993 1.103 1.213 1.324 1.434 1.544 1.655 1.765 1.875 1.986 2.096 2.206
27 54 0.115 0.229 0.344 0.458 0.573 0.687 0.802 0.916 1.031 1.145 1.260 1.374 1.489 1.603 1.718 1.832 1.947 2.061 2.176 2.290
55 0.119 0.238 0.356 0.475 0.594 0.713 0.832 0.950 1.069 1.188 1.307 1.426 1.544 1.663 1.782 1.901 2.019 2.138 2.257 2.376
28 56 0.123 0.246 0.369 0.493 0.616 0.739 0.862 0.985 1.108 1.232 1.355 1.478 1.601 1.724 1.847 1.970 2.094 2.217 2.340 2.463
57 0.128 0.255 0.383 0.510 0.638 0.766 0.893 1.021 1.148 1.276 1.403 1.531 1.659 1.786 1.914 2.041 2.169 2.297 2.424 2.552
29 58 0.132 0.264 0.396 0.528 0.661 0.793 0.925 1.057 1.189 1.321 1.453 1.585 1.717 1.849 1.982 2.114 2.246 2.378 2.510 2.642
59 0.137 0.273 0.410 0.547 0.683 0.820 0.957 1.094 1.230 1.367 1.504 1.640 1.777 1.914 2.050 2.187 2.324 2.461 2.597 2.734
30 60 0.141 0.283 0.424 0.565 0.707 0.848 0.990 1.131 1.272 1.414 1.555 1.696 1.838 1.979 2.121 2.262 2.403 2.545 2.686 2.827
61 0.146 0.292 0.438 0.584 0.731 0.877 1.023 1.169 1.315 1.461 1.607 1.753 1.900 2.046 2.192 2.338 2.484 2.630 2.776 2.922
31 62 0.151 0.302 0.453 0.604 0.755 0.906 1.057 1.208 1.359 1.510 1.660 1.811 1.962 2.113 2.264 2.415 2.566 2.717 2.868 3.019
63 0.156 0.312 0.468 0.623 0.779 0.935 1.091 1.247 1.403 1.559 1.714 1.870 2.026 2.182 2.338 2.494 2.650 2.806 2.961 3.117
32 64 0.161 0.322 0.483 0.643 0.804 0.965 1.126 1.287 1.448 1.608 1.769 1.930 2.091 2.252 2.413 2.574 2.734 2.895 3.056 3.217
65 0.166 0.332 0.498 0.664 0.830 0.995 1.161 1.327 1.493 1.659 1.825 1.991 2.157 2.323 2.489 2.655 2.821 2.986 3.152 3.318

Small-end diameter of log in cm or rads

33 66 0.171 0.342 0.513 0.684 0.855 1.026 1.197 1.368 1.540 1.711 1.882 2.053 2.224 2.395 2.566 2.737 2.908 3.079 3.250 3.421
67 0.176 0.353 0.529 0.705 0.881 1.058 1.234 1.410 1.587 1.763 1.939 2.115 2.292 2.468 2.644 2.821 2.997 3.173 3.349 3.526
34 68 0.182 0.363 0.545 0.726 0.908 1.090 1.271 1.453 1.634 1.816 1.997 2.179 2.361 2.542 2.724 2.905 3.087 3.269 3.450 3.632
69 0.187 0.374 0.561 0.748 0.935 1.122 1.309 1.496 1.683 1.870 2.057 2.244 2.431 2.618 2.804 2.991 3.178 3.365 3.552 3.739
35 70 0.192 0.385 0.577 0.770 0.962 1.155 1.347 1.539 1.732 1.924 2.117 2.309 2.501 2.694 2.886 3.079 3.271 3.464 3.656 3.848
71 0.198 0.396 0.594 0.792 0.990 1.188 1.386 1.584 1.782 1.980 2.178 2.376 2.573 2.771 2.969 3.167 3.365 3.563 3.761 3.959
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 208 20.9.2005 5:41pm

36 72 0.204 0.407 0.611 0.814 1.018 1.221 1.425 1.629 1.832 2.036 2.239 2.443 2.646 2.850 3.054 3.257 3.461 3.664 3.868 4.072
73 0.209 0.419 0.628 0.837 1.046 1.256 1.465 1.674 1.883 2.093 2.302 2.511 2.721 2.930 3.139 3.348 3.558 3.767 3.976 4.185
37 74 0.215 0.430 0.645 0.860 1.075 1.290 1.505 1.720 1.935 2.150 2.365 2.581 2.796 3.011 3.226 3.441 3.656 3.871 4.086 4.301

Note: To use this table, add the volume shown for the small-end diameter and length combination, with the volume shown for the large-end diameter and length
combination, e.g. for a log that is 5.2 m long, with a small-end diameter of 46 cm (23 rads) and a large-end diameter of 48 cm (24 rads), a value of 0:415 m3 is
Appendix 1

shown for 46 cm – 5 m and 0:452 m3 for 48 cm – 5 m; for the remaining 0.2 m use 10% of 2 m volume, e.g. 0:017 m3 for 46 cm – 0.2 m and 0:018 m3 for 48 cm
(0:415 þ 0:452 þ 0:017 þ 0:018 ¼ 0:902); log volume is 0:902 m3 .
 Table A.1.G. Alberta Cubic Metre Scale ‘one diameter regression formula method’ (m3 ).
Length of log segment in metres

2.4 2.6 2.8 3.0 3.2 3.4 3.6 3.8 4.0 4.2 4.4 4.6 4.8 5.0 5.2 5.4 5.6 5.8 6.0 6.2 6.4 6.6 6.8 7.0 7.2
Appendix 1

10 0.026 0.028 0.031 0.034 0.038 0.041 0.044 0.048 0.052 0.056 0.060 0.064 0.068 0.073 0.077 0.082 0.087 0.092 0.098 0.103 0.109 0.115 0.121 0.127 0.134
12 0.034 0.038 0.042 0.045 0.049 0.053 0.058 0.062 0.066 0.071 0.076 0.081 0.086 0.091 0.096 0.102 0.108 0.114 0.120 0.126 0.132 0.139 0.145 0.152 0.159
14 0.044 0.049 0.053 0.058 0.063 0.068 0.073 0.078 0.084 0.089 0.095 0.101 0.106 0.113 0.119 0.125 0.132 0.138 0.145 0.152 0.159 0.167 0.174 0.182 0.190
16 0.056 0.062 0.067 0.073 0.079 0.085 0.091 0.097 0.103 0.110 0.116 0.123 0.130 0.137 0.145 0.152 0.159 0.167 0.175 0.183 0.191 0.200 0.208 0.217 0.226
18 0.069 0.076 0.083 0.089 0.096 0.104 0.111 0.118 0.126 0.133 0.141 0.149 0.157 0.166 0.174 0.183 0.191 0.200 0.209 0.218 0.228 0.237 0.247 0.257 0.267
20 0.084 0.092 0.100 0.108 0.117 0.125 0.133 0.142 0.151 0.160 0.169 0.179 0.188 0.198 0.207 0.217 0.227 0.238 0.248 0.259 0.269 0.280 0.291 0.303 0.314
22 0.101 0.110 0.120 0.129 0.139 0.149 0.159 0.169 0.179 0.190 0.201 0.211 0.222 0.234 0.245 0.256 0.268 0.280 0.292 0.304 0.316 0.329 0.342 0.355 0.368
24 0.119 0.130 0.141 0.152 0.164 0.175 0.187 0.199 0.211 0.223 0.235 0.248 0.261 0.274 0.287 0.300 0.313 0.327 0.341 0.355 0.369 0.384 0.398 0.413 0.428
26 0.139 0.152 0.165 0.178 0.191 0.204 0.218 0.232 0.246 0.260 0.274 0.289 0.303 0.318 0.333 0.349 0.364 0.380 0.396 0.412 0.428 0.445 0.461 0.478 0.496
28 0.161 0.176 0.190 0.205 0.221 0.236 0.252 0.268 0.284 0.300 0.317 0.333 0.350 0.367 0.385 0.402 0.420 0.438 0.457 0.475 0.494 0.513 0.532 0.551 0.571
30 0.185 0.201 0.219 0.236 0.253 0.271 0.289 0.307 0.326 0.344 0.363 0.382 0.402 0.422 0.441 0.462 0.482 0.503 0.524 0.545 0.566 0.588 0.610 0.633 0.655
32 0.210 0.230 0.249 0.269 0.289 0.309 0.329 0.350 0.371 0.393 0.414 0.436 0.458 0.481 0.504 0.527 0.550 0.574 0.598 0.622 0.647 0.672 0.697 0.722 0.748
34 0.238 0.260 0.282 0.304 0.327 0.350 0.373 0.397 0.421 0.445 0.470 0.495 0.520 0.546 0.572 0.598 0.625 0.652 0.679 0.707 0.735 0.763 0.792 0.821 0.851
36 0.268 0.292 0.317 0.343 0.368 0.394 0.421 0.448 0.475 0.502 0.530 0.558 0.587 0.616 0.646 0.676 0.706 0.737 0.768 0.800 0.832 0.864 0.897 0.930 0.964
38 0.300 0.327 0.355 0.384 0.413 0.442 0.472 0.502 0.533 0.564 0.596 0.628 0.660 0.693 0.727 0.761 0.795 0.830 0.865 0.901 0.938 0.975 1.012 1.050 1.088
40 0.334 0.365 0.396 0.428 0.461 0.494 0.527 0.561 0.596 0.631 0.666 0.702 0.739 0.776 0.814 0.853 0.891 0.931 0.971 1.012 1.053 1.095 1.138 1.181 1.225
42 0.370 0.405 0.440 0.476 0.512 0.549 0.586 0.624 0.663 0.702 0.742 0.783 0.824 0.866 0.909 0.952 0.996 1.041 1.086 1.132 1.179 1.227 1.275 1.324 1.373
44 0.409 0.447 0.486 0.526 0.567 0.608 0.650 0.692 0.735 0.780 0.824 0.870 0.916 0.963 1.011 1.060 1.110 1.160 1.211 1.263 1.316 1.370 1.424 1.479 1.536
46 0.450 0.493 0.536 0.580 0.625 0.671 0.717 0.765 0.813 0.862 0.912 0.963 1.015 1.068 1.122 1.176 1.232 1.289 1.346 1.405 1.464 1.525 1.586 1.649 1.712
48 0.494 0.541 0.589 0.637 0.687 0.738 0.790 0.842 0.896 0.951 1.007 1.064 1.121 1.180 1.241 1.302 1.364 1.428 1.492 1.558 1.625 1.693 1.762 1.833 1.904
50 0.540 0.592 0.644 0.698 0.753 0.809 0.867 0.925 0.985 1.046 1.108 1.171 1.235 1.301 1.368 1.437 1.506 1.577 1.650 1.723 1.798 1.875 1.952 2.032 2.112
52 0.589 0.646 0.704 0.763 0.823 0.885 0.949 1.013 1.079 1.147 1.215 1.286 1.357 1.431 1.505 1.581 1.659 1.738 1.819 1.901 1.985 2.071 2.158 2.247 2.338

Small-end diameter in cm (conifer)

54 0.640 0.702 0.766 0.831 0.898 0.966 1.036 1.107 1.180 1.254 1.330 1.408 1.488 1.569 1.652 1.736 1.823 1.911 2.001 2.093 2.187 2.282 2.380 2.480 2.581
56 0.695 0.763 0.832 0.904 0.977 1.051 1.128 1.207 1.287 1.369 1.453 1.539 1.627 1.717 1.809 1.903 1.999 2.097 2.197 2.299 2.404 2.510 2.619 2.730 2.844
58 0.752 0.826 0.902 0.980 1.060 1.142 1.226 1.312 1.400 1.491 1.583 1.678 1.775 1.875 1.976 2.080 2.187 2.295 2.406 2.520 2.636 2.755 2.876 3.000 3.126
60 0.812 0.892 0.975 1.060 1.148 1.237 1.330 1.424 1.521 1.620 1.722 1.826 1.933 2.043 2.155 2.270 2.387 2.508 2.631 2.757 2.886 3.017 3.152 3.290 3.431
62 0.875 0.962 1.052 1.145 1.241 1.338 1.439 1.542 1.648 1.757 1.869 1.984 2.101 2.222 2.345 2.472 2.602 2.735 2.871 3.010 3.153 3.299 3.448 3.601 3.757
64 0.941 1.036 1.134 1.234 1.338 1.445 1.555 1.667 1.783 1.902 2.025 2.150 2.280 2.412 2.548 2.687 2.830 2.977 3.127 3.281 3.438 3.600 3.765 3.935 4.108
66 1.010 1.113 1.219 1.328 1.441 1.557 1.677 1.799 1.926 2.056 2.190 2.327 2.469 2.614 2.763 2.916 3.073 3.234 3.400 3.569 3.743 3.922 4.104 4.292 4.483
68 1.082 1.194 1.308 1.427 1.549 1.675 1.805 1.939 2.077 2.218 2.364 2.515 2.669 2.828 2.991 3.159 3.332 3.509 3.691 3.877 4.069 4.265 4.467 4.673 4.885
70 1.158 1.278 1.402 1.530 1.663 1.799 1.940 2.086 2.235 2.390 2.549 2.713 2.882 3.055 3.234 3.418 3.606 3.801 4.000 4.205 4.415 4.632 4.853 5.081 5.314
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 209 20.9.2005 5:41pm

72 1.237 1.367 1.501 1.639 1.782 1.930 2.082 2.240 2.403 2.571 2.744 2.922 3.106 3.295 3.490 3.691 3.898 4.110 4.329 4.554 4.784 5.022 5.265 5.515 5.772
74 1.320 1.459 1.603 1.753 1.907 2.067 2.232 2.403 2.579 2.761 2.949 3.143 3.343 3.550 3.762 3.981 4.207 4.439 4.678 4.924 5.177 5.437 5.704 5.978 6.260
76 1.406 1.556 1.711 1.872 2.038 2.210 2.389 2.573 2.764 2.962 3.166 3.376 3.594 3.818 4.049 4.288 4.534 4.787 5.048 5.317 5.593 5.878 6.170 6.471 6.780
78 1.496 1.657 1.823 1.996 2.175 2.361 2.553 2.753 2.959 3.173 3.394 3.622 3.858 4.101 4.353 4.612 4.880 5.156 5.440 5.733 6.035 6.346 6.665 6.994 7.332

continued
209
 Table A.1.G. continued
210

Length of log segment in metres

2.4 2.6 2.8 3.0 3.2 3.4 3.6 3.8 4.0 4.2 4.4 4.6 4.8 5.0 5.2 5.4 5.6 5.8 6.0 6.2 6.4 6.6 6.8 7.0 7.2

10 0.025 0.028 0.031 0.034 0.037 0.040 0.043 0.047 0.050 0.054 0.058 0.062 0.066 0.070 0.075 0.079 0.084 0.089 0.094 0.099 0.104 0.110 0.115 0.121 0.127
12 0.034 0.037 0.041 0.044 0.048 0.052 0.056 0.060 0.064 0.069 0.073 0.078 0.083 0.088 0.093 0.098 0.103 0.108 0.114 0.120 0.126 0.132 0.138 0.144 0.151
14 0.044 0.048 0.052 0.057 0.061 0.066 0.071 0.076 0.081 0.086 0.091 0.097 0.102 0.108 0.114 0.120 0.126 0.132 0.138 0.145 0.152 0.158 0.165 0.172 0.179
16 0.055 0.060 0.066 0.071 0.077 0.082 0.088 0.094 0.100 0.106 0.113 0.119 0.125 0.132 0.139 0.146 0.153 0.160 0.167 0.174 0.182 0.190 0.198 0.205 0.214
18 0.068 0.074 0.081 0.088 0.094 0.101 0.108 0.115 0.122 0.129 0.137 0.144 0.152 0.160 0.168 0.176 0.184 0.192 0.200 0.209 0.217 0.226 0.235 0.244 0.253
20 0.083 0.090 0.098 0.106 0.114 0.122 0.130 0.139 0.147 0.156 0.164 0.173 0.182 0.191 0.200 0.210 0.219 0.229 0.238 0.248 0.258 0.268 0.279 0.289 0.300
22 0.099 0.108 0.118 0.127 0.136 0.146 0.155 0.165 0.175 0.185 0.195 0.206 0.216 0.227 0.238 0.248 0.259 0.271 0.282 0.293 0.305 0.317 0.329 0.341 0.353
24 0.118 0.128 0.139 0.150 0.161 0.172 0.184 0.195 0.207 0.218 0.230 0.242 0.255 0.267 0.280 0.292 0.305 0.318 0.331 0.344 0.358 0.372 0.385 0.399 0.413
26 0.138 0.150 0.163 0.176 0.188 0.202 0.215 0.228 0.242 0.255 0.269 0.283 0.298 0.312 0.327 0.341 0.356 0.371 0.387 0.402 0.418 0.434 0.449 0.466 0.482
28 0.160 0.174 0.189 0.204 0.219 0.234 0.249 0.265 0.281 0.296 0.313 0.329 0.345 0.362 0.379 0.396 0.414 0.431 0.449 0.467 0.485 0.503 0.522 0.541 0.560
30 0.184 0.201 0.217 0.234 0.252 0.269 0.287 0.305 0.323 0.342 0.360 0.379 0.398 0.418 0.437 0.457 0.477 0.498 0.518 0.539 0.560 0.581 0.603 0.625 0.647
32 0.210 0.229 0.248 0.268 0.288 0.308 0.329 0.349 0.370 0.391 0.413 0.435 0.457 0.479 0.502 0.525 0.548 0.571 0.595 0.619 0.644 0.669 0.694 0.719 0.744
34 0.238 0.260 0.282 0.305 0.327 0.350 0.374 0.398 0.422 0.446 0.471 0.496 0.521 0.547 0.573 0.599 0.626 0.653 0.681 0.709 0.737 0.765 0.794 0.824 0.854
36 0.269 0.294 0.319 0.344 0.370 0.396 0.423 0.450 0.478 0.506 0.534 0.563 0.592 0.621 0.651 0.681 0.712 0.744 0.775 0.807 0.840 0.873 0.907 0.940 0.975
38 0.302 0.330 0.358 0.387 0.416 0.446 0.477 0.507 0.539 0.570 0.603 0.635 0.669 0.703 0.737 0.772 0.807 0.843 0.879 0.916 0.954 0.992 1.031 1.070 1.110
40 0.337 0.369 0.401 0.433 0.466 0.500 0.534 0.569 0.605 0.641 0.678 0.715 0.753 0.791 0.831 0.870 0.911 0.952 0.994 1.036 1.079 1.123 1.168 1.213 1.259
42 0.375 0.410 0.446 0.483 0.520 0.558 0.597 0.636 0.677 0.717 0.759 0.801 0.845 0.888 0.933 0.978 1.025 1.071 1.119 1.168 1.217 1.267 1.318 1.370 1.423
44 0.415 0.455 0.495 0.536 0.578 0.621 0.664 0.709 0.754 0.800 0.847 0.895 0.944 0.994 1.044 1.096 1.149 1.202 1.257 1.312 1.368 1.426 1.484 1.544 1.604
46 0.458 0.502 0.547 0.593 0.640 0.688 0.737 0.787 0.838 0.890 0.943 0.997 1.052 1.108 1.165 1.224 1.284 1.344 1.406 1.469 1.534 1.599 1.666 1.734 1.803
48 0.504 0.553 0.603 0.654 0.707 0.760 0.815 0.870 0.928 0.986 1.045 1.106 1.168 1.232 1.297 1.363 1.430 1.499 1.570 1.641 1.714 1.789 1.865 1.943 2.022
50 0.553 0.607 0.663 0.719 0.778 0.837 0.898 0.960 1.024 1.089 1.156 1.225 1.294 1.366 1.439 1.513 1.590 1.667 1.747 1.828 1.911 1.996 2.082 2.170 2.260
52 0.605 0.665 0.726 0.789 0.853 0.919 0.987 1.057 1.128 1.201 1.275 1.352 1.430 1.510 1.592 1.676 1.762 1.850 1.940 2.031 2.125 2.221 2.319 2.419 2.521

Small-end diameter in cm (hardwood)

54 0.660 0.725 0.793 0.863 0.934 1.007 1.082 1.160 1.239 1.320 1.403 1.489 1.576 1.666 1.758 1.852 1.948 2.047 2.148 2.252 2.357 2.466 2.576 2.690 2.805
56 0.718 0.790 0.864 0.941 1.020 1.101 1.184 1.270 1.357 1.448 1.540 1.636 1.733 1.833 1.936 2.042 2.150 2.260 2.374 2.490 2.609 2.731 2.856 2.984 3.114
58 0.779 0.858 0.940 1.024 1.111 1.200 1.292 1.387 1.484 1.584 1.687 1.793 1.902 2.013 2.128 2.246 2.366 2.490 2.618 2.748 2.882 3.018 3.159 3.303 3.450
60 0.844 0.930 1.020 1.112 1.208 1.306 1.407 1.512 1.619 1.730 1.844 1.961 2.082 2.206 2.334 2.465 2.600 2.738 2.880 3.026 3.176 3.329 3.487 3.648 3.813
62 0.912 1.006 1.104 1.206 1.310 1.418 1.530 1.645 1.763 1.886 2.012 2.141 2.275 2.413 2.555 2.700 2.850 3.004 3.163 3.326 3.493 3.664 3.841 4.021 4.207
64 0.983 1.087 1.194 1.304 1.419 1.537 1.659 1.786 1.916 2.051 2.190 2.334 2.481 2.634 2.791 2.953 3.119 3.290 3.467 3.648 3.834 4.026 4.222 4.424 4.632
66 1.059 1.171 1.288 1.408 1.534 1.663 1.797 1.936 2.079 2.227 2.380 2.538 2.702 2.870 3.043 3.222 3.407 3.597 3.793 3.994 4.201 4.414 4.633 4.859 5.090
68 1.138 1.260 1.387 1.518 1.655 1.796 1.943 2.095 2.252 2.414 2.583 2.756 2.936 3.122 3.313 3.511 3.715 3.925 4.142 4.365 4.595 4.832 5.076 5.326 5.584
70 1.221 1.354 1.491 1.634 1.783 1.937 2.097 2.263 2.435 2.613 2.797 2.988 3.186 3.390 3.601 3.819 4.044 4.276 4.516 4.763 5.018 5.280 5.550 5.828 6.115
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 210 20.9.2005 5:41pm

72 1.309 1.452 1.601 1.756 1.918 2.085 2.260 2.441 2.629 2.824 3.026 3.235 3.451 3.676 3.908 4.147 4.395 4.651 4.916 5.188 5.470 5.760 6.059 6.367 6.684
74 1.400 1.555 1.716 1.885 2.060 2.242 2.432 2.629 2.834 3.047 3.267 3.496 3.734 3.979 4.234 4.497 4.770 5.051 5.342 5.643 5.953 6.274 6.604 6.944 7.295
76 1.496 1.663 1.837 2.019 2.209 2.407 2.613 2.828 3.051 3.283 3.523 3.773 4.033 4.302 4.581 4.869 5.168 5.478 5.797 6.128 6.470 6.822 7.186 7.562 7.949
78 1.596 1.776 1.964 2.161 2.367 2.581 2.804 3.037 3.280 3.532 3.794 4.067 4.350 4.644 4.949 5.265 5.592 5.931 6.282 6.645 7.020 7.408 7.809 8.222 8.649
Appendix 1

Note: To use this table find the volume at the intersect of the small-end diameter and log length for the appropriate category (conifer or hardwood).
 Table A.1.H. Full segment cubic metre volume chart (m3 )
Length of log segment in metres

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

8 0.005 0.010 0.015 0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035 0.040 0.045 0.050 0.055 0.060 0.065 0.070 0.075 0.080 0.085 0.090 0.096 0.101
Appendix 1

9 0.006 0.013 0.019 0.025 0.032 0.038 0.045 0.051 0.057 0.064 0.070 0.076 0.083 0.089 0.095 0.102 0.108 0.115 0.121 0.127
10 0.008 0.016 0.024 0.031 0.039 0.047 0.055 0.063 0.071 0.079 0.086 0.094 0.102 0.110 0.118 0.126 0.134 0.141 0.149 0.157
11 0.010 0.019 0.029 0.038 0.048 0.057 0.067 0.076 0.086 0.095 0.105 0.114 0.124 0.133 0.143 0.152 0.162 0.171 0.181 0.190
12 0.011 0.023 0.034 0.045 0.057 0.068 0.079 0.090 0.102 0.113 0.124 0.136 0.147 0.158 0.170 0.181 0.192 0.204 0.215 0.226
13 0.013 0.027 0.040 0.053 0.066 0.080 0.093 0.106 0.119 0.133 0.146 0.159 0.173 0.186 0.199 0.212 0.226 0.239 0.252 0.265
14 0.015 0.031 0.046 0.062 0.077 0.092 0.108 0.123 0.139 0.154 0.169 0.185 0.200 0.216 0.231 0.246 0.262 0.277 0.292 0.308
15 0.018 0.035 0.053 0.071 0.088 0.106 0.124 0.141 0.159 0.177 0.194 0.212 0.230 0.247 0.265 0.283 0.300 0.318 0.336 0.353
16 0.020 0.040 0.060 0.080 0.101 0.121 0.141 0.161 0.181 0.201 0.221 0.241 0.261 0.281 0.302 0.322 0.342 0.362 0.382 0.402
17 0.023 0.045 0.068 0.091 0.113 0.136 0.159 0.182 0.204 0.227 0.250 0.272 0.295 0.318 0.340 0.363 0.386 0.409 0.431 0.454
18 0.025 0.051 0.076 0.102 0.127 0.153 0.178 0.204 0.229 0.254 0.280 0.305 0.331 0.356 0.382 0.407 0.433 0.458 0.483 0.509
19 0.028 0.057 0.085 0.113 0.142 0.170 0.198 0.227 0.255 0.284 0.312 0.340 0.369 0.397 0.425 0.454 0.482 0.510 0.539 0.567
20 0.031 0.063 0.094 0.126 0.157 0.188 0.220 0.251 0.283 0.314 0.346 0.377 0.408 0.440 0.471 0.503 0.534 0.565 0.597 0.628
21 0.035 0.069 0.104 0.139 0.173 0.208 0.242 0.277 0.312 0.346 0.381 0.416 0.450 0.485 0.520 0.554 0.589 0.623 0.658 0.693
22 0.038 0.076 0.114 0.152 0.190 0.228 0.266 0.304 0.342 0.380 0.418 0.456 0.494 0.532 0.570 0.608 0.646 0.684 0.722 0.760
23 0.042 0.083 0.125 0.166 0.208 0.249 0.291 0.332 0.374 0.415 0.457 0.499 0.540 0.582 0.623 0.665 0.706 0.748 0.789 0.831
24 0.045 0.090 0.136 0.181 0.226 0.271 0.317 0.362 0.407 0.452 0.498 0.543 0.588 0.633 0.679 0.724 0.769 0.814 0.860 0.905
25 0.049 0.098 0.147 0.196 0.245 0.295 0.344 0.393 0.442 0.491 0.540 0.589 0.638 0.687 0.736 0.785 0.834 0.884 0.933 0.982

Diameter in cm
26 0.053 0.106 0.159 0.212 0.265 0.319 0.372 0.425 0.478 0.531 0.584 0.637 0.690 0.743 0.796 0.849 0.903 0.956 1.009 1.062
27 0.057 0.115 0.172 0.229 0.286 0.344 0.401 0.458 0.515 0.573 0.630 0.687 0.744 0.802 0.859 0.916 0.973 1.031 1.088 1.145
28 0.062 0.123 0.185 0.246 0.308 0.369 0.431 0.493 0.554 0.616 0.677 0.739 0.800 0.862 0.924 0.985 1.047 1.108 1.170 1.232
29 0.066 0.132 0.198 0.264 0.330 0.396 0.462 0.528 0.594 0.661 0.727 0.793 0.859 0.925 0.991 1.057 1.123 1.189 1.255 1.321
30 0.071 0.141 0.212 0.283 0.353 0.424 0.495 0.565 0.636 0.707 0.778 0.848 0.919 0.990 1.060 1.131 1.202 1.272 1.343 1.414
31 0.075 0.151 0.226 0.302 0.377 0.453 0.528 0.604 0.679 0.755 0.830 0.906 0.981 1.057 1.132 1.208 1.283 1.359 1.434 1.510
32 0.080 0.161 0.241 0.322 0.402 0.483 0.563 0.643 0.724 0.804 0.885 0.965 1.046 1.126 1.206 1.287 1.367 1.448 1.528 1.608
33 0.086 0.171 0.257 0.342 0.428 0.513 0.599 0.684 0.770 0.855 0.941 1.026 1.112 1.197 1.283 1.368 1.454 1.540 1.625 1.711
34 0.091 0.182 0.272 0.363 0.454 0.545 0.636 0.726 0.817 0.908 0.999 1.090 1.180 1.271 1.362 1.453 1.543 1.634 1.725 1.816
35 0.096 0.192 0.289 0.385 0.481 0.577 0.673 0.770 0.866 0.962 1.058 1.155 1.251 1.347 1.443 1.539 1.636 1.732 1.828 1.924
36 0.102 0.204 0.305 0.407 0.509 0.611 0.713 0.814 0.916 1.018 1.120 1.221 1.323 1.425 1.527 1.629 1.730 1.832 1.934 2.036
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 211 20.9.2005 5:41pm

37 0.108 0.215 0.323 0.430 0.538 0.645 0.753 0.860 0.968 1.075 1.183 1.290 1.398 1.505 1.613 1.720 1.828 1.935 2.043 2.150
38 0.113 0.227 0.340 0.454 0.567 0.680 0.794 0.907 1.021 1.134 1.248 1.361 1.474 1.588 1.701 1.815 1.928 2.041 2.155 2.268
39 0.119 0.239 0.358 0.478 0.597 0.717 0.836 0.956 1.075 1.195 1.314 1.434 1.553 1.672 1.792 1.911 2.031 2.150 2.270 2.389
40 0.126 0.251 0.377 0.503 0.628 0.754 0.880 1.005 1.131 1.257 1.382 1.508 1.634 1.759 1.885 2.011 2.136 2.262 2.388 2.513
41 0.132 0.264 0.396 0.528 0.660 0.792 0.924 1.056 1.188 1.320 1.452 1.584 1.716 1.848 1.980 2.112 2.244 2.376 2.508 2.641
211

42 0.139 0.277 0.416 0.554 0.693 0.831 0.970 1.108 1.247 1.385 1.524 1.663 1.801 1.940 2.078 2.217 2.355 2.494 2.632 2.771
continued
 Table A.1.H. continued
Length of log segment in metres
212

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

43 0.145 0.290 0.436 0.581 0.726 0.871 1.017 1.162 1.307 1.452 1.597 1.743 1.888 2.033 2.178 2.324 2.469 2.614 2.759 2.904
44 0.152 0.304 0.456 0.608 0.760 0.912 1.064 1.216 1.368 1.521 1.673 1.825 1.977 2.129 2.281 2.433 2.585 2.737 2.889 3.041
45 0.159 0.318 0.477 0.636 0.795 0.954 1.113 1.272 1.431 1.590 1.749 1.909 2.068 2.227 2.386 2.545 2.704 2.863 3.022 3.181
46 0.166 0.332 0.499 0.665 0.831 0.997 1.163 1.330 1.496 1.662 1.828 1.994 2.160 2.327 2.493 2.659 2.825 2.991 3.158 3.324
47 0.173 0.347 0.520 0.694 0.867 1.041 1.214 1.388 1.561 1.735 1.908 2.082 2.255 2.429 2.602 2.776 2.949 3.123 3.296 3.470
48 0.181 0.362 0.543 0.724 0.905 1.086 1.267 1.448 1.629 1.810 1.991 2.171 2.352 2.533 2.714 2.895 3.076 3.257 3.438 3.619
49 0.189 0.377 0.566 0.754 0.943 1.131 1.320 1.509 1.697 1.886 2.074 2.263 2.451 2.640 2.829 3.017 3.206 3.394 3.583 3.771
50 0.196 0.393 0.589 0.785 0.982 1.178 1.374 1.571 1.767 1.964 2.160 2.356 2.553 2.749 2.945 3.142 3.338 3.534 3.731 3.927
51 0.204 0.409 0.613 0.817 1.021 1.226 1.430 1.634 1.839 2.043 2.247 2.451 2.656 2.860 3.064 3.269 3.473 3.677 3.881 4.086
52 0.212 0.425 0.637 0.849 1.062 1.274 1.487 1.699 1.911 2.124 2.336 2.548 2.761 2.973 3.186 3.398 3.610 3.823 4.035 4.247
53 0.221 0.441 0.662 0.882 1.103 1.324 1.544 1.765 1.986 2.206 2.427 2.647 2.868 3.089 3.309 3.530 3.751 3.971 4.192 4.412
54 0.229 0.458 0.687 0.916 1.145 1.374 1.603 1.832 2.061 2.290 2.519 2.748 2.977 3.206 3.435 3.664 3.893 4.122 4.351 4.580
55 0.238 0.475 0.713 0.950 1.188 1.426 1.663 1.901 2.138 2.376 2.613 2.851 3.089 3.326 3.564 3.801 4.039 4.277 4.514 4.752
56 0.246 0.493 0.739 0.985 1.232 1.478 1.724 1.970 2.217 2.463 2.709 2.956 3.202 3.448 3.695 3.941 4.187 4.433 4.680 4.926
57 0.255 0.510 0.766 1.021 1.276 1.531 1.786 2.041 2.297 2.552 2.807 3.062 3.317 3.572 3.828 4.083 4.338 4.593 4.848 5.104
58 0.264 0.528 0.793 1.057 1.321 1.585 1.849 2.114 2.378 2.642 2.906 3.171 3.435 3.699 3.963 4.227 4.492 4.756 5.020 5.284
59 0.273 0.547 0.820 1.094 1.367 1.640 1.914 2.187 2.461 2.734 3.007 3.281 3.554 3.828 4.101 4.374 4.648 4.921 5.195 5.468
60 0.283 0.565 0.848 1.131 1.414 1.696 1.979 2.262 2.545 2.827 3.110 3.393 3.676 3.958 4.241 4.524 4.807 5.089 5.372 5.655

Diameter in cm
61 0.292 0.584 0.877 1.169 1.461 1.753 2.046 2.338 2.630 2.922 3.215 3.507 3.799 4.091 4.384 4.676 4.968 5.260 5.553 5.845
62 0.302 0.604 0.906 1.208 1.510 1.811 2.113 2.415 2.717 3.019 3.321 3.623 3.925 4.227 4.529 4.831 5.132 5.434 5.736 6.038
63 0.312 0.623 0.935 1.247 1.559 1.870 2.182 2.494 2.806 3.117 3.429 3.741 4.052 4.364 4.676 4.988 5.299 5.611 5.923 6.235
64 0.322 0.643 0.965 1.287 1.608 1.930 2.252 2.574 2.895 3.217 3.539 3.860 4.182 4.504 4.825 5.147 5.469 5.791 6.112 6.434
65 0.332 0.664 0.995 1.327 1.659 1.991 2.323 2.655 2.986 3.318 3.650 3.982 4.314 4.646 4.977 5.309 5.641 5.973 6.305 6.637
66 0.342 0.684 1.026 1.368 1.711 2.053 2.395 2.737 3.079 3.421 3.763 4.105 4.448 4.790 5.132 5.474 5.816 6.158 6.500 6.842
67 0.353 0.705 1.058 1.410 1.763 2.115 2.468 2.821 3.173 3.526 3.878 4.231 4.583 4.936 5.288 5.641 5.994 6.346 6.699 7.051
68 0.363 0.726 1.090 1.453 1.816 2.179 2.542 2.905 3.269 3.632 3.995 4.358 4.721 5.084 5.448 5.811 6.174 6.537 6.900 7.263
69 0.374 0.748 1.122 1.496 1.870 2.244 2.618 2.991 3.365 3.739 4.113 4.487 4.861 5.235 5.609 5.983 6.357 6.731 7.105 7.479
70 0.385 0.770 1.155 1.539 1.924 2.309 2.694 3.079 3.464 3.848 4.233 4.618 5.003 5.388 5.773 6.158 6.542 6.927 7.312 7.697
71 0.396 0.792 1.188 1.584 1.980 2.376 2.771 3.167 3.563 3.959 4.355 4.751 5.147 5.543 5.939 6.335 6.731 7.127 7.522 7.918
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 212 20.9.2005 5:41pm

72 0.407 0.814 1.221 1.629 2.036 2.443 2.850 3.257 3.664 4.072 4.479 4.886 5.293 5.700 6.107 6.514 6.922 7.329 7.736 8.143
73 0.419 0.837 1.256 1.674 2.093 2.511 2.930 3.348 3.767 4.185 4.604 5.022 5.441 5.860 6.278 6.697 7.115 7.534 7.952 8.371
74 0.430 0.860 1.290 1.720 2.150 2.581 3.011 3.441 3.871 4.301 4.731 5.161 5.591 6.021 6.451 6.881 7.311 7.742 8.172 8.602
75 0.442 0.884 1.325 1.767 2.209 2.651 3.093 3.534 3.976 4.418 4.860 5.301 5.743 6.185 6.627 7.069 7.510 7.952 8.394 8.836
Appendix 1

Note: To use this table find the volume at the intersect of the mean diameter and log length. For lengths which are not on the full metre, use a percentage of the
full metre lengths. Example: for a log which is 12.4 m long with a mean diameter of 40 cm, m3 is determined as follows: 1:508 m3 for 12 m þ 0.050 (which is 1/10th
of a 4 m long log) ¼ 1:558 m3 .
 Table A.1.I. Swedish cubic volume chart (m3 ).
Small-end diameter of log in cm

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45
Appendix 1

2.0 0.034 0.039 0.044 0.049 0.055 0.061 0.068 0.074 0.082 0.089 0.097 0.105 0.113 0.122 0.131 0.140 0.150 0.160 0.170 0.181 0.192 0.203 0.215 0.226 0.239 0.251 0.264 0.277 0.291 0.305 0.319 0.333
2.1 0.036 0.041 0.046 0.052 0.058 0.064 0.071 0.078 0.085 0.093 0.101 0.110 0.119 0.128 0.137 0.147 0.157 0.168 0.178 0.190 0.201 0.213 0.225 0.237 0.250 0.263 0.277 0.291 0.305 0.320 0.334 0.350
2.2 0.037 0.042 0.048 0.054 0.060 0.067 0.074 0.082 0.089 0.098 0.106 0.115 0.124 0.134 0.144 0.154 0.164 0.175 0.187 0.198 0.210 0.223 0.235 0.249 0.262 0.276 0.290 0.304 0.319 0.334 0.350 0.366
2.3 0.039 0.044 0.050 0.057 0.063 0.070 0.078 0.085 0.093 0.102 0.111 0.120 0.130 0.140 0.150 0.161 0.172 0.183 0.195 0.207 0.220 0.233 0.246 0.260 0.274 0.288 0.303 0.318 0.333 0.349 0.365 0.382
2.4 0.040 0.046 0.052 0.059 0.066 0.073 0.081 0.089 0.097 0.106 0.116 0.125 0.135 0.146 0.156 0.167 0.179 0.191 0.203 0.216 0.229 0.243 0.256 0.271 0.285 0.300 0.316 0.331 0.348 0.364 0.381 0.398
2.5 0.042 0.048 0.055 0.061 0.069 0.076 0.084 0.093 0.101 0.111 0.120 0.130 0.141 0.151 0.163 0.174 0.186 0.199 0.212 0.225 0.238 0.252 0.267 0.282 0.297 0.312 0.329 0.345 0.362 0.379 0.397 0.415
2.6 0.044 0.050 0.057 0.064 0.071 0.079 0.087 0.096 0.105 0.115 0.125 0.135 0.146 0.157 0.169 0.181 0.194 0.207 0.220 0.234 0.248 0.262 0.277 0.293 0.309 0.325 0.341 0.358 0.376 0.394 0.412 0.431
2.7 0.045 0.052 0.059 0.066 0.074 0.082 0.091 0.100 0.109 0.119 0.130 0.140 0.152 0.163 0.175 0.188 0.201 0.214 0.228 0.242 0.257 0.272 0.288 0.304 0.320 0.337 0.354 0.372 0.390 0.409 0.428 0.447
2.8 0.047 0.054 0.061 0.069 0.077 0.085 0.094 0.103 0.113 0.124 0.134 0.146 0.157 0.169 0.182 0.195 0.208 0.222 0.236 0.251 0.266 0.282 0.298 0.315 0.332 0.349 0.367 0.386 0.404 0.424 0.443 0.463
2.9 0.049 0.056 0.063 0.071 0.079 0.088 0.097 0.107 0.117 0.128 0.139 0.151 0.163 0.175 0.188 0.202 0.216 0.230 0.245 0.260 0.276 0.292 0.309 0.326 0.343 0.361 0.380 0.399 0.418 0.438 0.459 0.480
3.0 0.050 0.058 0.065 0.073 0.082 0.091 0.101 0.111 0.121 0.132 0.144 0.156 0.168 0.181 0.195 0.208 0.223 0.238 0.253 0.269 0.285 0.302 0.319 0.337 0.355 0.374 0.393 0.413 0.433 0.453 0.474 0.496
3.1 0.052 0.059 0.067 0.076 0.085 0.094 0.104 0.114 0.125 0.137 0.149 0.161 0.174 0.187 0.201 0.215 0.230 0.245 0.261 0.278 0.294 0.312 0.330 0.348 0.367 0.386 0.406 0.426 0.447 0.468 0.490 0.512
3.2 0.054 0.061 0.069 0.078 0.087 0.097 0.107 0.118 0.129 0.141 0.153 0.166 0.179 0.193 0.207 0.222 0.237 0.253 0.270 0.286 0.304 0.322 0.340 0.359 0.378 0.398 0.419 0.440 0.461 0.483 0.505 0.528
3.3 0.055 0.063 0.072 0.081 0.090 0.100 0.111 0.122 0.133 0.145 0.158 0.171 0.185 0.199 0.214 0.229 0.245 0.261 0.278 0.295 0.313 0.332 0.351 0.370 0.390 0.411 0.432 0.453 0.475 0.498 0.521 0.545
3.4 0.057 0.065 0.074 0.083 0.093 0.103 0.114 0.125 0.137 0.150 0.163 0.176 0.190 0.205 0.220 0.236 0.252 0.269 0.286 0.304 0.323 0.341 0.361 0.381 0.402 0.423 0.444 0.467 0.489 0.513 0.537 0.561
3.5 0.059 0.067 0.076 0.085 0.095 0.106 0.117 0.129 0.141 0.154 0.167 0.181 0.196 0.211 0.226 0.243 0.259 0.277 0.295 0.313 0.332 0.351 0.371 0.392 0.413 0.435 0.457 0.480 0.504 0.528 0.552 0.577
3.6 0.060 0.069 0.078 0.088 0.098 0.109 0.120 0.133 0.145 0.158 0.172 0.186 0.201 0.217 0.233 0.249 0.267 0.284 0.303 0.322 0.341 0.361 0.382 0.403 0.425 0.447 0.470 0.494 0.518 0.542 0.568 0.593
3.7 0.062 0.071 0.080 0.090 0.101 0.112 0.124 0.136 0.149 0.163 0.177 0.192 0.207 0.223 0.239 0.256 0.274 0.292 0.311 0.331 0.351 0.371 0.392 0.414 0.437 0.460 0.483 0.507 0.532 0.557 0.583 0.610
3.8 0.064 0.073 0.082 0.093 0.103 0.115 0.127 0.140 0.153 0.167 0.182 0.197 0.212 0.229 0.246 0.263 0.281 0.300 0.319 0.339 0.360 0.381 0.403 0.425 0.448 0.472 0.496 0.521 0.546 0.572 0.599 0.626
3.9 0.065 0.075 0.084 0.095 0.106 0.118 0.130 0.143 0.157 0.171 0.186 0.202 0.218 0.235 0.252 0.270 0.289 0.308 0.328 0.348 0.369 0.391 0.413 0.436 0.460 0.484 0.509 0.534 0.560 0.587 0.614 0.642

Length in m
4.0 0.067 0.076 0.087 0.097 0.109 0.121 0.134 0.147 0.161 0.176 0.191 0.207 0.223 0.241 0.258 0.277 0.296 0.316 0.336 0.357 0.379 0.401 0.424 0.447 0.471 0.496 0.522 0.548 0.575 0.602 0.630 0.659
4.1 0.069 0.078 0.089 0.100 0.112 0.124 0.137 0.151 0.165 0.180 0.196 0.212 0.229 0.246 0.265 0.284 0.303 0.323 0.344 0.366 0.388 0.411 0.434 0.458 0.483 0.509 0.535 0.561 0.589 0.617 0.645 0.675
4.2 0.070 0.080 0.091 0.102 0.114 0.127 0.140 0.154 0.169 0.184 0.200 0.217 0.234 0.252 0.271 0.290 0.311 0.331 0.353 0.375 0.397 0.421 0.445 0.469 0.495 0.521 0.548 0.575 0.603 0.632 0.661 0.691
4.3 0.072 0.082 0.093 0.105 0.117 0.130 0.144 0.158 0.173 0.189 0.205 0.222 0.240 0.258 0.278 0.297 0.318 0.339 0.361 0.383 0.407 0.431 0.455 0.480 0.506 0.533 0.560 0.588 0.617 0.646 0.677 0.707
4.4 0.073 0.084 0.095 0.107 0.120 0.133 0.147 0.162 0.177 0.193 0.210 0.227 0.245 0.264 0.284 0.304 0.325 0.347 0.369 0.392 0.416 0.440 0.466 0.491 0.518 0.545 0.573 0.602 0.631 0.661 0.692 0.724
4.5 0.075 0.086 0.097 0.109 0.122 0.136 0.150 0.165 0.181 0.197 0.215 0.232 0.251 0.270 0.290 0.311 0.332 0.355 0.377 0.401 0.425 0.450 0.476 0.503 0.530 0.558 0.586 0.615 0.645 0.676 0.708 0.740
4.6 0.077 0.088 0.099 0.112 0.125 0.139 0.153 0.169 0.185 0.202 0.219 0.237 0.256 0.276 0.297 0.318 0.340 0.362 0.386 0.410 0.435 0.460 0.487 0.514 0.541 0.570 0.599 0.629 0.660 0.691 0.723 0.756
4.7 0.078 0.090 0.102 0.114 0.128 0.142 0.157 0.172 0.189 0.206 0.224 0.243 0.262 0.282 0.303 0.325 0.347 0.370 0.394 0.419 0.444 0.470 0.497 0.525 0.553 0.582 0.612 0.643 0.674 0.706 0.739 0.772
4.8 0.080 0.092 0.104 0.117 0.130 0.145 0.160 0.176 0.193 0.210 0.229 0.248 0.268 0.288 0.309 0.331 0.354 0.378 0.402 0.427 0.453 0.480 0.507 0.536 0.565 0.594 0.625 0.656 0.688 0.721 0.754 0.789
4.9 0.082 0.093 0.106 0.119 0.133 0.148 0.163 0.180 0.197 0.215 0.233 0.253 0.273 0.294 0.316 0.338 0.362 0.386 0.411 0.436 0.463 0.490 0.518 0.547 0.576 0.607 0.638 0.670 0.702 0.736 0.770 0.805
5.0 0.083 0.095 0.108 0.121 0.136 0.151 0.167 0.183 0.201 0.219 0.238 0.258 0.279 0.300 0.322 0.345 0.369 0.394 0.419 0.445 0.472 0.500 0.528 0.558 0.588 0.619 0.651 0.683 0.716 0.751 0.785 0.821
5.1 0.085 0.097 0.110 0.124 0.138 0.154 0.170 0.187 0.205 0.223 0.243 0.263 0.284 0.306 0.329 0.352 0.376 0.401 0.427 0.454 0.481 0.510 0.539 0.569 0.600 0.631 0.663 0.697 0.731 0.765 0.801 0.837
5.2 0.087 0.099 0.112 0.126 0.141 0.157 0.173 0.191 0.209 0.228 0.248 0.268 0.290 0.312 0.335 0.359 0.384 0.409 0.436 0.463 0.491 0.520 0.549 0.580 0.611 0.643 0.676 0.710 0.745 0.780 0.817 0.854
5.3 0.088 0.101 0.114 0.129 0.144 0.160 0.177 0.194 0.213 0.232 0.252 0.273 0.295 0.318 0.341 0.366 0.391 0.417 0.444 0.472 0.500 0.530 0.560 0.591 0.623 0.656 0.689 0.724 0.759 0.795 0.832 0.870
5.4 0.090 0.103 0.117 0.131 0.146 0.163 0.180 0.198 0.217 0.236 0.257 0.278 0.301 0.324 0.348 0.373 0.398 0.425 0.452 0.480 0.509 0.539 0.570 0.602 0.634 0.668 0.702 0.737 0.773 0.810 0.848 0.886
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 213 20.9.2005 5:41pm

5.5 0.092 0.105 0.119 0.133 0.149 0.166 0.183 0.201 0.221 0.241 0.262 0.283 0.306 0.330 0.354 0.379 0.405 0.433 0.460 0.489 0.519 0.549 0.581 0.613 0.646 0.680 0.715 0.751 0.787 0.825 0.863 0.902
5.6 0.093 0.107 0.121 0.136 0.152 0.169 0.186 0.205 0.225 0.245 0.266 0.289 0.312 0.336 0.360 0.386 0.413 0.440 0.469 0.498 0.528 0.559 0.591 0.624 0.658 0.692 0.728 0.764 0.802 0.840 0.879 0.919
5.7 0.095 0.108 0.123 0.138 0.155 0.172 0.190 0.209 0.229 0.249 0.271 0.294 0.317 0.342 0.367 0.393 0.420 0.448 0.477 0.507 0.538 0.569 0.602 0.635 0.669 0.705 0.741 0.778 0.816 0.855 0.894 0.935
5.8 0.097 0.110 0.125 0.141 0.157 0.175 0.193 0.212 0.233 0.254 0.276 0.299 0.323 0.347 0.373 0.400 0.427 0.456 0.485 0.516 0.547 0.579 0.612 0.646 0.681 0.717 0.754 0.791 0.830 0.869 0.910 0.951
5.9 0.098 0.112 0.127 0.143 0.160 0.178 0.196 0.216 0.237 0.258 0.281 0.304 0.328 0.353 0.380 0.407 0.435 0.464 0.494 0.524 0.556 0.589 0.623 0.657 0.693 0.729 0.767 0.805 0.844 0.884 0.925 0.967
6.0 0.100 0.114 0.129 0.146 0.163 0.181 0.200 0.220 0.241 0.262 0.285 0.309 0.334 0.359 0.386 0.414 0.442 0.471 0.502 0.533 0.566 0.599 0.633 0.668 0.704 0.741 0.779 0.818 0.858 0.899 0.941 0.984
213

Note: The volume is located at the intersect of the small-end diameter (top of the table) and the log length (left side of the table).
 214

Table A.1.J. New Zealand 3-D volume chart (m3 ).

0.8 cm of taper per metre of log length 1.2 cm of taper per metre of log length

Log length in metres Log length in metres

1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0

14 0.017 0.035 0.056 0.079 0.104 0.131 0.161 0.192 0.225 0.260 0.296 0.335 0.017 0.037 0.061 0.087 0.116 0.148 0.183 0.221 0.262 0.305 0.351 0.400
15 0.019 0.040 0.063 0.089 0.117 0.146 0.178 0.212 0.248 0.286 0.325 0.367 0.019 0.042 0.068 0.097 0.129 0.164 0.202 0.242 0.286 0.332 0.382 0.434
16 0.021 0.045 0.071 0.099 0.130 0.162 0.197 0.233 0.272 0.313 0.356 0.401 0.022 0.047 0.076 0.107 0.142 0.180 0.221 0.265 0.312 0.362 0.414 0.470
17 0.024 0.050 0.079 0.110 0.144 0.179 0.217 0.256 0.298 0.342 0.389 0.437 0.025 0.053 0.084 0.119 0.156 0.197 0.242 0.289 0.339 0.392 0.449 0.508
18 0.027 0.056 0.088 0.122 0.158 0.197 0.238 0.281 0.326 0.373 0.423 0.475 0.027 0.058 0.093 0.130 0.172 0.216 0.263 0.314 0.368 0.425 0.485 0.548
19 0.030 0.062 0.097 0.134 0.174 0.216 0.260 0.306 0.355 0.406 0.459 0.515 0.030 0.064 0.102 0.143 0.187 0.235 0.286 0.341 0.398 0.459 0.523 0.590
20 0.033 0.068 0.106 0.147 0.190 0.235 0.283 0.333 0.386 0.441 0.498 0.557 0.033 0.071 0.112 0.156 0.204 0.255 0.310 0.369 0.430 0.495 0.563 0.635
21 0.036 0.075 0.116 0.160 0.207 0.256 0.308 0.361 0.418 0.477 0.538 0.601 0.037 0.077 0.122 0.170 0.222 0.277 0.336 0.398 0.464 0.533 0.605 0.681
22 0.040 0.082 0.127 0.175 0.225 0.278 0.333 0.391 0.451 0.514 0.580 0.647 0.040 0.084 0.133 0.184 0.240 0.299 0.362 0.429 0.499 0.572 0.649 0.730
23 0.043 0.089 0.138 0.189 0.244 0.300 0.360 0.422 0.487 0.554 0.623 0.696 0.044 0.092 0.144 0.200 0.259 0.323 0.390 0.461 0.535 0.613 0.695 0.781
24 0.047 0.097 0.149 0.205 0.263 0.324 0.388 0.454 0.523 0.595 0.669 0.746 0.048 0.099 0.155 0.215 0.279 0.347 0.419 0.494 0.573 0.656 0.743 0.833
25 0.051 0.105 0.161 0.221 0.284 0.349 0.417 0.488 0.561 0.638 0.717 0.798 0.051 0.107 0.167 0.232 0.300 0.372 0.449 0.529 0.613 0.701 0.793 0.889
26 0.055 0.113 0.174 0.238 0.305 0.375 0.447 0.523 0.601 0.682 0.766 0.853 0.056 0.116 0.180 0.249 0.322 0.399 0.480 0.565 0.654 0.747 0.845 0.946
27 0.059 0.121 0.187 0.255 0.327 0.401 0.479 0.559 0.642 0.728 0.817 0.909 0.060 0.124 0.193 0.267 0.344 0.426 0.512 0.603 0.697 0.796 0.898 1.005
28 0.063 0.130 0.200 0.273 0.350 0.429 0.511 0.597 0.685 0.776 0.871 0.968 0.064 0.133 0.207 0.285 0.368 0.455 0.546 0.642 0.741 0.846 0.954 1.066
29 0.068 0.139 0.214 0.292 0.373 0.458 0.545 0.636 0.729 0.826 0.926 1.028 0.069 0.142 0.221 0.304 0.392 0.484 0.581 0.682 0.787 0.897 1.012 1.130
30 0.073 0.149 0.228 0.311 0.398 0.487 0.580 0.676 0.775 0.877 0.983 1.091 0.073 0.152 0.236 0.324 0.417 0.514 0.617 0.724 0.835 0.951 1.071 1.196
31 0.077 0.159 0.243 0.331 0.423 0.518 0.616 0.718 0.822 0.930 1.042 1.156 0.078 0.162 0.251 0.344 0.443 0.546 0.654 0.767 0.884 1.006 1.133 1.264

Small-end diameter in cm
32 0.082 0.169 0.259 0.352 0.449 0.550 0.653 0.761 0.871 0.985 1.102 1.223 0.083 0.172 0.266 0.365 0.469 0.579 0.692 0.811 0.935 1.063 1.196 1.334
33 0.088 0.179 0.275 0.374 0.476 0.582 0.692 0.805 0.922 1.042 1.165 1.292 0.089 0.183 0.282 0.387 0.497 0.612 0.732 0.857 0.987 1.122 1.262 1.407
34 0.093 0.190 0.291 0.396 0.504 0.616 0.732 0.851 0.974 1.100 1.230 1.363 0.094 0.194 0.299 0.409 0.525 0.647 0.773 0.905 1.041 1.183 1.330 1.482
35 0.098 0.201 0.308 0.418 0.533 0.651 0.772 0.898 1.027 1.160 1.297 1.437 0.099 0.205 0.316 0.433 0.555 0.682 0.815 0.953 1.097 1.245 1.399 1.558
36 0.104 0.213 0.325 0.442 0.562 0.686 0.814 0.946 1.082 1.222 1.365 1.512 0.105 0.216 0.333 0.456 0.585 0.719 0.858 1.004 1.154 1.310 1.471 1.638
37 0.110 0.224 0.343 0.465 0.592 0.723 0.858 0.996 1.139 1.285 1.436 1.590 0.111 0.228 0.352 0.481 0.616 0.757 0.903 1.055 1.213 1.376 1.545 1.719
38 0.116 0.236 0.361 0.490 0.623 0.761 0.902 1.048 1.197 1.351 1.508 1.670 0.117 0.240 0.370 0.506 0.648 0.795 0.949 1.108 1.273 1.444 1.621 1.803
39 0.122 0.249 0.380 0.515 0.655 0.799 0.948 1.100 1.257 1.418 1.583 1.752 0.123 0.253 0.389 0.532 0.680 0.835 0.996 1.163 1.335 1.514 1.699 1.889
40 0.128 0.261 0.399 0.541 0.688 0.839 0.995 1.154 1.318 1.487 1.659 1.836 0.129 0.266 0.409 0.558 0.714 0.876 1.044 1.219 1.399 1.586 1.778 1.977
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 214 20.9.2005 5:41pm

41 0.135 0.274 0.419 0.568 0.722 0.880 1.043 1.210 1.381 1.557 1.737 1.922 0.136 0.279 0.429 0.585 0.748 0.918 1.094 1.276 1.465 1.659 1.860 2.068
42 0.141 0.288 0.439 0.595 0.756 0.922 1.092 1.267 1.446 1.630 1.818 2.010 0.143 0.292 0.449 0.613 0.784 0.961 1.144 1.335 1.532 1.735 1.945 2.161
43 0.148 0.301 0.460 0.623 0.791 0.964 1.142 1.325 1.512 1.704 1.900 2.101 0.149 0.306 0.470 0.642 0.820 1.005 1.197 1.395 1.600 1.812 2.031 2.256
44 0.155 0.315 0.481 0.652 0.828 1.008 1.194 1.384 1.580 1.780 1.985 2.194 0.156 0.320 0.492 0.671 0.857 1.050 1.250 1.457 1.671 1.892 2.119 2.353
45 0.162 0.330 0.503 0.681 0.865 1.053 1.247 1.445 1.649 1.857 2.071 2.289 0.163 0.335 0.514 0.701 0.895 1.096 1.304 1.520 1.743 1.973 2.210 2.453
46 0.169 0.344 0.525 0.711 0.902 1.099 1.301 1.508 1.720 1.937 2.159 2.386 0.171 0.350 0.536 0.731 0.933 1.143 1.360 1.585 1.817 2.056 2.302 2.556
Appendix 1
 14 0.018 0.039 0.065 0.094 0.128 0.165 0.205 0.249 0.297 0.349 0.404 0.463 0.018 0.041 0.069 0.102 0.139 0.180 0.226 0.277 0.332 0.391 0.455 0.523
15 0.020 0.044 0.072 0.105 0.141 0.180 0.224 0.272 0.323 0.378 0.436 0.498 0.020 0.046 0.077 0.112 0.152 0.197 0.246 0.300 0.358 0.421 0.489 0.561
16 0.022 0.049 0.080 0.115 0.154 0.197 0.244 0.295 0.350 0.408 0.470 0.536 0.023 0.051 0.085 0.123 0.166 0.214 0.267 0.324 0.386 0.453 0.525 0.601
17 0.025 0.055 0.089 0.127 0.169 0.215 0.265 0.320 0.378 0.440 0.506 0.576 0.026 0.057 0.093 0.135 0.181 0.232 0.289 0.350 0.416 0.487 0.562 0.643
Appendix 1

18 0.028 0.061 0.097 0.139 0.184 0.234 0.288 0.346 0.408 0.474 0.544 0.619 0.028 0.063 0.102 0.147 0.197 0.252 0.312 0.377 0.447 0.522 0.602 0.687
19 0.031 0.067 0.107 0.152 0.201 0.254 0.312 0.374 0.440 0.510 0.584 0.663 0.031 0.069 0.112 0.160 0.213 0.272 0.336 0.406 0.480 0.559 0.644 0.733
20 0.034 0.073 0.117 0.165 0.218 0.275 0.337 0.403 0.473 0.547 0.626 0.710 0.035 0.075 0.122 0.174 0.231 0.294 0.362 0.436 0.514 0.598 0.688 0.782
21 0.037 0.080 0.127 0.179 0.236 0.297 0.363 0.433 0.508 0.587 0.670 0.758 0.038 0.082 0.132 0.188 0.249 0.316 0.389 0.467 0.550 0.639 0.733 0.833
22 0.041 0.087 0.138 0.194 0.254 0.320 0.390 0.465 0.544 0.628 0.716 0.809 0.041 0.089 0.143 0.203 0.268 0.340 0.417 0.500 0.588 0.682 0.781 0.886
23 0.044 0.094 0.149 0.209 0.274 0.344 0.418 0.498 0.582 0.671 0.764 0.862 0.045 0.097 0.155 0.219 0.289 0.364 0.446 0.534 0.627 0.726 0.831 0.942
24 0.048 0.102 0.161 0.225 0.295 0.369 0.448 0.532 0.621 0.715 0.814 0.918 0.049 0.104 0.167 0.235 0.309 0.390 0.477 0.570 0.668 0.773 0.883 1.000
25 0.052 0.110 0.173 0.242 0.316 0.395 0.479 0.568 0.663 0.762 0.866 0.975 0.053 0.113 0.179 0.252 0.331 0.417 0.509 0.607 0.711 0.821 0.937 1.060
26 0.056 0.118 0.186 0.259 0.338 0.422 0.511 0.606 0.705 0.810 0.920 1.035 0.057 0.121 0.192 0.270 0.354 0.445 0.542 0.645 0.755 0.871 0.993 1.122
27 0.061 0.127 0.199 0.277 0.361 0.450 0.545 0.644 0.750 0.860 0.976 1.097 0.061 0.130 0.206 0.288 0.377 0.473 0.576 0.685 0.801 0.923 1.052 1.187
28 0.065 0.136 0.213 0.296 0.385 0.479 0.579 0.685 0.796 0.912 1.034 1.161 0.066 0.139 0.219 0.307 0.402 0.503 0.612 0.727 0.848 0.977 1.112 1.254
29 0.070 0.145 0.228 0.316 0.410 0.509 0.615 0.726 0.843 0.966 1.094 1.228 0.070 0.148 0.234 0.327 0.427 0.534 0.648 0.770 0.898 1.033 1.174 1.323
30 0.074 0.155 0.242 0.336 0.435 0.541 0.652 0.769 0.893 1.022 1.156 1.297 0.075 0.158 0.249 0.347 0.453 0.566 0.686 0.814 0.949 1.090 1.239 1.395
31 0.079 0.165 0.258 0.357 0.462 0.573 0.690 0.814 0.944 1.079 1.221 1.368 0.080 0.168 0.264 0.368 0.480 0.599 0.726 0.860 1.001 1.150 1.306 1.469
32 0.084 0.175 0.273 0.378 0.489 0.606 0.730 0.860 0.996 1.138 1.287 1.441 0.085 0.179 0.280 0.390 0.508 0.633 0.766 0.907 1.055 1.211 1.375 1.545
33 0.089 0.186 0.290 0.400 0.517 0.641 0.771 0.907 1.050 1.200 1.355 1.517 0.090 0.189 0.297 0.413 0.537 0.669 0.808 0.956 1.112 1.275 1.446 1.624
34 0.095 0.197 0.307 0.423 0.546 0.676 0.813 0.956 1.106 1.263 1.426 1.595 0.096 0.200 0.314 0.436 0.566 0.705 0.852 1.006 1.169 1.340 1.519 1.706

Small-end diameter in cm
35 0.100 0.208 0.324 0.446 0.576 0.713 0.856 1.007 1.164 1.328 1.498 1.676 0.101 0.212 0.331 0.460 0.597 0.742 0.896 1.058 1.229 1.407 1.594 1.789
36 0.106 0.220 0.342 0.471 0.607 0.750 0.901 1.058 1.223 1.395 1.573 1.758 0.107 0.224 0.350 0.484 0.628 0.781 0.942 1.112 1.290 1.477 1.672 1.875
37 0.112 0.232 0.360 0.495 0.638 0.789 0.947 1.112 1.284 1.463 1.650 1.843 0.113 0.236 0.368 0.510 0.660 0.820 0.989 1.167 1.353 1.548 1.752 1.964
38 0.118 0.244 0.379 0.521 0.671 0.829 0.994 1.166 1.347 1.534 1.729 1.931 0.119 0.248 0.387 0.536 0.694 0.861 1.037 1.223 1.418 1.621 1.834 2.055
39 0.124 0.257 0.398 0.547 0.704 0.869 1.042 1.223 1.411 1.607 1.810 2.021 0.125 0.261 0.407 0.562 0.728 0.903 1.087 1.281 1.484 1.697 1.918 2.149
40 0.130 0.270 0.418 0.574 0.739 0.911 1.092 1.280 1.477 1.681 1.893 2.113 0.132 0.274 0.427 0.590 0.763 0.946 1.138 1.340 1.552 1.774 2.005 2.245
41 0.137 0.283 0.438 0.602 0.774 0.954 1.143 1.340 1.545 1.758 1.979 2.208 0.138 0.287 0.447 0.618 0.799 0.990 1.191 1.402 1.622 1.853 2.094 2.344
42 0.144 0.297 0.459 0.630 0.810 0.998 1.195 1.400 1.614 1.836 2.066 2.305 0.145 0.301 0.468 0.647 0.835 1.035 1.244 1.464 1.694 1.935 2.185 2.445
43 0.151 0.311 0.480 0.659 0.847 1.043 1.249 1.463 1.685 1.917 2.156 2.405 0.152 0.315 0.490 0.676 0.873 1.081 1.299 1.528 1.768 2.018 2.278 2.549
44 0.157 0.325 0.502 0.689 0.885 1.090 1.304 1.527 1.758 1.999 2.249 2.507 0.159 0.330 0.512 0.706 0.912 1.128 1.356 1.594 1.843 2.103 2.374 2.656
45 0.165 0.340 0.525 0.719 0.923 1.137 1.360 1.592 1.833 2.083 2.343 2.611 0.166 0.344 0.535 0.737 0.951 1.177 1.414 1.662 1.921 2.191 2.472 2.765
46 0.172 0.355 0.547 0.750 0.963 1.185 1.417 1.659 1.910 2.170 2.440 2.718 0.173 0.359 0.558 0.769 0.992 1.226 1.473 1.731 2.000 2.281 2.573 2.877

Note: This table is included for comparative purposes only as there are too many combinations of length, diameter and taper to include in this publication.
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 215 20.9.2005 5:41pm

To use this table, locate the volume at the intersect of the appropriate diameter and length in one of the four taper categories.
215
Table A.1.K. Hoppus cubic feet and cubic metre volume chart.
216

Imperial measure (ft3 ) Metric measure (m3)

Inches Length of log in feet Centimetres Length of log in metres

Dia. Girth 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Dia. Girth 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0

4.8 15 0.10 0.20 0.29 0.39 0.49 0.59 0.68 0.78 0.88 0.98 19.1 60 0.023 0.045 0.068 0.090 0.113 0.135 0.158 0.180 0.203 0.225
5.1 16 0.11 0.22 0.33 0.44 0.56 0.67 0.78 0.89 1.00 1.11 19.7 62 0.024 0.048 0.072 0.096 0.120 0.144 0.168 0.192 0.216 0.240
5.4 17 0.13 0.25 0.38 0.50 0.63 0.75 0.88 1.00 1.13 1.25 20.4 64 0.026 0.051 0.077 0.102 0.128 0.154 0.179 0.205 0.230 0.256
5.7 18 0.14 0.28 0.42 0.56 0.70 0.84 0.98 1.13 1.27 1.41 21.0 66 0.027 0.054 0.082 0.109 0.136 0.163 0.191 0.218 0.245 0.272
6.0 19 0.16 0.31 0.47 0.63 0.78 0.94 1.10 1.25 1.41 1.57 21.6 68 0.029 0.058 0.087 0.116 0.145 0.173 0.202 0.231 0.260 0.289
6.4 20 0.17 0.35 0.52 0.69 0.87 1.04 1.22 1.39 1.56 1.74 22.3 70 0.031 0.061 0.092 0.123 0.153 0.184 0.214 0.245 0.276 0.306
6.7 21 0.19 0.38 0.57 0.77 0.96 1.15 1.34 1.53 1.72 1.91 22.9 72 0.032 0.065 0.097 0.130 0.162 0.194 0.227 0.259 0.292 0.324
7.0 22 0.21 0.42 0.63 0.84 1.05 1.26 1.47 1.68 1.89 2.10 23.6 74 0.034 0.068 0.103 0.137 0.171 0.205 0.240 0.274 0.308 0.342
7.3 23 0.23 0.46 0.69 0.92 1.15 1.38 1.61 1.84 2.07 2.30 24.2 76 0.036 0.072 0.108 0.144 0.181 0.217 0.253 0.289 0.325 0.361
7.6 24 0.25 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 24.8 78 0.038 0.076 0.114 0.152 0.190 0.228 0.266 0.304 0.342 0.380
8.0 25 0.27 0.54 0.81 1.09 1.36 1.63 1.90 2.17 2.44 2.71 25.5 80 0.040 0.080 0.120 0.160 0.200 0.240 0.280 0.320 0.360 0.400
8.3 26 0.29 0.59 0.88 1.17 1.47 1.76 2.05 2.35 2.64 2.93 26.1 82 0.042 0.084 0.126 0.168 0.210 0.252 0.294 0.336 0.378 0.420
8.6 27 0.32 0.63 0.95 1.27 1.58 1.90 2.21 2.53 2.85 3.16 26.7 84 0.044 0.088 0.132 0.176 0.221 0.265 0.309 0.353 0.397 0.441
8.9 28 0.34 0.68 1.02 1.36 1.70 2.04 2.38 2.72 3.06 3.40 27.4 86 0.046 0.092 0.139 0.185 0.231 0.277 0.324 0.370 0.416 0.462
9.2 29 0.37 0.73 1.10 1.46 1.83 2.19 2.56 2.92 3.29 3.65 28.0 88 0.048 0.097 0.145 0.194 0.242 0.290 0.339 0.387 0.436 0.484
9.5 30 0.39 0.78 1.17 1.56 1.95 2.34 2.73 3.13 3.52 3.91 28.6 90 0.051 0.101 0.152 0.203 0.253 0.304 0.354 0.405 0.456 0.506
9.9 31 0.42 0.83 1.25 1.67 2.09 2.50 2.92 3.34 3.75 4.17 29.3 92 0.053 0.106 0.159 0.212 0.265 0.317 0.370 0.423 0.476 0.529
10.2 32 0.44 0.89 1.33 1.78 2.22 2.67 3.11 3.56 4.00 4.44 29.9 94 0.055 0.110 0.166 0.221 0.276 0.331 0.387 0.442 0.497 0.552
10.5 33 0.47 0.95 1.42 1.89 2.36 2.84 3.31 3.78 4.25 4.73 30.6 96 0.058 0.115 0.173 0.230 0.288 0.346 0.403 0.461 0.518 0.576
10.8 34 0.50 1.00 1.51 2.01 2.51 3.01 3.51 4.01 4.52 5.02 31.2 98 0.060 0.120 0.180 0.240 0.300 0.360 0.420 0.480 0.540 0.600
11.1 35 0.53 1.06 1.60 2.13 2.66 3.19 3.72 4.25 4.79 5.32 31.8 100 0.063 0.125 0.188 0.250 0.313 0.375 0.438 0.500 0.563 0.625
11.5 36 0.56 1.13 1.69 2.25 2.81 3.38 3.94 4.50 5.06 5.63 32.5 102 0.065 0.130 0.195 0.260 0.325 0.390 0.455 0.520 0.585 0.650
11.8 37 0.59 1.19 1.78 2.38 2.97 3.57 4.16 4.75 5.35 5.94 33.1 104 0.068 0.135 0.203 0.270 0.338 0.406 0.473 0.541 0.608 0.676
12.1 38 0.63 1.25 1.88 2.51 3.13 3.76 4.39 5.01 5.64 6.27 33.7 106 0.070 0.140 0.211 0.281 0.351 0.421 0.492 0.562 0.632 0.702
12.4 39 0.66 1.32 1.98 2.64 3.30 3.96 4.62 5.28 5.94 6.60 34.4 108 0.073 0.146 0.219 0.292 0.365 0.437 0.510 0.583 0.656 0.729
12.7 40 0.69 1.39 2.08 2.78 3.47 4.17 4.86 5.56 6.25 6.94 35.0 110 0.076 0.151 0.227 0.303 0.378 0.454 0.529 0.605 0.681 0.756
13.1 41 0.73 1.46 2.19 2.92 3.65 4.38 5.11 5.84 6.57 7.30 35.7 112 0.078 0.157 0.235 0.314 0.392 0.470 0.549 0.627 0.706 0.784
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 216 20.9.2005 5:41pm

13.4 42 0.77 1.53 2.30 3.06 3.83 4.59 5.36 6.13 6.89 7.66 36.3 114 0.081 0.162 0.244 0.325 0.406 0.487 0.569 0.650 0.731 0.812
13.7 43 0.80 1.61 2.41 3.21 4.01 4.82 5.62 6.42 7.22 8.03 36.9 116 0.084 0.168 0.252 0.336 0.421 0.505 0.589 0.673 0.757 0.841
14.0 44 0.84 1.68 2.52 3.36 4.20 5.04 5.88 6.72 7.56 8.40 37.6 118 0.087 0.174 0.261 0.348 0.435 0.522 0.609 0.696 0.783 0.870
14.3 45 0.88 1.76 2.64 3.52 4.39 5.27 6.15 7.03 7.91 8.79 38.2 120 0.090 0.180 0.270 0.360 0.450 0.540 0.630 0.720 0.810 0.900
14.6 46 0.92 1.84 2.76 3.67 4.59 5.51 6.43 7.35 8.27 9.18 38.8 122 0.093 0.186 0.279 0.372 0.465 0.558 0.651 0.744 0.837 0.930
15.0 47 0.96 1.92 2.88 3.84 4.79 5.75 6.71 7.67 8.63 9.59 39.5 124 0.096 0.192 0.288 0.384 0.481 0.577 0.673 0.769 0.865 0.961
Appendix 1

15.3 48 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00 10.00 40.1 126 0.099 0.198 0.298 0.397 0.496 0.595 0.695 0.794 0.893 0.992
15.6 49 1.04 2.08 3.13 4.17 5.21 6.25 7.29 8.34 9.38 10.42 40.7 128 0.102 0.205 0.307 0.410 0.512 0.614 0.717 0.819 0.922 1.024
15.9 50 1.09 2.17 3.26 4.34 5.43 6.51 7.60 8.68 9.77 10.85 41.4 130 0.106 0.211 0.317 0.423 0.528 0.634 0.739 0.845 0.951 1.056
16.2 51 1.13 2.26 3.39 4.52 5.64 6.77 7.90 9.03 10.16 11.29 42.0 132 0.109 0.218 0.327 0.436 0.545 0.653 0.762 0.871 0.980 1.089
16.6 52 1.17 2.35 3.52 4.69 5.87 7.04 8.22 9.39 10.56 11.74 42.7 134 0.112 0.224 0.337 0.449 0.561 0.673 0.786 0.898 1.010 1.122
Appendix 1

16.9 53 1.22 2.44 3.66 4.88 6.10 7.32 8.53 9.75 10.97 12.19 43.3 136 0.116 0.231 0.347 0.462 0.578 0.694 0.809 0.925 1.040 1.156
17.2 54 1.27 2.53 3.80 5.06 6.33 7.59 8.86 10.13 11.39 12.66 43.9 138 0.119 0.238 0.357 0.476 0.595 0.714 0.833 0.952 1.071 1.190
17.5 55 1.31 2.63 3.94 5.25 6.56 7.88 9.19 10.50 11.82 13.13 44.6 140 0.123 0.245 0.368 0.490 0.613 0.735 0.858 0.980 1.103 1.225
17.8 56 1.36 2.72 4.08 5.44 6.81 8.17 9.53 10.89 12.25 13.61 45.2 142 0.126 0.252 0.378 0.504 0.630 0.756 0.882 1.008 1.134 1.260
18.1 57 1.41 2.82 4.23 5.64 7.05 8.46 9.87 11.28 12.69 14.10 45.8 144 0.130 0.259 0.389 0.518 0.648 0.778 0.907 1.037 1.166 1.296
18.5 58 1.46 2.92 4.38 5.84 7.30 8.76 10.22 11.68 13.14 14.60 46.5 146 0.133 0.266 0.400 0.533 0.666 0.799 0.933 1.066 1.199 1.332
18.8 59 1.51 3.02 4.53 6.04 7.55 9.07 10.58 12.09 13.60 15.11 47.1 148 0.137 0.274 0.411 0.548 0.685 0.821 0.958 1.095 1.232 1.369
19.1 60 1.56 3.13 4.69 6.25 7.81 9.38 10.94 12.50 14.06 15.63 47.7 150 0.141 0.281 0.422 0.563 0.703 0.844 0.984 1.125 1.266 1.406
19.4 61 1.62 3.23 4.85 6.46 8.08 9.69 11.31 12.92 14.54 16.15 48.4 152 0.144 0.289 0.433 0.578 0.722 0.866 1.011 1.155 1.300 1.444
19.7 62 1.67 3.34 5.01 6.67 8.34 10.01 11.68 13.35 15.02 16.68 49.0 154 0.148 0.296 0.445 0.593 0.741 0.889 1.038 1.186 1.334 1.482
20.1 63 1.72 3.45 5.17 6.89 8.61 10.34 12.06 13.78 15.50 17.23 49.7 156 0.152 0.304 0.456 0.608 0.761 0.913 1.065 1.217 1.369 1.521
20.4 64 1.78 3.56 5.33 7.11 8.89 10.67 12.44 14.22 16.00 17.78 50.3 158 0.156 0.312 0.468 0.624 0.780 0.936 1.092 1.248 1.404 1.560
20.7 65 1.83 3.67 5.50 7.34 9.17 11.00 12.84 14.67 16.50 18.34 50.9 160 0.160 0.320 0.480 0.640 0.800 0.960 1.120 1.280 1.440 1.600
21.0 66 1.89 3.78 5.67 7.56 9.45 11.34 13.23 15.13 17.02 18.91 51.6 162 0.164 0.328 0.492 0.656 0.820 0.984 1.148 1.312 1.476 1.640
21.3 67 1.95 3.90 5.85 7.79 9.74 11.69 13.64 15.59 17.54 19.48 52.2 164 0.168 0.336 0.504 0.672 0.841 1.009 1.177 1.345 1.513 1.681
21.6 68 2.01 4.01 6.02 8.03 10.03 12.04 14.05 16.06 18.06 20.07 52.8 166 0.172 0.344 0.517 0.689 0.861 1.033 1.206 1.378 1.550 1.722
22.0 69 2.07 4.13 6.20 8.27 10.33 12.40 14.46 16.53 18.60 20.66 53.5 168 0.176 0.353 0.529 0.706 0.882 1.058 1.235 1.411 1.588 1.764
22.3 70 2.13 4.25 6.38 8.51 10.63 12.76 14.89 17.01 19.14 21.27 54.1 170 0.181 0.361 0.542 0.723 0.903 1.084 1.264 1.445 1.626 1.806
22.6 71 2.19 4.38 6.56 8.75 10.94 13.13 15.32 17.50 19.69 21.88 54.7 172 0.185 0.370 0.555 0.740 0.925 1.109 1.294 1.479 1.664 1.849
22.9 72 2.25 4.50 6.75 9.00 11.25 13.50 15.75 18.00 20.25 22.50 55.4 174 0.189 0.378 0.568 0.757 0.946 1.135 1.325 1.514 1.703 1.892
23.2 73 2.31 4.63 6.94 9.25 11.56 13.88 16.19 18.50 20.82 23.13 56.0 176 0.194 0.387 0.581 0.774 0.968 1.162 1.355 1.549 1.742 1.936
23.6 74 2.38 4.75 7.13 9.51 11.88 14.26 16.64 19.01 21.39 23.77 56.7 178 0.198 0.396 0.594 0.792 0.990 1.188 1.386 1.584 1.782 1.980
23.9 75 2.44 4.88 7.32 9.77 12.21 14.65 17.09 19.53 21.97 24.41 57.3 180 0.203 0.405 0.608 0.810 1.013 1.215 1.418 1.620 1.823 2.025
24.2 76 2.51 5.01 7.52 10.03 12.53 15.04 17.55 20.06 22.56 25.07 57.9 182 0.207 0.414 0.621 0.828 1.035 1.242 1.449 1.656 1.863 2.070
24.5 77 2.57 5.15 7.72 10.29 12.87 15.44 18.01 20.59 23.16 25.73 58.6 184 0.212 0.423 0.635 0.846 1.058 1.270 1.481 1.693 1.904 2.116
24.8 78 2.64 5.28 7.92 10.56 13.20 15.84 18.48 21.13 23.77 26.41 59.2 186 0.216 0.432 0.649 0.865 1.081 1.297 1.514 1.730 1.946 2.162
25.1 79 2.71 5.42 8.13 10.84 13.54 16.25 18.96 21.67 24.38 27.09 59.8 188 0.221 0.442 0.663 0.884 1.105 1.325 1.546 1.767 1.988 2.209
25.5 80 2.78 5.56 8.33 11.11 13.89 16.67 19.44 22.22 25.00 27.78 60.5 190 0.226 0.451 0.677 0.903 1.128 1.354 1.579 1.805 2.031 2.256
25.8 81 2.85 5.70 8.54 11.39 14.24 17.09 19.93 22.78 25.63 28.48 61.1 192 0.230 0.461 0.691 0.922 1.152 1.382 1.613 1.843 2.074 2.304
26.1 82 2.92 5.84 8.76 11.67 14.59 17.51 20.43 23.35 26.27 29.18 61.8 194 0.235 0.470 0.706 0.941 1.176 1.411 1.647 1.882 2.117 2.352
26.4 83 2.99 5.98 8.97 11.96 14.95 17.94 20.93 23.92 26.91 29.90 62.4 196 0.240 0.480 0.720 0.960 1.201 1.441 1.681 1.921 2.161 2.401
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 217 20.9.2005 5:41pm

26.7 84 3.06 6.13 9.19 12.25 15.31 18.38 21.44 24.50 27.56 30.63 63.0 198 0.245 0.490 0.735 0.980 1.225 1.470 1.715 1.960 2.205 2.450
27.1 85 3.14 6.27 9.41 12.54 15.68 18.82 21.95 25.09 28.22 31.36 63.7 200 0.250 0.500 0.750 1.000 1.250 1.500 1.750 2.000 2.250 2.500

Note: To use this table find the volume at the intersect of the mid-girth or diameter and log length. For lengths that are longer than 100 use 10
the volume, e.g. for a
320 log use 10
the volume of 30 þ the volume of 20 . For lengths which are not on the full metre, use a percentage of the full metre lengths, e.g. for a 9.8 m log use
the volume of a 9 m log þ one tenth the volume of an 8 m log.
217
 218

Table A.1.L. JAS cubic volume (m3 ).

Small-end diameter in cm

10 11 12 13 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60

2.0 0.020 0.024 0.029 0.034 0.039 0.051 0.065 0.080 0.097 0.115 0.135 0.157 0.180 0.205 0.231 0.259 0.289 0.320 0.353 0.387 0.423 0.461 0.500 0.541 0.583 0.627 0.673 0.720
2.2 0.022 0.027 0.032 0.037 0.043 0.056 0.071 0.088 0.106 0.127 0.149 0.172 0.198 0.225 0.254 0.285 0.318 0.352 0.388 0.426 0.466 0.507 0.550 0.595 0.642 0.690 0.740 0.792
2.4 0.024 0.029 0.035 0.041 0.047 0.061 0.078 0.096 0.116 0.138 0.162 0.188 0.216 0.246 0.277 0.311 0.347 0.384 0.423 0.465 0.508 0.553 0.600 0.649 0.700 0.753 0.807 0.864
2.6 0.026 0.031 0.037 0.044 0.051 0.067 0.084 0.104 0.126 0.150 0.176 0.204 0.234 0.266 0.301 0.337 0.375 0.416 0.459 0.503 0.550 0.599 0.650 0.703 0.758 0.815 0.875 0.936
2.8 0.028 0.034 0.040 0.047 0.055 0.072 0.091 0.112 0.136 0.161 0.189 0.220 0.252 0.287 0.324 0.363 0.404 0.448 0.494 0.542 0.592 0.645 0.700 0.757 0.816 0.878 0.942 1.008
3.0 0.030 0.036 0.043 0.051 0.059 0.077 0.097 0.120 0.145 0.173 0.203 0.235 0.270 0.307 0.347 0.389 0.433 0.480 0.529 0.581 0.635 0.691 0.750 0.811 0.875 0.941 1.009 1.080
3.2 0.032 0.039 0.046 0.054 0.063 0.082 0.104 0.128 0.155 0.184 0.216 0.251 0.288 0.328 0.370 0.415 0.462 0.512 0.564 0.620 0.677 0.737 0.800 0.865 0.933 1.004 1.076 1.152
3.4 0.034 0.041 0.049 0.057 0.067 0.087 0.110 0.136 0.165 0.196 0.230 0.267 0.306 0.348 0.393 0.441 0.491 0.544 0.600 0.658 0.719 0.783 0.850 0.919 0.991 1.066 1.144 1.224
3.6 0.036 0.044 0.052 0.061 0.071 0.092 0.117 0.144 0.174 0.207 0.243 0.282 0.324 0.369 0.416 0.467 0.520 0.576 0.635 0.697 0.762 0.829 0.900 0.973 1.050 1.129 1.211 1.296
3.8 0.038 0.046 0.055 0.064 0.074 0.097 0.123 0.152 0.184 0.219 0.257 0.298 0.342 0.389 0.439 0.492 0.549 0.608 0.670 0.736 0.804 0.876 0.950 1.028 1.108 1.192 1.278 1.368
4.0 0.040 0.048 0.058 0.068 0.078 0.102 0.130 0.160 0.194 0.230 0.270 0.314 0.360 0.410 0.462 0.518 0.578 0.640 0.706 0.774 0.846 0.922 1.000 1.082 1.166 1.254 1.346 1.440
4.2 0.042 0.051 0.060 0.071 0.082 0.108 0.136 0.168 0.203 0.242 0.284 0.329 0.378 0.430 0.486 0.544 0.606 0.672 0.741 0.813 0.889 0.968 1.050 1.136 1.225 1.317 1.413 1.512
4.4 0.044 0.053 0.063 0.074 0.086 0.113 0.143 0.176 0.213 0.253 0.297 0.345 0.396 0.451 0.509 0.570 0.635 0.704 0.776 0.852 0.931 1.014 1.100 1.190 1.283 1.380 1.480 1.584
4.6 0.046 0.056 0.066 0.078 0.090 0.118 0.149 0.184 0.223 0.265 0.311 0.361 0.414 0.471 0.532 0.596 0.664 0.736 0.811 0.891 0.973 1.060 1.150 1.244 1.341 1.443 1.547 1.656
4.8 0.048 0.058 0.069 0.081 0.094 0.123 0.156 0.192 0.232 0.276 0.324 0.376 0.432 0.492 0.555 0.622 0.693 0.768 0.847 0.929 1.016 1.106 1.200 1.298 1.400 1.505 1.615 1.728

Length of log in m
5.0 0.050 0.061 0.072 0.085 0.098 0.128 0.162 0.200 0.242 0.288 0.338 0.392 0.450 0.512 0.578 0.648 0.722 0.800 0.882 0.968 1.058 1.152 1.250 1.352 1.458 1.568 1.682 1.800
5.2 0.052 0.063 0.075 0.088 0.102 0.133 0.168 0.208 0.252 0.300 0.352 0.408 0.468 0.532 0.601 0.674 0.751 0.832 0.917 1.007 1.100 1.198 1.300 1.406 1.516 1.631 1.749 1.872
5.4 0.054 0.065 0.078 0.091 0.106 0.138 0.175 0.216 0.261 0.311 0.365 0.423 0.486 0.553 0.624 0.700 0.780 0.864 0.953 1.045 1.143 1.244 1.350 1.460 1.575 1.693 1.817 1.944
5.6 0.056 0.068 0.081 0.095 0.110 0.143 0.181 0.224 0.271 0.323 0.379 0.439 0.504 0.573 0.647 0.726 0.809 0.896 0.988 1.084 1.185 1.290 1.400 1.514 1.633 1.756 1.884 2.016
5.8 0.058 0.070 0.084 0.098 0.114 0.148 0.188 0.232 0.281 0.334 0.392 0.455 0.522 0.594 0.670 0.752 0.838 0.928 1.023 1.123 1.227 1.336 1.450 1.568 1.691 1.819 1.951 2.088
6.0 0.073 0.086 0.101 0.118 0.135 0.173 0.217 0.265 0.317 0.375 0.437 0.505 0.577 0.653 0.735 0.821 0.913 1.009 1.109 1.215 1.325 1.441 1.561 1.685 1.815 1.949 2.089 2.233
6.2 0.075 0.089 0.105 0.122 0.140 0.179 0.224 0.273 0.328 0.388 0.452 0.521 0.596 0.675 0.760 0.849 0.943 1.042 1.146 1.256 1.370 1.489 1.613 1.742 1.876 2.014 2.158 2.307
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 218 20.9.2005 5:41pm

6.4 0.077 0.092 0.108 0.125 0.144 0.185 0.231 0.282 0.339 0.400 0.467 0.538 0.615 0.697 0.784 0.876 0.973 1.076 1.183 1.296 1.414 1.537 1.665 1.798 1.936 2.079 2.228 2.381
6.6 0.080 0.095 0.112 0.129 0.149 0.191 0.238 0.291 0.349 0.413 0.481 0.555 0.634 0.719 0.809 0.904 1.004 1.109 1.220 1.337 1.458 1.585 1.717 1.854 1.997 2.144 2.297 2.456
6.8 0.082 0.098 0.115 0.133 0.153 0.197 0.245 0.300 0.360 0.425 0.496 0.572 0.653 0.741 0.833 0.931 1.034 1.143 1.257 1.377 1.502 1.633 1.769 1.910 2.057 2.209 2.367 2.530
7.0 0.093 0.109 0.128 0.147 0.168 0.214 0.266 0.324 0.387 0.455 0.529 0.609 0.695 0.786 0.882 0.984 1.092 1.206 1.325 1.449 1.579 1.715 1.857 2.004 2.156 2.314 2.478 2.648
7.2 0.095 0.113 0.131 0.151 0.173 0.221 0.274 0.333 0.398 0.468 0.545 0.627 0.714 0.808 0.907 1.013 1.123 1.240 1.362 1.491 1.625 1.764 1.910 2.061 2.218 2.381 2.549 2.723
7.4 0.098 0.116 0.135 0.156 0.178 0.227 0.281 0.342 0.409 0.481 0.560 0.644 0.734 0.830 0.933 1.041 1.155 1.274 1.400 1.532 1.670 1.813 1.963 2.118 2.279 2.447 2.620 2.799
Appendix 1
 7.6 0.101 0.119 0.139 0.160 0.183 0.233 0.289 0.351 0.420 0.494 0.575 0.661 0.754 0.853 0.958 1.069 1.186 1.309 1.438 1.573 1.715 1.862 2.016 2.175 2.341 2.513 2.691 2.875
7.8 0.103 0.122 0.142 0.164 0.187 0.239 0.297 0.361 0.431 0.507 0.590 0.679 0.774 0.875 0.983 1.097 1.217 1.343 1.476 1.615 1.760 1.911 2.069 2.233 2.403 2.579 2.761 2.950
8.0 0.115 0.135 0.157 0.180 0.205 0.259 0.320 0.387 0.461 0.541 0.627 0.720 0.819 0.925 1.037 1.155 1.280 1.411 1.549 1.693 1.843 2.000 2.163 2.333 2.509 2.691 2.880 3.075
8.2 0.118 0.139 0.161 0.185 0.210 0.266 0.328 0.397 0.472 0.554 0.643 0.738 0.840 0.948 1.063 1.184 1.312 1.446 1.588 1.735 1.889 2.050 2.217 2.391 2.572 2.758 2.952 3.152
Appendix 1

8.4 0.121 0.142 0.165 0.189 0.215 0.272 0.336 0.407 0.484 0.568 0.659 0.756 0.860 0.971 1.089 1.213 1.344 1.482 1.626 1.777 1.935 2.100 2.271 2.449 2.634 2.826 3.024 3.229
8.6 0.124 0.145 0.169 0.194 0.220 0.279 0.344 0.416 0.495 0.581 0.674 0.774 0.881 0.994 1.115 1.242 1.376 1.517 1.665 1.820 1.981 2.150 2.325 2.508 2.697 2.893 3.096 3.306
8.8 0.127 0.149 0.172 0.198 0.225 0.285 0.352 0.426 0.507 0.595 0.690 0.792 0.901 1.017 1.140 1.271 1.408 1.552 1.704 1.862 2.028 2.200 2.380 2.566 2.760 2.960 3.168 3.383
9.0 0.141 0.164 0.189 0.216 0.245 0.308 0.378 0.456 0.540 0.632 0.731 0.837 0.951 1.071 1.199 1.334 1.476 1.626 1.782 1.946 2.117 2.295 2.481 2.673 2.873 3.080 3.294 3.516
9.2 0.144 0.168 0.193 0.221 0.250 0.315 0.387 0.466 0.552 0.646 0.747 0.856 0.972 1.095 1.226 1.364 1.509 1.662 1.822 1.989 2.164 2.346 2.536 2.733 2.937 3.148 3.367 3.594
9.4 0.147 0.171 0.198 0.226 0.256 0.322 0.395 0.476 0.564 0.660 0.764 0.874 0.993 1.119 1.252 1.393 1.542 1.698 1.861 2.033 2.211 2.397 2.591 2.792 3.001 3.217 3.441 3.672
9.6 0.150 0.175 0.202 0.231 0.261 0.329 0.403 0.486 0.576 0.674 0.780 0.893 1.014 1.143 1.279 1.423 1.575 1.734 1.901 2.076 2.258 2.448 2.646 2.851 3.065 3.285 3.514 3.750
9.8 0.153 0.179 0.206 0.235 0.267 0.335 0.412 0.496 0.588 0.688 0.796 0.912 1.035 1.166 1.306 1.453 1.607 1.770 1.941 2.119 2.305 2.499 2.701 2.911 3.128 3.354 3.587 3.828
10.0 0.169 0.196 0.225 0.256 0.289 0.361 0.441 0.529 0.625 0.729 0.841 0.961 1.089 1.225 1.369 1.521 1.681 1.849 2.025 2.209 2.401 2.601 2.809 3.025 3.249 3.481 3.721 3.969

Length of log in m
10.2 0.172 0.200 0.230 0.261 0.295 0.368 0.450 0.540 0.638 0.744 0.858 0.980 1.111 1.250 1.396 1.551 1.715 1.886 2.066 2.253 2.449 2.653 2.865 3.086 3.314 3.551 3.795 4.048
10.4 0.176 0.204 0.234 0.266 0.301 0.375 0.459 0.550 0.650 0.758 0.875 0.999 1.133 1.274 1.424 1.582 1.748 1.923 2.106 2.297 2.497 2.705 2.921 3.146 3.379 3.620 3.870 4.128
10.6 0.179 0.208 0.239 0.271 0.306 0.383 0.467 0.561 0.663 0.773 0.891 1.019 1.154 1.299 1.451 1.612 1.782 1.960 2.147 2.342 2.545 2.757 2.978 3.207 3.444 3.690 3.944 4.207
10.8 0.183 0.212 0.243 0.276 0.312 0.390 0.476 0.571 0.675 0.787 0.908 1.038 1.176 1.323 1.479 1.643 1.815 1.997 2.187 2.386 2.593 2.809 3.034 3.267 3.509 3.759 4.019 4.287
11.0 0.200 0.231 0.264 0.299 0.337 0.418 0.508 0.607 0.715 0.832 0.957 1.091 1.234 1.386 1.547 1.716 1.894 2.081 2.277 2.482 2.695 2.917 3.148 3.388 3.637 3.894 4.160 4.435
11.2 0.204 0.235 0.269 0.305 0.343 0.426 0.518 0.619 0.728 0.847 0.975 1.111 1.257 1.411 1.575 1.747 1.929 2.119 2.319 2.527 2.744 2.971 3.206 3.450 3.703 3.965 4.236 4.516
11.4 0.208 0.240 0.274 0.310 0.349 0.433 0.527 0.630 0.741 0.862 0.992 1.131 1.279 1.437 1.603 1.779 1.963 2.157 2.360 2.572 2.793 3.024 3.263 3.511 3.769 4.036 4.312 4.597
11.6 0.211 0.244 0.279 0.316 0.355 0.441 0.536 0.641 0.754 0.877 1.009 1.151 1.302 1.462 1.631 1.810 1.998 2.195 2.401 2.617 2.842 3.077 3.320 3.573 3.835 4.107 4.387 4.677
11.8 0.215 0.248 0.283 0.321 0.361 0.449 0.545 0.652 0.767 0.892 1.027 1.171 1.324 1.487 1.659 1.841 2.032 2.233 2.443 2.662 2.891 3.130 3.377 3.635 3.901 4.177 4.463 4.758
12.0 0.235 0.270 0.307 0.347 0.389 0.480 0.581 0.691 0.811 0.941 1.080 1.229 1.387 1.555 1.733 1.920 2.117 2.323 2.539 2.765 3.000 3.245 3.499 3.763 4.037 4.320 4.613 4.915

Note: The volume is located at the intersect of the small-end diameter (top of the table) and the log length (left side of the table).
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 219 20.9.2005 5:41pm

219
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 220 20.9.2005 5:41pm

220 Appendix 1

Table A.1.M. Summarized volumes of control group of logs used for modeling of conversions
used in Section 2.5 (m3 for cubic measure; mbf for product output rules).
2.5 to 4.6 m 4.7 to 6.4 m 6.5 to 9.5 m 9.6 to 12.5 m Total
8 to 15 ft. 16 to 210 22 to 310 32 to 410 all lengths

Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net
Small-end diameter 11.43–19.05 cm (4.5–7.4900 )
USFS Cubic 0.531 0.501 0.658 0.620 1.833 1.716 6.646 6.442 9.668 9.279
BC Firmwood 0.564 0.556 0.712 0.712 1.898 1.898 7.224 7.183 10.398 10.349
Alberta Cubic 0.552 0.517 0.685 0.650 1.861 1.761 7.076 6.866 10.174 9.793
Ontario Cubic 0.537 0.532 0.704 0.704 1.828 1.828 6.903 6.903 9.972 9.968
Swedish Cubic* 0.474 – 0.499 – 1.551 – 5.683 – 8.207 –
Russian Standard* 0.569 – 0.697 – 1.857 – 7.137 – 10.259 –
Cubage au Réel* 0.528 – 0.662 – 1.791 – 6.795 – 9.775 –
New Zealand 3-D* 0.643 – 0.740 – 1.935 – 7.081 – 10.399 –
Brereton (PNG) 0.532 – 0.638 – 1.713 – 6.368 – 9.251 –
Hoppus 0.445 – 0.547 – 1.454 – 5.574 – 8.019 –
JAS Scale* 0.512 – 0.515 – 1.584 – 5.925 – 8.536 –
Scribner Short R** 0.090 0.090 0.120 0.110 0.290 0.260 1.110 1.060 1.610 1.520
Scribner Short NR** 0.090 0.090 0.120 0.090 0.270 0.250 1.070 1.000 1.550 1.430
Scribner Long Log** 0.090 0.080 0.090 0.080 0.220 0.200 0.760 0.760 1.160 1.120
Doyle** 0.022 0.020 0.017 0.016 0.151 0.141 0.439 0.424 0.628 0.601
International 1⁄400 ** 0.075 0.070 0.090 0.080 0.340 0.325 1.225 1.175 1.730 1.650

Small-end diameter 19.06–29.19 cm (7.5–11.4900 )

USFS Cubic 1.855 1.795 3.008 2.817 4.680 4.474 9.882 9.410 19.425 18.496
BC Firmwood 2.049 2.049 3.218 3.195 5.005 4.911 10.626 10.548 20.898 20.703
Alberta Cubic 1.993 1.929 3.100 2.903 4.875 4.656 10.303 9.836 20.270 19.324
Ontario Cubic 2.003 2.003 3.129 3.101 4.838 4.635 10.268 10.167 20.237 19.906
Swedish Cubic* 1.758 – 2.734 – 4.311 – 8.903 – 17.706 –
Russian Standard* 1.960 – 3.178 – 4.930 – 10.395 – 20.463 –
Cubage au Réel* 1.943 – 3.116 – 4.767 – 10.419 – 20.245 –
New Zealand 3-D* 2.093 – 3.305 – 4.889 – 10.061 – 20.348 –
Brereton (PNG) 1.902 – 3.041 – 4.626 – 9.754 – 19.322 –
Hoppus 1.559 – 2.522 – 3.863 – 8.301 – 16.245 –
JAS Scale* 1.909 – 2.863 – 4.822 – 9.621 – 19.214 –
Scribner Short R** 0.330 0.320 0.500 0.440 0.850 0.780 1.780 1.630 3.460 3.170
Scribner Short NR** 0.320 0.310 0.470 0.420 0.830 0.780 1.780 1.650 3.400 3.160
Scribner Long Log** 0.260 0.260 0.450 0.410 0.670 0.650 1.310 1.250 2.690 2.570
Doyle** 0.257 0.251 0.358 0.335 0.706 0.675 1.390 1.320 2.710 2.580
International 1⁄400 ** 0.395 0.380 0.645 0.595 1.025 0.965 2.190 2.065 4.255 4.005

Small-end diameter 29.2–39.35 cm (11.5–15.4900 )

USFS Cubic 2.473 2.438 4.214 3.811 5.194 4.856 30.738 29.163 42.619 40.269
BC Firmwood 2.622 2.622 4.418 4.169 5.367 5.367 32.663 31.550 45.071 43.708
Alberta Cubic 2.561 2.513 4.263 3.890 5.309 5.070 31.724 30.128 43.856 41.601
Ontario Cubic 2.615 2.615 4.264 3.998 5.328 5.328 32.073 30.613 44.280 42.554
Swedish Cubic* 2.402 – 3.873 – 4.944 – 29.024 – 40.243 –
Russian Standard* 2.593 – 4.354 – 5.347 – 32.248 – 44.542 –
Cubage au Réel* 2.504 – 4.227 – 5.272 – 31.662 – 43.665 –
New Zealand 3-D* 2.657 – 4.388 – 5.550 – 31.403 – 43.999 –
Brereton (PNG) 2.521 – 4.172 – 5.170 – 30.931 – 42.793 –
Hoppus 2.044 – 3.425 – 4.218 – 25.594 – 35.280 –

continued
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 221 20.9.2005 5:41pm

Appendix 1 221

Table A.1.M. continued

2.5 to 4.6 m 4.7 to 6.4 m 6.5 to 9.5 m 9.6 to 12.5 m Total

8 to 15 0 16 to 210 22 to 310 32 to 410 all lengths

Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net
Small-end diameter 29.2–39.35 cm (11.5–15.4900 )
JAS Scale* 2.605 – 4.309 – 5.806 – 32.658 – 45.377 –
Scribner Short R** 0.530 0.520 0.840 0.760 1.120 1.060 6.620 6.140 9.110 8.480
Scribner Short NR** 0.530 0.520 0.840 0.760 1.120 1.060 6.620 6.140 9.110 8.480
Scribner Long Log** 0.490 0.480 0.830 0.750 0.860 0.830 5.000 4.540 7.180 6.600
Doyle** 0.493 0.485 0.771 0.690 0.970 0.907 6.241 5.772 8.475 7.854
International 1⁄400 ** 0.605 0.595 0.995 0.890 1.290 1.200 7.665 7.150 10.555 9.835

Small-end diameter >39.36 cm (15.500 )

USFS Cubic 7.463 6.691 18.500 16.973 32.415 30.531 38.192 36.486 96.570 90.681
BC Firmwood 8.036 7.714 19.195 17.827 33.266 32.031 39.423 38.184 99.920 95.756
Alberta Cubic 7.860 7.057 18.491 16.962 33.074 31.415 38.335 36.505 97.759 91.940
Ontario Cubic 8.057 7.667 18.884 17.289 32.975 31.575 39.514 38.149 99.430 94.680
Swedish Cubic* 7.752 – 18.064 – 32.054 – 36.727 – 94.597 –
Russian Standard* 7.887 – 18.776 – 33.260 – 38.833 – 98.756 –
Cubage au Réel* 7.727 – 18.427 – 32.589 – 38.927 – 97.671 –
New Zealand 3-D* 8.517 – 20.248 – 35.281 – 40.011 – 104.057 –
Brereton (PNG) 7.826 – 18.504 – 32.673 – 38.278 – 97.282 –
Hoppus 6.211 – 14.783 – 26.260 – 31.119 – 78.373 –
JAS Scale* 8.725 – 20.395 – 36.441 – 42.971 – 108.532 –
Scribner Short R** 2.010 1.750 4.900 4.430 8.800 8.160 9.730 9.240 25.440 23.580
Scribner Short NR** 2.010 1.750 4.900 4.430 8.790 8.150 9.730 9.240 25.430 23.570
Scribner Long Log** 1.970 1.700 4.620 4.150 7.740 7.210 7.940 7.520 22.270 20.580
Doyle** 2.122 1.860 4.940 4.473 8.882 8.266 9.529 8.963 25.473 23.562
International 1⁄400 ** 2.080 1.820 5.200 4.695 9.000 8.355 10.470 9.900 26.750 24.770

Total all diameters

USFS Cubic 12.321 11.426 26.381 24.222 44.121 41.577 85.458 81.501 168.282 158.725
BC Firmwood 13.272 12.942 27.542 25.902 45.537 44.208 89.936 87.464 176.287 170.516
Alberta Cubic 12.966 12.016 26.538 24.405 45.118 42.901 87.437 83.335 172.060 162.657
Ontario Cubic 13.212 12.817 26.982 25.092 44.969 43.367 88.757 85.832 173.920 167.108
Swedish Cubic* 12.385 – 25.170 – 42.860 – 80.337 – 160.753 –
Russian Standard* 13.009 – 27.005 – 45.394 – 88.612 – 174.021 –
Cubage au Réel* 12.701 – 26.432 – 44.419 – 87.803 – 171.356 –
New Zealand 3-D* 13.909 – 28.682 – 47.655 – 88.556 – 178.802 –
Brereton (PNG) 12.782 – 26.354 – 44.182 – 85.331 – 168.648 –
Hoppus 10.259 – 21.276 – 35.795 – 70.588 – 137.918 –
JAS Scale* 13.751 – 28.082 – 48.652 – 91.175 – 181.660 –
Scribner Short R** 2.960 2.680 6.360 5.740 11.060 10.260 19.240 18.070 39.620 36.750
Scribner Short NR** 2.950 2.670 6.330 5.700 11.010 10.240 19.200 18.030 39.490 36.640
Scribner Long Log** 2.810 2.520 5.990 5.390 9.490 8.890 15.010 14.070 33.300 30.870
Doyle** 2.893 2.616 6.085 5.513 10.710 9.989 17.599 16.478 37.286 34.596
International 1⁄400 ** 3.155 2.865 6.930 6.260 11.655 10.845 21.550 20.290 43.290 40.260

*Swedish Cubic, Russian Standard, Cubage au Réel, New Zealand 3-D, Brereton, Hoppus, and JAS Scale
include only gross scale.
**Product output rules are reflected in units of 1000 board feet (mbf). Scribner Short R ¼ revised Scribner
used in California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska, Scribner NR ¼ non-revised Scribner used elsewhere.
 222

Table A.1.N. Long Log Scribner volume per Short Log Scribner volume index (1.00 ¼ 100% of Scribner Short Log).

Log length in feet

8 10 12 14 16 17 18 20 22 24 25 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40

4 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.50 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.67 0.83
5 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 1.25 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.50 0.60 0.60 0.70 0.70
6 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.75 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.83 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.75 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.00 0.83 0.83
7 1.00 1.00 0.75 1.00 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 1.17 0.88 0.88 0.88 1.00 0.90 0.79 0.79 0.86 0.81 0.81
8 1.00 0.75 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.88 0.80 0.80 0.90 0.90 1.00 0.92 0.72 0.72 0.78 0.75 0.73
9 0.75 1.00 0.83 0.83 0.88 0.88 0.88 0.90 0.75 0.71 0.79 0.79 0.86 0.72 0.73 0.71 0.75 0.79 0.81
10 0.83 0.83 0.88 0.88 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.86 0.93 0.94 0.83 0.83 0.94 0.82 0.75 0.77 0.80 0.78 0.79
11 1.00 0.88 1.00 0.90 0.93 0.93 0.88 0.94 0.85 0.95 0.95 0.91 0.92 0.92 0.76 0.78 0.79 0.78 0.83
12 0.88 0.90 0.83 0.86 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.90 0.83 0.85 0.79 0.86 0.87 0.82 0.79 0.76 0.77 0.78 0.79
13 0.90 0.92 0.93 0.94 0.90 0.90 0.91 0.92 0.80 0.84 0.84 0.85 0.86 0.87 0.73 0.73 0.74 0.72 0.73
14 0.92 0.93 0.89 0.90 0.95 0.92 0.92 0.93 0.81 0.80 0.79 0.83 0.84 0.81 0.78 0.78 0.77 0.76 0.78
15 0.93 0.89 0.91 0.92 0.89 0.90 0.91 0.89 0.86 0.83 0.83 0.84 0.87 0.86 0.80 0.77 0.78 0.78 0.79
16 0.94 0.95 0.96 0.93 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.95 0.88 0.87 0.87 0.88 0.88 0.89 0.81 0.80 0.81 0.80 0.81

using Scribner Short Log procedures

Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 222 20.9.2005 5:41pm

17 0.94 0.92 0.93 0.94 0.94 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.84 0.87 0.87 0.85 0.86 0.88 0.82 0.81 0.81 0.80 0.81

Small-end diameter in inches as measured

18 0.91 0.96 0.94 0.92 0.93 0.93 0.94 0.93 0.87 0.88 0.89 0.88 0.86 0.87 0.82 0.81 0.82 0.81 0.80
19 0.96 0.93 0.94 0.95 0.94 0.96 0.94 0.95 0.86 0.87 0.85 0.88 0.88 0.87 0.84 0.83 0.84 0.83 0.83
20 0.93 0.94 0.93 0.94 0.93 0.92 0.94 0.93 0.89 0.89 0.88 0.88 0.89 0.90 0.85 0.83 0.85 0.84 0.84
21 0.97 0.95 0.96 0.94 0.97 0.97 0.96 0.96 0.91 0.92 0.91 0.90 0.91 0.91 0.86 0.86 0.86 0.85 0.86
Appendix 1
 22 0.94 0.95 0.96 0.97 0.95 0.96 0.95 0.95 0.90 0.91 0.88 0.89 0.90 0.90 0.88 0.87 0.86 0.86 0.87
23 0.95 0.94 0.95 0.94 0.93 0.94 0.95 0.95 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.92 0.85 0.84 0.85 0.85 0.86
24 0.98 0.98 0.97 0.97 0.98 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.87 0.86 0.87 0.86 0.87
Appendix 1

25 0.93 0.93 0.94 0.94 0.93 0.94 0.93 0.94 0.89 0.92 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.86 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.86
26 0.96 0.97 0.96 0.95 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.92 0.92 0.93 0.92 0.91 0.91 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.88 0.89
27 0.96 0.96 0.95 0.96 0.95 0.96 0.95 0.96 0.92 0.92 0.93 0.92 0.92 0.93 0.91 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.91
28 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.98 0.97 0.95 0.94 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91
29 0.98 0.97 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.95 0.94 0.90 0.90 0.91 0.90 0.90
30 0.95 0.96 0.97 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.90 0.90 0.91 0.91 0.91
31 0.96 0.97 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.97 0.96 0.96 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.94 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.91 0.91
32 0.99 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94
33 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.96 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92
34 0.99 0.99 0.99 0.99 0.99 0.99 0.99 0.99 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92
35 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.88 0.87 0.88 0.88 0.88

using Scribner Short Log procedures

36 0.98 0.97 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.91 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.91

Small-end diameter in inches as measured

37 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.90 0.91
38 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.93 0.92 0.93 0.92 0.93
39 0.97 0.98 0.98 0.97 0.98 0.97 0.98 0.98 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.92 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91
40 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.96 0.97 0.97 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.92 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91

Note: Assumptions are that 1⁄2 of the diameters in each diameter class using short log rounding conventions will fall into the next lower inch diameter using long log
rounding conventions. Taper is assumed to be Region 6 East-side standard taper (100 /segment for logs 21–310 ; 200 /segment for logs 32–400 ).
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 223 20.9.2005 5:41pm

223
 224

Table A.1.O. Washington and Oregon mill survey Scribner to BC cubic metre index by length and small-end diameter class (mbf per m3 BC
Firmwood).

Scribner Long Log to BC Firmwood

Average log length

0 0
8–14 16–20 22–310 32– 400 Total
Average S.E.D. 2.5–4.6 m 4.7– 6.4 m 6.5–9.5 m 9.6 –12.5 m All lengths

cm Inches Diameter class Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net
00
10.2 4 <5 0.224 0.149 0.106 0.106 0.097 0.097 0.094 0.094 0.102 0.099
18.7 7.3 5–1000 0.131 0.132 0.138 0.126 0.123 0.118 0.121 0.118 0.124 0.120
36.5 14.4 11–2000 0.201 0.194 0.199 0.194 0.176 0.170 0.166 0.159 0.174 0.167
67.2 26.5 >2000 0.262 0.230 0.254 0.245 0.246 0.239 0.214 0.208 0.239 0.229

Scribner Short Log to BC Firmwood

Average log length

8–140 16–200 22–310 32– 400 Total

Average S.E.D. 2.5–4.6 m 4.7– 6.4 m 6.5–9.5 m 9.6 –12.5 m All lengths

cm Inches Diameter class Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net

10.2 4 <500 0.257 0.172 0.111 0.111 0.135 0.135 0.132 0.132 0.135 0.132
18.7 7.4 5–1000 0.162 0.163 0.157 0.139 0.162 0.149 0.159 0.151 0.160 0.150
37.1 14.6 11–2000 0.213 0.204 0.210 0.206 0.221 0.209 0.213 0.206 0.214 0.206
68.1 26.8 >2000 0.264 0.235 0.263 0.255 0.274 0.265 0.257 0.252 0.265 0.256
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-1 Final Proof page 224 20.9.2005 5:41pm

Note: This table includes the volume relationship from the logs in Table A.1.M, sorted by the diameters as determined by the nominal Scribner diameters based on
the respective rule, e.g. the 5–1000 group of Scribner Long Log contains the volume index for diameters which would be classified as being 5–1000 via Scribner
Long Log and thus are not comparable to the 5–1000 group as classified via Scribner Short Log.
Appendix 1
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 225 6.9.2005 3:05am

Appendix 2
Physical Properties and Weight-
to-Volume Data

Table A.2.A Weight-to-volume data for common timber species

of the world in the log form 227
Table A.2.B Bone-dry weight and volume conversions for selected
tree species of the world 243

ßM.A. Fonseca 2005. The Measurement of Roundwood: Methodologies

and Conversion Ratios (M.A. Fonseca) 225
Table A.2.A. Weight-to-volume data for common timber species of the world in the log form.

Specific Bark % whole Bark %

Appendix 2

Size gravity log weight log wood

Common name Latin name class Source kg=m3 lbs=ft3 (green m3 ) (bark & wood) volume

North American conifers

Pacific silver fir Abies amabilis ns 13 999.4 62.4 0.40 – –
Balsam fir Abies balsamea ns 7 864.1 54.0 0.33 10.7 15.0
White fir Abies concolor ns 11 1034.1 64.6 0.37 – –
Grand fir Abies grandis a 2 884.6 55.2 0.35 11.7 14.3
Grand fir Abies grandis b 2 854.0 53.3 0.35 11.7 14.3
Grand fir Abies grandis c 2 840.0 52.4 0.35 11.7 14.3
Grand fir Abies grandis d 2 817.6 51.0 0.35 11.7 14.3
Subalpine fir Abies lasiocarpa a 2 756.5 47.2 0.31 15.5 15.7
Subalpine fir Abies lasiocarpa b 2 749.9 46.8 0.31 15.5 15.7
Subalpine fir Abies lasiocarpa c, d 2 753.7 47.1 0.31 15.5 15.7
Noble fir Abies procera a 8 934.6 58.4 0.37 – 9.0
Noble fir Abies procera d 13 663.1 41.4 0.37 – –
Port orford cedar Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ns 11 1007.5 62.9 0.39 – –
Yellow cedar Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ns 12 730.0 45.6 0.42 – –
Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana ns 7 765.6 47.8 0.44 10.0 12.0
Tamarack Larix laricina ns 7 951.7 59.4 0.49 7.4 13.0
Western larch Larix occidentalis a 2 921.4 57.5 0.48 10.1 19.5
Western larch Larix occidentalis b 2 898.7 56.1 0.48 10.1 19.5
Western larch Larix occidentalis c 2 882.4 55.1 0.48 10.1 19.5
Western larch Larix occidentalis d 2 867.0 54.1 0.48 10.1 19.5
Incense cedar Libocedrus decurrens ns 11 906.7 56.6 0.35 – –
Engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii a 2 927.3 57.9 0.33 11.0 13.0
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 227 6.9.2005 3:05am

Engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii b 2 846.6 52.9 0.33 11.0 13.0

Engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii c 2 776.4 48.5 0.33 11.0 13.0
Engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii d 2 689.3 43.0 0.33 11.0 13.0
White spruce Picea glauca a 2 797.7 49.8 0.33 7.2 10.0
227

continued
Table A.2.A. continued
228

Specific Bark % whole Bark %

Size gravity log weight log wood
Common name Latin name class Source kg=m3 lbs=ft3 (green m3 ) (bark & wood) volume

White spruce Picea glauca b 2 766.3 47.8 0.33 7.5 10.0

White spruce Picea glauca c 2 740.1 46.2 0.33 7.8 10.0
White spruce Picea glauca d 2 726.4 45.4 0.33 7.9 10.0
Black spruce Picea mariana ns 7 848.8 53.0 0.38 7.2 14.0
Sitka spruce Picea sitchensis a 8 925.9 57.8 0.37 – 10.0
Sitka spruce Picea sitchensis d 13 701.5 43.8 0.37 – –
Jack pine Pinus banksiana ns 7 861.7 53.8 0.40 12.6 17.0
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta a 2 905.2 56.5 0.38 5.4 6.0
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta b 2 796.0 49.7 0.38 5.4 6.0
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta c 2 749.2 46.8 0.38 5.4 6.0
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta d 2 744.9 46.5 0.38 5.4 6.0
Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata ns 7 1025.0 64.0 0.47 9.4 15.0
Slash pine Pinus elliottii ns 9 1039.5 64.9 0.54 9.2 15.0
Limber pine Pinus flexilis a, b, c, d 2 930.2 58.1 0.37 12.1 –
Sugar pine Pinus lambertiana ns 11 1009.7 63.0 0.34 – –
Western white pine Pinus monticola a, b, c, d 2 842.5 52.6 0.35 12.4 –
Longleaf pine Pinus palustris ns 9 1140.3 71.2 0.54 8.4 15.0
Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa a 2 1015.6 63.4 0.38 11.7 20.3
Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa b 2 971.6 60.7 0.38 11.7 20.3
Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa c 2 933.8 58.3 0.38 11.7 20.3
Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa d 2 896.4 56.0 0.38 11.7 20.3
Monterey pine Pinus radiata ns 9 1042.8 65.1 0.40 – –
Red pine Pinus resinosa ns 7 859.1 53.6 0.41 8.7 16.0
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 228 6.9.2005 3:05am

Eastern white pine Pinus strobus ns 7 839.9 52.4 0.34 18.0 16.0
Loblolly pine Pinus taeda a, b, c, d 2 1026.6 64.1 0.47 9.4 15.0
Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii a 2 950.8 59.4 0.45 13.7 20.1
Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii b 2 909.1 56.8 0.45 13.7 20.1
Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii c 2 871.8 54.4 0.45 13.7 20.1
Appendix 2
Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii d 2 836.1 52.2 0.45 13.7 20.1
Coastal redwood Sequoia sempervirens ns 11 949.8 59.3 0.36 – –
Bald cypress Taxodium distichum ns 7 1027.4 64.2 0.42 11.1 13.0
Appendix 2

Northern white cedar Thuja occidentalis ns 7 649.6 40.6 0.29 11.2 12.0
Western red cedar Thuja plicata a, b, c, d 2 621.1 38.8 0.31 11.8 12.6
Eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis ns 7 979.1 61.1 0.38 18.2 21.0
Western hemlock Tsuga heterophylla a, b, c, d 2 942.8 58.9 0.42 9.2 10.3
Mountain hemlock Tsuga mertensiana a 2 1073.0 67.0 0.42 15.0 25.1
Mountain hemlock Tsuga mertensiana b 2 1031.1 64.4 0.42 15.0 25.1
Mountain hemlock Tsuga mertensiana c 2 997.4 62.3 0.42 15.0 25.1
Mountain hemlock Tsuga mertensiana d 2 956.7 59.7 0.42 15.0 25.1

North American hardwoods

Red maple Acer rubrum ns 10 993.0 62.0 0.54 11.0 13.0
Soft maple Acer saccharinum ns 7 993.0 62.0 0.49 11.2 12.0
Hard maple Acer saccharum ns 7 1121.1 70.0 0.56 10.5 12.0
Yellow birch Betula alleghaniensis ns 7 1089.1 68.0 0.55 11.1 12.0
Paper birch Betula papyrifera ns 7 1009.0 63.0 0.48 14.7 16.0
Pecan hickory Carya illinoensis ns 7 1057.0 66.0 0.60 11.6 13.0
Hickory Carya spp. ns 10 1201.2 75.0 0.64 17.0 17.0
Hackberry Celtis spp. ns 7 961.0 60.0 0.49 13.3 15.0
American beech Fagus grandifolia ns 7 1025.0 64.0 0.56 6.6 7.0
White ash Fraxinus americana ns 7 961.0 60.0 0.54 9.1 16.0
Black ash Fraxinus nigra ns 7 912.9 57.0 0.45 12.3 14.0
Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvania ns 10 880.9 55.0 0.53 11.8 13.0
Butternut Juglans cinerea ns 7 832.8 52.0 0.36 14.4 15.0
Black walnut Juglans nigra ns 7 993.0 62.0 0.51 7.5 15.0
Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua ns 10 1121.1 70.0 0.48 12.0 11.0
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 229 6.9.2005 3:05am

Yellow poplar Liriodendron tulipifera ns 10 1025.0 64.0 0.44 12.4 15.0

Water tupelo Nyssa aquatica ns 10 944.9 59.0 0.45 11.0 11.0
Black gum Nyssa sylvatica ns 10 1041.0 65.0 0.48 11.0 12.0
Sycamore Platanus occidentalis ns 10 1089.1 68.0 0.45 4.0 4.6
continued
229
Table A.2.A. continued
230

Specific Bark % whole Bark %

Size gravity log weight log wood
Common name Latin name class Source kg=m3 lbs=ft3 (green m3 ) (bark & wood) volume

Balsam poplar Populas balsamifera ns 7 993.0 62.0 0.37 19.7 18.0

Cottonwood Populus spp. ns 7 944.9 59.0 0.37 15.0 15.0
Aspen Populus tremuloides ns 7 944.9 59.0 0.39 18.9 18.0
Black cherry Prunus serotina ns 7 864.9 54.0 0.47 9.4 10.0
White oak Quercus alba ns 10 1185.2 74.0 0.64 10.0 11.0
Scarlet oak Quercus coccinea ns 10 1217.2 76.0 0.57 13.0 15.2
Laurel oak Quercus laurifolia ns 10 1249.2 78.0 0.59 12.8 13.0
Water oak Quercus nigra ns 10 1249.2 78.0 0.57 12.8 13.0
Chestnut oak Quercus prinus ns 10 1153.1 72.0 0.62 19.0 24.1
Post oak Quercus stellata ns 10 1185.2 74.0 0.64 16.0 19.4
Southern red oak Quercus falcata ns 10 1249.2 78.0 0.57 17.0 20.0
Black willow Salix nigra ns 7 896.9 56.0 0.34 16.9 16.0
American basswood Tilia americana ns 7 784.8 49.0 0.32 18.3 16.0
Elm Ulmus spp. ns 10 1089.1 68.0 0.46 10.1 14.0

Central and South American conifers and hardwoods

Amburana Amburana cearensis ns 1 900.0 56.2 0.55 – –
Espave Anacardium spp. ns 1 800.0 50.0 0.41 – –
Angelin, red cabbage tree Andira inermis, A. coriacea ns 1 1075.0 67.1 0.64 – –
Parana pine (conifer) Araucaria angustifolia ns 1 700.0 43.7 0.46 – –
Chilean pine (conifer) Araucaria araucana ns 1 700.0 43.7 – – –
Amirillo Aspidosperma spp. ns 1 800.0 50.0 – – –
Araracanea Aspidosperma spp. ns 1 1000.0 62.4 – – –
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 230 6.9.2005 3:05am

Goncalo Alves Astronium spp. ns 1 1230.0 76.8 0.80 – –

Cow-tree Brosimum spp. (utile group) ns 1 750.0 46.8 0.44 – –
Maracaibo lignum-vitae Bulnesia arborea ns 1 1250.0 78.0 1.00 – –
Coffeewood Caesalpinia spp. ns 1 1200.0 74.9 1.05 – –
Abarco, Jequitibe Cariniana pyriformis, C. brasiliensis ns 1 800.0 50.0 0.46 – –
Appendix 2
Andiroba Carapa guianensis ns 1 900.0 56.2 0.56 – –
Cedro-rana Cedrelinga catenaeformis ns 1 950.0 59.3 0.53 – –
Fromager Ceiba pentandra, C. samarina ns 1 550.0 34.3 0.25 – –
Appendix 2

Copaiba Copaifera spp. ns 1 1000.0 62.4 – – –

Violet wood Dalbergia cearensis ns 1 1200.0 74.9 – – –
Brasilian tulipwood Dalbergia decipularis ns 1 1100.0 68.7 – – –
Jacaranda Dalbergia nigra ns 1 1025.0 64.0 0.67 – –
Cocobolo Dalbergia retusa ns 1 1300.0 81.2 0.89 – –
Jacaranda Dalbergia spruceana ns 1 1100.0 68.7 – – –
Honduras rosewood Dalbergia stevensonii ns 1 1100.0 68.7 0.82 – –
Angelique Dicorynia guianensis ns 1 1000.0 62.4 0.60 – –
Wallaba Eperua spp. ns 1 1100.0 68.7 0.78 – –
Alerce (conifer) Fitzroya cupressoides ns 1 750.0 46.8 0.38 – –
Kabukalli Goupia glabra ns 1 1050.0 65.6 0.72 – –
Lignum vitae Guaiacum spp. ns 1 1450.0 90.5 1.09 – –
Pilon Hyeronima spp. ns 1 1050.0 65.6 0.64 – –
Hura Hura crepitans ns 1 625.0 39.0 0.36 – –
Algarrobo Hymenaea courbaril ns 1 1100.0 68.7 0.77 – –
Caviuna Machaerium spp. ns 1 1100.0 68.7 0.70 – –
Balata Manilkara bidentata ns 1 1250.0 78.0 0.85 – –
Coigüe Nothofagus dombeyi ns 1 1000.0 62.4 0.49 – –
Rauli Nothofagus procera ns 1 1000.0 62.4 0.49 – –
Demerara greenheart Ocotea rodiaei ns 1 1300.0 81.2 0.83 – –
Determa Ocotea rubra ns 1 825.0 51.5 0.56 – –
Peroba de campos Paratecoma peroba ns 1 1025.0 64.0 0.60 – –
Amaranth Peltogyne spp. ns 1 1100.0 68.7 – – –
Ocote pine Pinus oocarpa, pinus patula ns 1 900.0 56.2 0.55 – –
Snakewood Piratinera guianensis ns 1 1350.0 84.3 0.96 – –
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 231 6.9.2005 3:05am

Macawood Platymiscium spp. ns 1 1150.0 71.8 0.84 – –

Manio (conifer) Podocarpus spp. ns 1 1000.0 62.4 0.46 – –
Grignon fou Qualea spp. ns 1 825.0 51.5 0.55 – –
Quebracho Schinopsis spp. ns 1 1350.0 84.3 1.00 – –
continued
231
Table A.2.A. continued
232

Specific Bark % whole Bark %

Size gravity log weight log wood
Common name Latin name class Source kg=m3 lbs=ft3 (green m3 ) (bark & wood) volume

Mahogany Swietenia macrophylla ns 1 600.0 37.5 0.45 – –

Ipe, Lapacho Tabebuia spp. ns 1 1250.0 78.0 0.92 – –
Baboen Virola spp. ns 1 775.0 48.4 0.44 – –
Kwari Vochysia spp. ns 1 825.0 51.5 0.40 – –
Acapu Vouacapoua americana ns 1 1100.0 68.7 0.79 – –
West Indian satinwood Zanthoxylum flavum ns 1 1100.0 68.7 0.73 – –

Asian, Australian, and Oceania conifers and hardwoods

Mulga Acacia aneura ns 3 1330.0 83.0 1.02 – –
Gidgee Acacia cambagei ns 3 1265.0 79.0 0.97 – –
Miniritchie Acacia monticola ns 3 1275.0 79.6 1.05 – –
Haldu Adina spp. ns 1 1000.0 62.4 0.59 – –
Kauri pine (conifer) Agathis australis, Agathis spp. ns 1 840.0 52.4 0.44 – –
Pulai Alstonia spp. ns 1 800.0 50.0 0.37 – –
Amoora Amoora spp. ns 1 775.0 48.4 – – –
Mersawa Anisoptera spp. ns 1 1000.0 62.4 0.51 – –
Hoop-pine, Klinki pine (conifer) Araucaria spp. ns 1 880.0 54.9 0.42 – –
Chengal Balanocarpus spp. ns 1 1200.0 74.9 0.76 – –
White cypress pine (conifer) Callitris glauca ns 3 770.0 48.1 0.58 – –
Bintangor Calophyllum spp. ns 1 800.0 50.0 – – –
Australian black ‘oak’ Casuarina spp. ns 3 1320.0 82.4 1.09 – –
Deodar cedar (conifer) Cedrus deodara ns 1 750.0 46.8 – – –
East Indian satinwood Chloroxylon swietenia ns 1 1050.0 65.6 0.80 – –
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 232 6.9.2005 3:05am

Medang Cinnamomum spp. ns 1 850.0 53.1 – – –

Sugi (conifer) Cryptomeria japonica ns 1 600.0 37.5 – – –
San-mu (conifer) Cunninghamia lanceolata ns 1 600.0 37.5 – – –
Silver pine (conifer) Dacrydium colensoi ns 5 864.9 54.0 0.54 – –
Rimu (conifer) Dacrydium cupressinum ns 5 961.0 60.0 0.49 – –
Appendix 2
Sempilor (conifer) Dacrydium spp. ns 1 850.0 53.1 – – –
Medang Dehaasia spp. ns 1 850.0 53.1 – – –
Asian ebony Diospyros spp. ns 1 1350.0 84.3 – – –
Appendix 2

Kayu malam African ebony Diospyros spp. ns 1 1325.0 82.7 – – –

Apitong Dipterocarpus spp. ns 1 1025.0 64.0 0.59 – –
New Guinea wood Dracontomelum spp. ns 1 900.0 56.2 0.50 – –
Duabanga, Magas Duabanga spp. ns 1 650.0 40.6 0.33 – –
Corkwood Duboisia myoporoides ns 3 1225.0 76.5 0.80 – –
Hinau Elaeocarpus denatus ns 5 1121.1 70.0 0.57 – –
Brown mallet Eucalyptus astringens ns 3 1120.0 69.9 0.77 – –
Dundas ‘mahogany’ Eucalyptus brockwayi ns 3 1260.0 78.7 – – –
Red gum Eucalyptus camaldulendsis ns 1 1150.0 71.8 – – –
Spotted gum Eucalyptus citriodora ns 3 1150.0 71.8 0.79 – –
Sugar gum Eucalyptus cladocalyx ns 3 1105.0 69.0 0.75 – –
Cleland’s blackbutt Eucalyptus clelandii ns 3 1215.0 75.9 0.97 – –
Deglupta Eucalyptus deglupta ns 1 1000.0 62.4 0.55 – –
Karri Eucalyptus diversicolor ns 1 1150.0 71.8 0.70 – –
Merrit Eucalyptus flocktoniae ns 3 1145.0 71.5 – – –
Tasmanian ‘oak’ Eucalyptus gigantea ns 1 1050.0 65.6 – – –
Blue gum Eucalyptus globulus ns 1 1100.0 68.7 – – –
Goldfields blackbutt Eucalyptus lesouefii ns 3 1180.0 73.7 0.88 – –
Red morrel Eucalyptus longicornis ns 3 1240.0 77.4 0.95 – –
Jarrah Eucalyptus marginata ns 1 1150.0 71.8 0.67 – –
Yellow stringy bark Eucalyptus muelleriana ns 3 1100.0 68.7 0.69 – –
Blackbutt Eucalyptus pilularis ns 1 1150.0 71.8 – – –
Salt gum Eucalyptus salicola ns 3 1215.0 75.9 0.94 – –
Salmon gum Eucalyptus salmonophloia ns 3 1160.0 72.4 0.87 – –
Gimlet Eucalyptus salubris ns 3 1230.0 76.8 0.94 – –
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 233 6.9.2005 3:05am

Forest red gum Eucalyptus tereticornis ns 1 1150.0 71.8 – – –

Wandoo Eucalyptus wandoo ns 3 1280.0 79.9 0.92 – –
Belian Eusideroxylon zwageri ns 1 1250.0 78.0 0.89 – –
Japanese ash Fraxinus mandschurica ns 1 900.0 56.2 – – –
continued
233
Table A.2.A. continued
234

Specific Bark % whole Bark %

Size gravity log weight log wood
Common name Latin name class Source kg=m3 lbs=ft3 (green m3 ) (bark & wood) volume

Scaly ash Ganophyllum falcatum ns 1 1100.0 68.7 – – –

Beefwood Grevillea striata ns 3 1230.0 76.8 0.82 – –
Huynh, heritiera Heritiera spp. ns 1 930.0 58.1 0.56 – –
Malas Homalium tomentosum ns 1 1000.0 62.4 – – –
Japanese walnut Juglans sieboldiana ns 1 700.0 43.7 – – –
Sen Kalopanaxpictus nakai ns 1 800.0 50.0 – – –
Bungur Lagerstroemina spp. ns 1 900.0 56.2 0.55 – –
Medang Litsea spp. ns 1 850.0 53.1 0.40 – –
Machang Mangifera spp. ns 1 850.0 53.1 0.51 – –
Thinwin Millettia pendula ns 1 1300.0 81.2 – – –
Red beech Nothofagus fusca ns 5 977.0 61.0 0.57 – –
Silver beech Nothofagus menziesii ns 5 880.9 55.0 0.45 – –
Mountain beech Nothofagus solandri ns 5 961.0 60.0 0.52 – –
New Guinea ‘beech’ Nothofagus spp. ns 1 1050.0 65.6 – – –
Hard beech Nothofagus truncata ns 5 1105.1 69.0 0.63 – –
Nyatoh, bitis Palaquium spp., Payena spp. ns 1 1075.0 67.1 0.55 – –
Bagtikan Parashorea spp. ns 1 1100.0 68.7 0.44 – –
Thitka Pentacme spp. ns 1 800.0 50.0 0.56 – –
White lauan Pentacme contorta ns 1 950.0 59.3 0.43 – –
Tropical Asian pine (conifer) Pinus kesyia ns 1 875.0 54.6 0.47 – –
Merkus pine (conifer) Pinus merkusii ns 1 875.0 54.6 0.57 – –
Chir pine (conifer) Pinus roxburghii ns 1 800.0 50.0 – – –
Red planchonella Planchnella torricellensis ns 1 875.0 54.6 – – –
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 234 6.9.2005 3:05am

Kahikatea (conifer) Podocarpus dacrydioides ns 5 816.8 51.0 0.39 – –

Miro (conifer) Podocarpus ferrugineus ns 5 864.9 54.0 0.51 – –
Matai (conifer) Podocarpus spicaus ns 5 1089.1 68.0 0.54 – –
Podocarp (conifer) Podocarpus spp. ns 1 850.0 53.1 – – –
Podo totara (conifer) Podocarpus spp. ns 5 944.9 59.0 – – –
Appendix 2
Kasai Pometia spp. ns 1 1000.0 62.4 0.54 – –
Amboyna burl Pterocarpus indicus, P. vidalianus ns 1 800.0 50.0 – – –
Amberoi Pterocymbium beccarii ns 1 625.0 39.0 – – –
Appendix 2

Bayur Pterospermum spp. ns 1 750.0 46.8 – – –

Japanese oak Quercus grosseserrata ns 1 900.0 56.2 – – –
Alan Shorea albida ns 1 900.0 56.2 – – –
Almon, white lauan Shorea almon ns 1 725.0 45.3 – – –
Balau Shorea spp. (Balau group) ns 1 1200.0 74.9 0.70 – –
White meranti Shorea spp. (white meranti) ns 1 725.0 45.3 0.47 – –
Yellow meranti Shorea spp. (yellow meranti) ns 1 900.0 56.2 0.46 – –
Red meranti Shorea spp. Subgen. Rubroshorea ns 1 800.0 50.0 – – –
Teak Tectona grandis ns 1 850.0 53.1 0.57 – –
Brown terminalia Terminalia brassii ns 1 675.0 42.1 – – –
Indian almond wood Terminalia spp. ns 1 825.0 51.5 0.51 – –
White bombay Terminalia procera ns 1 800.0 50.0 – – –
Red cedar Toona sureni, T. calantas ns 1 750.0 46.8 0.42 – –
Brush box Tristania spp. ns 1 1200.0 74.9 0.80 – –
Pyinkado Xylia xylocarpa ns 1 1200.0 74.9 0.81 – –
Mangrove cedar Xylocarpus spp. ns 1 950.0 59.3 – – –

African conifers and hardwoods

Adina Adina microcephala ns 1 1200.0 74.9 – – –
Afzelia Afzelia cuanzensis ns 1 1250.0 78.0 0.67 – –
Doussié Afzelia spp. ns 1 1150.0 71.8 0.67 – –
Albizzia Albizia spp. ns 1 975.0 60.9 0.51 – –
Alstonia Alstonia congensis ns 1 600.0 37.5 0.33 – –
Lati Amphimas spp. ns 1 950.0 59.3 – – –
Mecrusse Androstachys johnsonii ns 1 1200.0 74.9 0.72 – –
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 235 6.9.2005 3:05am

Aningeria Aningeria spp. ns 1 900.0 56.2 0.44 – –

Bodioa Anopyxis klaineana ns 1 1025.0 64.0 – – –
Ako Antiaris spp. ns 1 800.0 50.0 0.38 – –
Onzabili Antrocaryon spp. ns 1 850.0 53.1 – – –
continued
235
Table A.2.A. continued
236

Specific Bark % whole Bark %

Size gravity log weight log wood
Common name Latin name class Source kg=m3 lbs=ft3 (green m3 ) (bark & wood) volume

Gaboon (okoumé) Aucoumea klaineana ns 1 600.0 37.5 0.37 – –

Mukulungu Autranella congolensis ns 1 1100.0 68.7 0.78 – –
Rhodesian-teak Baikiaea plurijuga ns 1 1150.0 71.8 0.73 – –
Dimpampi Baillonella toxisperma ns 1 1050.0 65.6 0.71 – –
Kanda Beilschmieda spp. ns 1 1000.0 62.4 – – –
Berlinia Berlinia spp. ns 1 900.0 56.2 0.58 – –
East African bombax Bombax rhodognaphalon ns 1 900.0 56.2 0.40 – –
Bombax Bombax spp. ns 1 800.0 50.0 0.40 – –
Muhuhu Brachylaena hutchinsii ns 1 1200.0 74.9 0.75 – –
Okwen Brachystegia spp. ns 1 950.0 59.3 0.51 – –
South African boxwood Bruxus macowani ns 1 1100.0 68.7 – – –
Burkea Burkea africana ns 1 1150.0 71.8 0.70 – –
Miama Calpocalyx heitzii ns 1 1100.0 68.7 – – –
Abel Canarium schweinfurthii ns 1 800.0 50.0 0.40 – –
Pillarwood Cassipourea malosana ns 1 1000.0 62.4 0.59 – –
Ceiba Ceiba pentandra ns 1 900.0 56.2 0.26 – –
African celtis Celtis spp. ns 1 950.0 59.3 0.59 – –
Esa Celtis spp. ns 1 950.0 59.3 0.59 – –
Ohia Celtis spp. ns 1 950.0 59.3 0.59 – –
Mtambara Cephalosphaera usambarensis ns 1 850.0 53.1 0.48 – –
Kambala Chlorophora excelsa and C. regia ns 1 1075.0 67.1 0.55 – –
Sobu Cleistopholis paterns, C. glauca ns 1 550.0 34.3 – – –
Ekoune Coelocaryon preussii ns 1 800.0 50.0 – – –
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 236 6.9.2005 3:05am

Abale Combretodenodron africanum ns 1 1100.0 68.7 0.70 – –

Ghéombi Copaifera letesturi ns 1 900.0 56.2 – – –
N’téné Copaifera religosa ns 1 800.0 50.0 – – –
Etimoé Copaifera salikounda ns 1 950.0 59.3 – – –
West African cordia Cordia millenii and C. platythyrsa ns 1 750.0 46.8 0.34 – –
Appendix 2
Cordyla Cordyla africana ns 1 1100.0 68.7 – – –
Tsanya Corynanthe paniculata ns 1 950.0 59.3 – – –
Musine Croton megalocarpus ns 1 950.0 59.3 0.57 – –
Appendix 2

Tani Cryptosepalum staudtii ns 1 1050.0 65.6 – – –

Okan Cylicodiscus gabunensi ns 1 1050.0 65.6 0.80 – –
Muhimbi Cynometra alexandri ns 1 1000.0 62.4 0.74 – –
Apomé Cynometra ananta ns 1 1200.0 74.9 – – –
Nganga Cynometra hankei ns 1 1150.0 71.8 – – –
Safukala Dacryodes pubescens, D. heterotricha ns 1 975.0 60.9 0.61 – –
Adjouaba Dacryodes spp. ns 1 850.0 53.1 0.61 – –
African blackwood Dalbergia melanoxylon ns 1 1400.0 87.4 1.08 – –
Daniellia Daniellia ogea and D. thurifera ns 1 900.0 56.2 0.40 – –
Alep Desbordesia glaucescens ns 1 1250.0 78.0 – – –
Mambodé Detarium spp. ns 1 925.0 57.8 – – –
Eyoum Dialium spp. ns 1 1050.0 65.6 0.71 – –
Sapo Didelotia brevipaniculata ns 1 950.0 59.3 0.53 – –
African ebony Diospyros crassiflora ns 1 1325.0 82.7 0.82 – –
Ayan Distemonanthus benthamianus ns 1 900.0 56.2 0.58 – –
Yungu Drypetes gossweileri ns 1 950.0 59.3 – – –
Moambe jaune Enantia chlorantha ns 1 900.0 56.2 – – –
Gedu nohor Entandrophragma angolense ns 1 850.0 53.1 0.45 – –
Kosipo Entandrophragma candollei ns 1 900.0 56.2 – – –
Aboudikro Entandrophragma cylindricum ns 1 900.0 56.2 0.60 – –
Mutaco Entandrophragma ekebergioides ns 1 850.0 53.1 – – –
Sipo Entandrophragma utile ns 1 775.0 48.4 0.53 – –
Missanda Erythrophleum ivorense ns 1 1150.0 71.8 0.72 – –
Landa Erythroxylum manii ns 1 850.0 53.1 0.50 – –
Olon Fagara heitzii ns 1 750.0 46.8 – – –
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 237 6.9.2005 3:05am

East African satinwood Fagara macrophylla ns 1 950.0 59.3 – – –

Mafu Fagaropsis angolensis ns 1 950.0 59.3 0.56 – –
Mutando Funtumia spp. ns 1 850.0 53.1 – – –
Longui Gambeya spp. ns 1 1050.0 65.6 0.63 – –
continued
237
Table A.2.A. continued
238

Specific Bark % whole Bark %

Size gravity log weight log wood
Common name Latin name class Source kg=m3 lbs=ft3 (green m3 ) (bark & wood) volume

Limbali Gilbertiodendron spp. ns 1 1050.0 65.6 – – –

Kamassi Gonioma kamassi ns 1 1100.0 68.7 0.75 – –
Agba Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum ns 1 800.0 50.0 0.40 – –
Scented Guarea Guarea cedrata ns 1 900.0 56.2 0.48 – –
Black Guarea Guarea thompsonii ns 1 975.0 60.9 0.48 – –
Benge Guibourtia arnoldiana ns 1 1050.0 65.6 0.64 – –
Rhodesian copalwood Guibourtia coleosperma ns 1 1150.0 71.8 – – –
Amazakoue Guibourtia ehie ns 1 1050.0 65.6 0.67 – –
Bubinga Guibourtia spp. ns 1 1100.0 68.7 0.72 – –
Abura Hallea ciliata and H. stipulosa ns 1 925.0 57.8 – – –
Idewa Haplormosia monophylla ns 1 1150.0 71.8 – – –
Kékélé Holoptelea grandis ns 1 900.0 56.2 – – –
Alumbi Julbernardia seratii ns 1 1150.0 71.8 – – –
African pencil cedar (conifer) Juniperus procera ns 1 750.0 46.8 0.48 – –
Senegal mahogany Khaya grandifoliola ns 1 775.0 48.4 0.60 – –
African mahogany Khaya ivorensis ns 1 700.0 43.7 0.45 – –
East African mahogany Khaya nyasica ns 1 800.0 50.0 0.45 – –
Kumbi Lannea welwitschii ns 1 750.0 46.8 – – –
Oguomo Lecomtedoxa klaineana ns 1 1150.0 71.8 – – –
Congotali Letestua durissima ns 1 1200.0 74.9 – – –
Azobe Lophira alata ns 1 1200.0 74.9 0.90 – –
African walnut Lovoa trichilioides ns 1 800.0 50.0 0.45 – –
Musizi Maesopsis eminii ns 1 700.0 43.7 0.35 – –
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 238 6.9.2005 3:05am

Oboto Mammea africana ns 1 1100.0 68.7 0.62 – –

Monghinza Manilkara spp. ns 1 1200.0 74.9 – – –
Aprono Mansonia altissima ns 1 925.0 57.8 0.54 – –
Zebrano Microberlinia spp. ns 1 1150.0 71.8 0.70 – –
Panga panga Millettia spp. ns 1 1150.0 71.8 0.71 – –
Appendix 2
Bahia Mitragyna ciliata ns 1 925.0 57.8 0.45 – –
Andoung Monopetalanthus heitzii ns 1 900.0 56.2 0.39 – –
Difou Morus mesozygia ns 1 1050.0 65.6 0.70 – –
Appendix 2

Umbrella tree Musanga cecropioides ns 1 750.0 46.8 0.23 – –

Bilinga Nauclea diderrichii ns 1 1050.0 65.6 0.63 – –
Danta Nesogordonia papaverifera ns 1 925.0 57.8 0.65 – –
East African newtonia Newtonia buchananii ns 1 900.0 56.2 – – –
Ossimiale Newtonia leucocarpa ns 1 1000.0 62.4 – – –
East African camphorwood Ocotea usambarensis ns 1 875.0 54.6 0.51 – –
Vésa’mbata Oldfieldia africana ns 1 1050.0 65.6 – – –
East African olive Olea hochstetteri ns 1 1200.0 74.9 0.72 – –
Elgon olive Olea welwitschii ns 1 1050.0 65.6 – – –
Angueuk Ongokea gore ns 1 1050.0 65.6 0.72 – –
Tola mafuta Oxystigma oxyphyllum ns 1 900.0 56.2 0.53 – –
Awoura Paraberlinia bifoliolata ns 1 1000 62.4 – – –
Mubara Parinari excelsa ns 1 1000.0 62.4 0.69 – –
Kiasose Pentadesma butyracea, P. lebruntii ns 1 1000.0 62.4 – – –
Aformosia Pericopsis elata ns 1 1125.0 70.2 0.57 – –
Agboin Piptadeniastrum africanum ns 1 1000.0 62.4 0.56 – –
Podo (conifer) Podocarpus gracilior, P. usambarensis ns 1 700.0 43.7 0.43 – –
Ovoga Poga oleosa ns 1 950.0 59.3 0.36 – –
Osanga Pteleopsis hylodendron ns 1 1000.0 62.4 – – –
Muninga Pterocarpus angolensis ns 1 1050.0 65.6 0.59 – –
African padauk Pterocarpus soyauxii ns 1 950.0 59.3 0.61 – –
Koto Pterygota spp. ns 1 900.0 56.2 0.52 – –
Akomu Pycnanthus angolensis ns 1 800.0 50.0 0.44 – –
Mueri Pygeum africanum ns 1 950.0 59.3 0.58 – –
Mugaita Rapancea rhododendroides ns 1 950.0 59.3 – – –
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 239 6.9.2005 3:05am

Erimado Ricinodendron heudelotii ns 1 800.0 50.0 0.20 – –

Erimado Ricinodendron rautanenii ns 1 750.0 46.8 – – –
Ozouga Sacoglottis gabonensis ns 1 1050.0 65.6 – – –
Odoko Scottellia coriaceae ns 1 950.0 59.3 0.56 – –
continued
239
Table A.2.A. continued
240

Specific Bark % whole Bark %

Size gravity log weight log wood
Common name Latin name class Source kg=m3 lbs=ft3 (green m3 ) (bark & wood) volume

Ossoko Seyphocephalium mannii ns 1 925.0 57.8 – – –

Tamboti Spirostachys africana ns 1 1150.0 71.8 – – –
Niove Staudtia stipitata ns 1 1050.0 65.6 0.75 – –
Eyong Sterculia oblonga ns 1 1100.0 68.7 – – –
Brown stericula Sterculia rhinopetala ns 1 1000.0 62.4 0.64 – –
Dina Swarztia fistuloides ns 1 1150.0 71.8 0.82 – –
Pao rosa Swartzia madagascasiensis ns 1 1150.0 71.8 – – –
Ossol Symphonia globulifera ns 1 925.0 57.8 0.58 – –
Niangon Tarrietia utilis and T.densiflora ns 1 950.0 59.3 – – –
Emeri Terminalia ivorensis ns 1 800.0 50.0 0.43 – –
Akom Terminalia superba ns 1 762.5 47.6 0.49 – –
Wamba Tessmannia spp. ns 1 1050.0 65.6 – – –
Izombe Testulea gabonensis ns 1 1000.0 62.4 0.60 – –
Ekop Tetraberlinia tubmaniana ns 1 825.0 51.5 0.60 – –
Baku Tieghemella spp. ns 1 937.5 58.5 0.55 – –
Abachi Triplochiton scleroxylon ns 1 625.0 39.0 0.33 – –
Avodire Turraeanthus africanus ns 1 800.0 50.0 0.51 – –
Sugar-plum Uapaca spp. ns 1 1000.0 62.4 0.60 – –
Vitex Vitex spp. ns 1 825.0 51.5 0.40 – –
Kenyan greenheart Warburgia ugandensis ns 1 1150.0 71.8 – – –
Mlanje-cedar (conifer) Widdringtonia whytei ns 1 700.0 43.7 0.45 – –

European conifers
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 240 6.9.2005 3:05am

Silver fir Abies alba ns 4 920.0 57.4 0.40 – –

Common juniper Juniperus communis ns 4 1020.0 63.7 – – –
European larch Larix decidua ns 4 860.0 53.7 0.45 – 20.0
Siberian larch Larix sibiricus ns 6 885.0 55.3 0.46 – –
Norway spruce Picea abies ns 4 860.0 53.7 0.38 – 9.0
Appendix 2
Siberian yellow pine Pinus cembra ns 4 870.0 54.3 – – –
Aleppo pine Pinus halepensis ns 4 1000.0 62.4 – – –
Corsican pine Pinus laricio ns 4 900.0 56.2 – – 21.0
Appendix 2

Swiss mountain pine Pinus montana ns 4 800.0 50.0 – – –

Austrian pine Pinus nigra ns 4 900.0 56.2 – – –
Maritime pine Pinus pinaster ns 4 950.0 59.3 – – –
Umbrella pine Pinus pinea ns 4 850.0 53.1 – – –
Scots pine Pinus sylvestris ns 4 880.0 54.9 0.40 – 15.5
English yew Taxus baccata ns 4 1020.0 63.7 – –

European hardwoods
Field maple Acer campestre ns 4 900.0 56.2 – – –
Neapolitan maple Acer opalus ns 4 870.0 54.3 – – –
Norway maple Acer platanoides ns 4 880.0 54.9 – – –
Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus ns 4 820.0 51.2 – – –
Horse chestnut Aesculus hyppocastanum ns 4 900.0 56.2 – – –
Napoletano alder Alnus cordata ns 4 830.0 51.8 – – –
Black alder Alnus glutinosa ns 4 860.0 53.7 – – –
White alder Alnus incana ns 4 840.0 52.4 0.45 – –
Strawberry tree Arbutus unedo ns 4 900.0 56.2 – – –
White birch Betula alba ns 4 950.0 59.3 – – –
European boxwood Buxus sempervirens ns 4 1070.0 66.8 – – –
European hornbeam Carpinus betulus ns 4 1000.0 62.4 – – –
Chestnut Castagna sativa ns 4 1000.0 62.4 – – –
Hackberry Celtis australis ns 4 960.0 59.9 – – –
Carob tree Ceratonia siliqua ns 4 820.0 51.2 – – –
Judas tree Cercis siliquastrum ns 4 880.0 54.9 – – –
Cornelian cherry Cornus mas ns 4 1020.0 63.7 – – –
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 241 6.9.2005 3:05am

Common hazel Corylus avellana ns 4 920.0 57.4 – – –

Heath Erica arborea ns 4 950.0 59.3 – – –
Beech Fagus sylvatica ns 4 1050.0 65.6 0.58 – –
Common ash Fraxinus excelsior ns 4 960.0 59.9 – – –
continued
241
Table A.2.A. continued
242

Specific Bark % whole Bark %

Size gravity log weight log wood
Common name Latin name class Source kg=m3 lbs=ft3 (green m3 ) (bark & wood) volume

Flowering ash Fraxinus ornus ns 4 820.0 51.2 – – –

Common walnut Juglans regia ns 4 930.0 58.1 – – –
Laburnum Laburnum anagyroides ns 4 1000.0 62.4 – – –
Laurel Lauras nobilis ns 4 900.0 56.2 – – –
Black mullberry Morus nigra ns 4 1000.0 62.4 – – –
Myrtle Myrtus communis ns 4 1000.0 62.4 – – –
Olive Olea europaea ns 4 1120.0 69.9 – – –
European hophornbean Ostrya carpinifolia ns 4 1050.0 65.6 – – –
Plane tree Platanus orientalis ns 4 960.0 59.9 – – –
White poplar Populas alba ns 4 800.0 50.0 – – –
Black poplar Populas negra ns 4 840.0 52.4 – – –
Quaking aspen Populas tremula ns 4 860.0 53.7 – – –
Wild cherry Prunus avium ns 4 850.0 53.1 – – –
Apple Pyrus malus ns 4 880.0 54.9 – – –
Austrian oak Quercus cerris ns 4 1100.0 68.7 – – –
Evergreen oak Quercus ilex ns 4 1100.0 68.7 – – –
Pedunculata oak Quercus robur ns 4 1080.0 67.4 – – –
Cork oak Quercus suber ns 4 1100.0 68.7 – – –
Black locust Robinia pseudoacacia ns 4 1050.0 65.6 – – –
White willow Salix alba ns 4 880.0 54.9 – – –
Mountain ash Sorbus aucuparia ns 4 1000.0 62.4 – – –
Summer lime Tilia plathyphylla ns 4 900.0 56.2 – – –
Mountain elm Ulmus montana ns 4 1000.0 62.4 – – –
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 242 6.9.2005 3:05am

Note: size classes are based on small end diameter of delivered log lengths: a ¼ 4.5–7.4900 (11.4–19.05 cm); b ¼ 7.5–11.4900 (19.06–29.19 cm);
c ¼ 11.5–15.4900 (29.2– 39.35 cm); d ¼ 15.500 þ (39.36 cmþ); ns ¼ size not specified. Green weight to volume ratios for logs includes weight of bark, and volume
of wood only. If weight referenced listed a range, e.g. 900-- 1000 kg=m3 , weight shown is the average of the range, e.g. 950 kg=m3 .
Source: 1. International Technical Association of Tropical Timber, 1982; 2. Author’s own research; 3. Forest Products Commission of Western Australia, 2004; 4.
Giordano, G., 1976; 5. Entrican, Alex R., Hinds, H.V., Reid, J.S., 1957; 6. University of Helsinki Finland, 2003; 7. Smith, Brad W., 1985; 8. Hamilton, G.J., 1975; 9.
Appendix 2

Ellis, Elliot, 2001; 10. Clark, Alexander III, Phillips, Douglas R., Frederick, Douglas J., 1986, 1985; 11. Kingsbury J., 2004 (personal correspondence); 12. British
Columbia Ministry of Forestry, Harvest Billing System, 2004; 13. Brereton B., 1929.
Table A.2.B. Bone-dry weight and volume conversions for selected tree species of the world.
Appendix 2

Size class
Green with
bark kg=m3
Green with
bark lbs=ft3
Specific gravity
(green volume)
BD weight
kg=m3
BD weight
lbs=ft3
ft3 =BDU*
m3 =BDU*
ft3 =BDT*
m3 =BDMT*
Ton/BDU**
Tonne/BDU**
Ton/BDT**
Tonne/BDMT

Common name Latin name

North American conifers

Pacific silver fir Abies amabilis ns 999.4 62.4 0.40 400.0 25.0 96.2 2.72 80.1 2.50 3.00 2.72 2.50
Balsam fir Abies balsamea ns 864.1 54.0 0.33 330.0 20.6 116.6 3.30 97.1 3.03 3.14 2.85 2.62
White fir Abies concolor ns 1034.1 64.6 0.37 370.0 23.1 104.0 2.94 86.6 2.70 3.36 3.05 2.80
Grand fir Abies grandis a 884.6 55.2 0.35 350.0 21.8 109.9 3.11 91.6 2.86 3.03 2.75 2.53
Grand fir Abies grandis b 854.0 53.3 0.35 350.0 21.8 109.9 3.11 91.6 2.86 2.93 2.66 2.44
Grand fir Abies grandis c 840.0 52.4 0.35 350.0 21.8 109.9 3.11 91.6 2.86 2.88 2.61 2.40
Grand fir Abies grandis d 817.6 51.0 0.35 350.0 21.8 109.9 3.11 91.6 2.86 2.80 2.54 2.34
Subalpine fir Abies lasiocarpa a 756.5 47.2 0.31 310.0 19.3 124.1 3.51 103.4 3.23 2.93 2.66 2.44
Subalpine fir Abies lasiocarpa b 749.9 46.8 0.31 310.0 19.3 124.1 3.51 103.4 3.23 2.90 2.63 2.42
Subalpine fir Abies lasiocarpa c, d 753.7 47.1 0.31 310.0 19.3 124.1 3.51 103.4 3.23 2.92 2.65 2.43
Noble fir Abies procera a 934.6 58.4 0.37 370.0 23.1 104.0 2.94 86.6 2.70 3.04 2.75 2.53
Noble fir Abies procera d 663.1 41.4 0.37 370.0 23.1 104.0 2.94 86.6 2.70 2.15 1.95 1.79
Port orford cedar Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ns 1007.5 62.9 0.39 390.0 24.3 98.6 2.79 82.2 2.56 3.10 2.81 2.58
Yellow cedar Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ns 730.0 45.6 0.42 420.0 26.2 91.6 2.59 76.3 2.38 2.09 1.89 1.74
Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana ns 765.6 47.8 0.44 440.0 27.5 87.4 2.47 72.8 2.27 2.09 1.89 1.74
Tamarack Larix laricina ns 951.7 59.4 0.49 490.0 30.6 78.5 2.22 65.4 2.04 2.33 2.12 1.94
Western larch Larix occidentalis a 921.4 57.5 0.48 480.0 30.0 80.1 2.27 66.8 2.08 2.30 2.09 1.92
Western larch Larix occidentalis b 898.7 56.1 0.48 480.0 30.0 80.1 2.27 66.8 2.08 2.25 2.04 1.87
Western larch Larix occidentalis c 882.4 55.1 0.48 480.0 30.0 80.1 2.27 66.8 2.08 2.21 2.00 1.84
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 243 6.9.2005 3:05am

Western larch Larix occidentalis d 867.0 54.1 0.48 480.0 30.0 80.1 2.27 66.8 2.08 2.17 1.97 1.81
Incense cedar Libocedrus decurrens ns 906.7 56.6 0.35 350.0 21.8 109.9 3.11 91.6 2.86 3.11 2.82 2.59
Engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii a 927.3 57.9 0.33 330.0 20.6 116.6 3.30 97.1 3.03 3.37 3.06 2.81
Engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii b 846.6 52.9 0.33 330.0 20.6 116.6 3.30 97.1 3.03 3.08 2.79 2.57
continued
243
Table A.2.B. continued
244

Size class
Green with
bark kg=m3
Green with
bark lbs=ft3
Specific gravity
(green volume)
BD weight
kg=m3
BD weight
lbs=ft3
ft3 =BDU*
m3 =BDU*
ft3 =BDT*
m3 =BDMT*
Ton/BDU**
Tonne/BDU**
Ton/BDT
Tonne/BDMT**

Common name Latin name

Engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii c 776.4 48.5 0.33 330.0 20.6 116.6 3.30 97.1 3.03 2.83 2.56 2.35
Engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii d 689.3 43.0 0.33 330.0 20.6 116.6 3.30 97.1 3.03 2.51 2.27 2.09
White spruce Picea glauca a 797.7 49.8 0.33 330.0 20.6 116.6 3.30 97.1 3.03 2.90 2.63 2.42
White spruce Picea glauca b 766.3 47.8 0.33 330.0 20.6 116.6 3.30 97.1 3.03 2.79 2.53 2.32
White spruce Picea glauca c 740.1 46.2 0.33 330.0 20.6 116.6 3.30 97.1 3.03 2.69 2.44 2.24
White spruce Picea glauca d 726.4 45.4 0.33 330.0 20.6 116.6 3.30 97.1 3.03 2.64 2.40 2.20
Black spruce Picea mariana ns 848.8 53.0 0.38 380.0 23.7 101.2 2.86 84.3 2.63 2.68 2.43 2.24
Sitka spruce Picea sitchensis ns 840.0 52.4 0.37 370.0 23.1 104.0 2.94 86.6 2.70 2.73 2.47 2.27
Sitka spruce Picea sitchensis ns 701.5 43.8 0.37 370.0 23.1 104.0 2.94 86.6 2.70 2.28 2.06 1.90
Jack pine Pinus banksiana ns 861.7 53.8 0.40 400.0 25.0 96.2 2.72 80.1 2.50 2.59 2.35 2.16
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta a 905.2 56.5 0.38 380.0 23.7 101.2 2.86 84.3 2.63 2.86 2.59 2.38
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta b 796.0 49.7 0.38 380.0 23.7 101.2 2.86 84.3 2.63 2.52 2.28 2.10
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta c 749.2 46.8 0.38 380.0 23.7 101.2 2.86 84.3 2.63 2.37 2.15 1.97
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta d 744.9 46.5 0.38 380.0 23.7 101.2 2.86 84.3 2.63 2.35 2.14 1.96
Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata ns 1025.0 64.0 0.47 470.0 29.3 81.8 2.32 68.2 2.13 2.62 2.38 2.18
Slash pine Pinus elliottii ns 1039.5 64.9 0.54 540.0 33.7 71.2 2.02 59.4 1.85 2.31 2.10 1.93
Limber pine Pinus flexilis a, b, c, d 930.2 58.1 0.37 370.0 23.1 104.0 2.94 86.6 2.70 3.02 2.74 2.52
Sugar pine Pinus lambertiana ns 1009.7 63.0 0.34 340.0 21.2 113.1 3.20 94.3 2.94 3.56 3.23 2.97
Western white pine Pinus monticola a, b, c, d 842.5 52.6 0.35 350.0 21.8 109.9 3.11 91.6 2.86 2.89 2.62 2.41
Longleaf pine Pinus palustris ns 1140.3 71.2 0.54 540.0 33.7 71.2 2.02 59.4 1.85 2.54 2.30 2.11
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 244 6.9.2005 3:05am

Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa a 1015.6 63.4 0.38 380.0 23.7 101.2 2.86 84.3 2.63 3.21 2.91 2.67
Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa b 971.6 60.7 0.38 380.0 23.7 101.2 2.86 84.3 2.63 3.07 2.78 2.56
Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa c 933.8 58.3 0.38 380.0 23.7 101.2 2.86 84.3 2.63 2.95 2.68 2.46
Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa d 896.4 56.0 0.38 380.0 23.7 101.2 2.86 84.3 2.63 2.83 2.57 2.36
Monterey pine Pinus radiata ns 1042.8 65.1 0.40 400.0 25.0 96.2 2.72 80.1 2.50 3.13 2.84 2.61
Appendix 2
Red pine Pinus resinosa ns 859.1 53.6 0.41 410.0 25.6 93.8 2.65 78.2 2.44 2.52 2.28 2.10
Eastern white pine Pinus strobus ns 839.9 52.4 0.34 340.0 21.2 113.1 3.20 94.3 2.94 2.97 2.69 2.47
Loblolly pine Pinus taeda a, b, c, d 1026.6 64.1 0.47 470.0 29.3 81.8 2.32 68.2 2.13 2.62 2.38 2.19
Appendix 2

Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii a 950.8 59.4 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 2.54 2.30 2.11
Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii b 909.1 56.8 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 2.43 2.20 2.02
Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii c 871.8 54.4 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 2.33 2.11 1.94
Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii d 836.1 52.2 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 2.23 2.02 1.86
Coastal redwood Sequoia sempervirens ns 949.8 59.3 0.36 360.0 22.5 106.8 3.02 89.0 2.78 3.17 2.87 2.64
Bald cypress Taxodium distichum ns 1027.4 64.2 0.42 420.0 26.2 91.6 2.59 76.3 2.38 2.94 2.66 2.45
Northern white cedar Thuja occidentalis ns 649.6 40.6 0.29 290.0 18.1 132.6 3.75 110.5 3.45 2.69 2.44 2.24
Western red cedar Thuja plicata a, b, c, d 621.1 38.8 0.31 310.0 19.3 124.1 3.51 103.4 3.23 2.41 2.18 2.00
Eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis ns 979.1 61.1 0.38 380.0 23.7 101.2 2.86 84.3 2.63 3.09 2.81 2.58
Western hemlock Tsuga heterophylla a, b, c, d 942.8 58.9 0.42 420.0 26.2 91.6 2.59 76.3 2.38 2.70 2.44 2.25
Mountain hemlock Tsuga mertensiana a 1073.0 67.0 0.42 420.0 26.2 91.6 2.59 76.3 2.38 3.07 2.78 2.56
Mountain hemlock Tsuga mertensiana b 1031.1 64.4 0.42 420.0 26.2 91.6 2.59 76.3 2.38 2.95 2.67 2.46
Mountain hemlock Tsuga mertensiana c 997.4 62.3 0.42 420.0 26.2 91.6 2.59 76.3 2.38 2.85 2.59 2.38
Mountain hemlock Tsuga mertensiana d 956.7 59.7 0.42 420.0 26.2 91.6 2.59 76.3 2.38 2.74 2.48 2.28

North American hardwoods

Red maple Acer rubrum ns 993.0 62.0 0.54 540.0 33.7 71.2 2.02 59.4 1.85 2.21 2.00 1.84
Soft maple Acer saccharinum ns 993.0 62.0 0.49 490.0 30.6 78.5 2.22 65.4 2.04 2.43 2.21 2.03
Hard maple Acer saccharum ns 1121.1 70.0 0.56 560.0 34.9 68.7 1.94 57.2 1.79 2.40 2.18 2.00
Yellow birch Betula alleghaniensis ns 1089.1 68.0 0.55 550.0 34.3 69.9 1.98 58.3 1.82 2.38 2.16 1.98
Paper birch Betula papyrifera ns 1009.0 63.0 0.48 480.0 30.0 80.1 2.27 66.8 2.08 2.52 2.29 2.10
Pecan hickory Carya illinoensis ns 1057.0 66.0 0.60 600.0 37.4 64.1 1.81 53.4 1.67 2.12 1.92 1.76
Hickory Carya spp. ns 1201.2 75.0 0.64 640.0 39.9 60.1 1.70 50.1 1.56 2.25 2.04 1.88
Hackberry Celtis spp. ns 961.0 60.0 0.49 490.0 30.6 78.5 2.22 65.4 2.04 2.35 2.14 1.96
American beech Fagus grandifolia ns 1025.0 64.0 0.56 560.0 34.9 68.7 1.94 57.2 1.79 2.20 1.99 1.83
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 245 6.9.2005 3:05am

White ash Fraxinus americana ns 961.0 60.0 0.54 540.0 33.7 71.2 2.02 59.4 1.85 2.14 1.94 1.78
Black ash Fraxinus nigra ns 912.9 57.0 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 2.44 2.21 2.03
Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvania ns 880.9 55.0 0.53 530.0 33.1 72.6 2.05 60.5 1.89 2.00 1.81 1.66
Butternut Juglans cinerea ns 832.8 52.0 0.36 360.0 22.5 106.8 3.02 89.0 2.78 2.78 2.52 2.31
continued
245
Table A.2.B. continued
246

Size class
Green with
bark kg=m3
Green with
bark lbs=ft3
Specific gravity
(green volume)
BD weight
kg=m3
BD weight
lbs=ft3
ft3 =BDU*
m3 =BDU*
ft3 =BDT*
m3 =BDMT*
Ton/BDU**
Tonne/BDU**
Ton/BDT**
Tonne/BDMT

Common name Latin name

Black walnut Juglans nigra ns 993.0 62.0 0.51 510.0 31.8 75.4 2.13 62.8 1.96 2.34 2.12 1.95
Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua ns 1121.1 70.0 0.48 480.0 30.0 80.1 2.27 66.8 2.08 2.80 2.54 2.34
Yellow poplar Liriodendron tulipifera ns 1025.0 64.0 0.44 440.0 27.5 87.4 2.47 72.8 2.27 2.80 2.54 2.33
Water tupelo Nyssa aquatica ns 944.9 59.0 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 2.52 2.29 2.10
Black gum Nyssa sylvatica ns 1041.0 65.0 0.48 480.0 30.0 80.1 2.27 66.8 2.08 2.60 2.36 2.17
Sycamore Platanus occidentalis ns 1089.1 68.0 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 2.91 2.64 2.42
Balsam poplar Populas balsamifera ns 993.0 62.0 0.37 370.0 23.1 104.0 2.94 86.6 2.70 3.22 2.92 2.69
Cottonwood Populus spp. ns 944.9 59.0 0.37 370.0 23.1 104.0 2.94 86.6 2.70 3.07 2.78 2.56
Aspen Populus tremuloides ns 944.9 59.0 0.39 390.0 24.3 98.6 2.79 82.2 2.56 2.91 2.64 2.42
Black cherry Prunus serotina ns 864.9 54.0 0.47 470.0 29.3 81.8 2.32 68.2 2.13 2.21 2.00 1.84
White oak Quercus alba ns 1185.2 74.0 0.64 640.0 39.9 60.1 1.70 50.1 1.56 2.22 2.02 1.85
Scarlet oak Quercus coccinea ns 1217.2 76.0 0.57 570.0 35.6 67.5 1.91 56.2 1.75 2.56 2.33 2.14
Laurel oak Quercus laurifolia ns 1249.2 78.0 0.59 590.0 36.8 65.2 1.84 54.3 1.69 2.54 2.31 2.12
Water oak Quercus nigra ns 1249.2 78.0 0.57 570.0 35.6 67.5 1.91 56.2 1.75 2.63 2.39 2.19
Chestnut oak Quercus prinus ns 1153.1 72.0 0.62 620.0 38.7 62.0 1.76 51.7 1.61 2.23 2.03 1.86
Post oak Quercus stellata ns 1185.2 74.0 0.64 640.0 39.9 60.1 1.70 50.1 1.56 2.22 2.02 1.85
Southern red oak Quercus falcata ns 1249.2 78.0 0.57 570.0 35.6 67.5 1.91 56.2 1.75 2.63 2.39 2.19
Black willow Salix nigra ns 896.9 56.0 0.34 340.0 21.2 113.1 3.20 94.3 2.94 3.17 2.87 2.64
American basswood Tilia americana ns 784.8 49.0 0.32 320.0 20.0 120.2 3.40 100.2 3.13 2.94 2.67 2.45
Elm Ulmus spp. ns 1089.1 68.0 0.46 460.0 28.7 83.6 2.37 69.7 2.17 2.84 2.58 2.37
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 246 6.9.2005 3:05am

Central and South American conifers and hardwoods

Amburana Amburana cearensis ns 900.0 56.2 0.55 550.0 34.3 69.9 1.98 58.3 1.82 1.97 1.78 1.64
Espave Anacardium spp. ns 800.0 50.0 0.41 410.0 25.6 93.8 2.65 78.2 2.44 2.35 2.13 1.95
Angelin, red cabbage Andira inermis, ns 1075.0 67.1 0.64 640.0 39.9 60.1 1.70 50.1 1.56 2.02 1.83 1.68
Appendix 2

tree A. coriacea
Parana-pine (conifer) Araucaria angustifolia ns 700.0 43.7 0.46 460.0 28.7 83.6 2.37 69.7 2.17 1.83 1.66 1.52
Goncalo Alves Astronium spp. ns 1230.0 76.8 0.80 800.0 49.9 48.1 1.36 40.1 1.25 1.85 1.67 1.54
Cow-tree Brosimum spp. (utile) ns 750.0 46.8 0.44 440.0 27.5 87.4 2.47 72.8 2.27 2.05 1.86 1.70
Appendix 2

Maracaibo lignum-vitae Bulnesia arborea ns 1250.0 78.0 1.00 1000.0 62.4 38.5 1.09 32.1 1.00 1.50 1.36 1.25
Coffeewood Caesalpinia spp. ns 1200.0 74.9 1.05 1050.0 65.5 36.6 1.04 30.5 0.95 1.37 1.24 1.14
Abarco, Jequitibe Cariniana pyriformis ns 800.0 50.0 0.46 460.0 28.7 83.6 2.37 69.7 2.17 2.09 1.90 1.74
Andiroba Carapa guianensis ns 900.0 56.2 0.56 560.0 34.9 68.7 1.94 57.2 1.79 1.93 1.75 1.61
Cedro-rana Cedrelinga catenaeformis ns 950.0 59.3 0.53 530.0 33.1 72.6 2.05 60.5 1.89 2.15 1.95 1.79
Fromager Ceiba pentandra ns 550.0 34.3 0.25 250.0 15.6 153.8 4.35 128.2 4.00 2.64 2.39 2.20
Jacaranda Dalbergia nigra ns 1025.0 64.0 0.67 670.0 41.8 57.4 1.62 47.8 1.49 1.84 1.67 1.53
Cocobolo Dalbergia retusa ns 1300.0 81.2 0.89 890.0 55.5 43.2 1.22 36.0 1.12 1.75 1.59 1.46
Honduras rosewood Dalbergia stevensonii ns 1100.0 68.7 0.82 820.0 51.2 46.9 1.33 39.1 1.22 1.61 1.46 1.34
Angelique Dicorynia guianensis ns 1000.0 62.4 0.60 600.0 37.4 64.1 1.81 53.4 1.67 2.00 1.81 1.67
Wallaba Eperua spp. ns 1100.0 68.7 0.78 780.0 48.7 49.3 1.40 41.1 1.28 1.69 1.54 1.41
Alerce (conifer) Fitzroya cupressoides ns 750.0 46.8 0.38 380.0 23.7 101.2 2.86 84.3 2.63 2.37 2.15 1.97
Kabukalli Goupia glabra ns 1050.0 65.6 0.72 720.0 44.9 53.4 1.51 44.5 1.39 1.75 1.59 1.46
Lignum vitae Guaiacum spp. ns 1450.0 90.5 1.09 1090.0 68.0 35.3 1.00 29.4 0.92 1.60 1.45 1.33
Pilon Hyeronima spp. ns 1050.0 65.6 0.64 640.0 39.9 60.1 1.70 50.1 1.56 1.97 1.79 1.64
Hura Hura crepitans ns 625.0 39.0 0.36 360.0 22.5 106.8 3.02 89.0 2.78 2.08 1.89 1.74
Algarrobo Hymenaea courbaril ns 1100.0 68.7 0.77 770.0 48.0 50.0 1.41 41.6 1.30 1.72 1.56 1.43
Caviuna Machaerium spp. ns 1100.0 68.7 0.70 700.0 43.7 54.9 1.55 45.8 1.43 1.89 1.71 1.57
Balata Manilkara bidentata ns 1250.0 78.0 0.85 850.0 53.0 45.2 1.28 37.7 1.18 1.76 1.60 1.47
Coigüe Nothofagus dombeyi ns 1000.0 62.4 0.49 490.0 30.6 78.5 2.22 65.4 2.04 2.45 2.22 2.04
Rauli Nothofagus procera ns 1000.0 62.4 0.49 490.0 30.6 78.5 2.22 65.4 2.04 2.45 2.22 2.04
Demerara greenheart Ocotea rodiaei ns 1300.0 81.2 0.83 830.0 51.8 46.3 1.31 38.6 1.20 1.88 1.71 1.57
Determa Ocotea rubra ns 825.0 51.5 0.56 560.0 34.9 68.7 1.94 57.2 1.79 1.77 1.60 1.47
Peroba de campos Paratecoma peroba ns 1025.0 64.0 0.60 600.0 37.4 64.1 1.81 53.4 1.67 2.05 1.86 1.71
Ocote pine Pinus oocarpa, P. patula ns 900.0 56.2 0.55 550.0 34.3 69.9 1.98 58.3 1.82 1.97 1.78 1.64
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 247 6.9.2005 3:05am

Snakewood Piratinera guianensi ns 1350.0 84.3 0.96 960.0 59.9 40.1 1.13 33.4 1.04 1.69 1.53 1.41
Macawood Platymiscium spp. ns 1150.0 71.8 0.84 840.0 52.4 45.8 1.30 38.2 1.19 1.64 1.49 1.37
Manio (conifer) Podocarpus spp. ns 1000.0 62.4 0.46 460.0 28.7 83.6 2.37 69.7 2.17 2.61 2.37 2.17
continued
247
Table A.2.B. continued
248

Size class
Green with
bark kg=m3
Green with
bark lbs=ft3
Specific gravity
(green volume)
BD weight
kg=m3
BD weight
lbs=ft3
ft3 =BDU*
m3 =BDU*
ft3 =BDT*
m3 =BDMT*
Ton/BDU**
Tonne/BDU**
Ton/BDT**
Tonne/BDMT

Common name Latin name

Grignon fou Qualea spp. ns 825.0 51.5 0.55 550.0 34.3 69.9 1.98 58.3 1.82 1.80 1.63 1.50
Quebracho Schinopsis spp. ns 1350.0 84.3 1.00 1000.0 62.4 38.5 1.09 32.1 1.00 1.62 1.47 1.35
Mahogany Swietenia macrophylla ns 600.0 37.5 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 1.60 1.45 1.34
White cedar Tabebuia spp. ns 1250.0 78.0 0.92 920.0 57.4 41.8 1.18 34.8 1.09 1.63 1.48 1.36
Baboen Virola spp. ns 775.0 48.4 0.44 440.0 27.5 87.4 2.47 72.8 2.27 2.12 1.92 1.76
Kwari Vochysia spp. ns 825.0 51.5 0.40 400.0 25.0 96.2 2.72 80.1 2.50 2.48 2.25 2.06
Acapu Vouacapoua americana ns 1100.0 68.7 0.79 790.0 49.3 48.7 1.38 40.6 1.27 1.67 1.52 1.39
West Indian satinwood Zanthoxylum flavum ns 1100.0 68.7 0.73 730.0 45.6 52.7 1.49 43.9 1.37 1.81 1.64 1.51

Asia, Australia and Oceania conifers and hardwoods

Mulga Acacia aneura ns 1330.0 83.0 1.02 1020.0 63.6 37.7 1.07 31.4 0.98 1.56 1.42 1.30
Gidgee Acacia cambagei ns 1265.0 79.0 0.97 970.0 60.5 39.7 1.12 33.0 1.03 1.57 1.42 1.31
Miniritchie Acacia monticola ns 1275.0 79.6 1.05 1050.0 65.5 36.6 1.04 30.5 0.95 1.46 1.32 1.21
Haldu Adina spp. ns 1000.0 62.4 0.59 590.0 36.8 65.2 1.84 54.3 1.69 2.03 1.84 1.69
Kauri pine (conifer) Agathis australis, ns 840.0 52.4 0.44 440.0 27.5 87.4 2.47 72.8 2.27 2.29 2.08 1.91
Agathis spp.
Pulai Alstonia spp. ns 800.0 50.0 0.37 370.0 23.1 104.0 2.94 86.6 2.70 2.60 2.36 2.17
Mersawa Anisoptera spp. ns 1000.0 62.4 0.51 510.0 31.8 75.4 2.13 62.8 1.96 2.35 2.13 1.96
Hoop-pine, Klinki Araucaria spp. ns 880.0 54.9 0.42 420.0 26.2 91.6 2.59 76.3 2.38 2.51 2.28 2.09
pine (conifer)
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 248 6.9.2005 3:05am

Chengal Balanocarpus spp. ns 1200.0 74.9 0.76 760.0 47.4 50.6 1.43 42.2 1.32 1.90 1.72 1.58
White cypress pine Callitris glauca ns 770.0 48.1 0.58 580.0 36.2 66.3 1.88 55.3 1.72 1.59 1.45 1.33
(conifer)
Australian black ‘oak’ Casuarina spp. ns 1320.0 82.4 1.09 1090.0 68.0 35.3 1.00 29.4 0.92 1.45 1.32 1.21
East Indian satinwood Chloroxylon swietenia ns 1050.0 65.6 0.80 800.0 49.9 48.1 1.36 40.1 1.25 1.58 1.43 1.31
Appendix 2
Silver pine (conifer) Dacrydium colensoi ns 864.9 54.0 0.54 540.0 33.7 71.2 2.02 59.4 1.85 1.92 1.74 1.60
Rimu (conifer) Dacrydium cupressinum ns 961.0 60.0 0.49 490.0 30.6 78.5 2.22 65.4 2.04 2.35 2.14 1.96
Apitong Dipterocarpus spp. ns 1025.0 64.0 0.59 590.0 36.8 65.2 1.84 54.3 1.69 2.09 1.89 1.74
Appendix 2

New Guinea wood Dracontomelum spp. ns 900.0 56.2 0.50 500.0 31.2 76.9 2.18 64.1 2.00 2.16 1.96 1.80
Duabanga, magas Duabanga spp. ns 650.0 40.6 0.33 330.0 20.6 116.6 3.30 97.1 3.03 2.37 2.15 1.97
Corkwood Duboisia myoporoides ns 1225.0 76.5 0.80 800.0 49.9 48.1 1.36 40.1 1.25 1.84 1.67 1.53
Hinau Elaeocarpus denatus ns 1121.1 70.0 0.57 570.0 35.6 67.5 1.91 56.2 1.75 2.36 2.14 1.97
Brown mallet Eucalyptus astringens ns 1120.0 69.9 0.77 770.0 48.0 50.0 1.41 41.6 1.30 1.75 1.58 1.45
Spotted gum Eucalyptus citriodora ns 1150.0 71.8 0.79 790.0 49.3 48.7 1.38 40.6 1.27 1.75 1.59 1.46
Sugar gum Eucalyptus cladocalyx ns 1105.0 69.0 0.75 750.0 46.8 51.3 1.45 42.7 1.33 1.77 1.60 1.47
Cleland’s blackbutt Eucalyptus clelandii ns 1215.0 75.9 0.97 970.0 60.5 39.7 1.12 33.0 1.03 1.50 1.36 1.25
Deglupta Eucalyptus deglupta ns 1000.0 62.4 0.55 550.0 34.3 69.9 1.98 58.3 1.82 2.18 1.98 1.82
Karri Eucalyptus diversicolor ns 1150.0 71.8 0.70 700.0 43.7 54.9 1.55 45.8 1.43 1.97 1.79 1.64
Goldfields blackbutt Eucalyptus lesouefii ns 1180.0 73.7 0.88 880.0 54.9 43.7 1.24 36.4 1.14 1.61 1.46 1.34
Red morrel Eucalyptus longicornis ns 1240.0 77.4 0.95 950.0 59.3 40.5 1.15 33.7 1.05 1.57 1.42 1.31
Jarrah Eucalyptus marginata ns 1150.0 71.8 0.67 670.0 41.8 57.4 1.62 47.8 1.49 2.06 1.87 1.72
Yellow stringy bark Eucalyptus muelleriana ns 1100.0 68.7 0.69 690.0 43.1 55.7 1.58 46.5 1.45 1.91 1.74 1.60
Salt gum Eucalyptus salicola ns 1215.0 75.9 0.94 940.0 58.7 40.9 1.16 34.1 1.06 1.55 1.41 1.29
Salmon gum Eucalyptus salmonophloia ns 1160.0 72.4 0.87 870.0 54.3 44.2 1.25 36.8 1.15 1.60 1.45 1.33
Gimlet Eucalyptus salubris ns 1230.0 76.8 0.94 940.0 58.7 40.9 1.16 34.1 1.06 1.57 1.43 1.31
Wandoo Eucalyptus wandoo ns 1280.0 79.9 0.92 920.0 57.4 41.8 1.18 34.8 1.09 1.67 1.51 1.39
Belian Eusideroxylon zwageri ns 1250.0 78.0 0.89 890.0 55.5 43.2 1.22 36.0 1.12 1.69 1.53 1.40
Beefwood Grevillea striata ns 1230.0 76.8 0.82 820.0 51.2 46.9 1.33 39.1 1.22 1.80 1.63 1.50
Huynh, heritiera Heritiera spp. ns 930.0 58.1 0.56 560.0 34.9 68.7 1.94 57.2 1.79 2.00 1.81 1.66
Bungur Lagerstroemina spp. ns 900.0 56.2 0.55 550.0 34.3 69.9 1.98 58.3 1.82 1.97 1.78 1.64
Medang Litsea spp. ns 850.0 53.1 0.40 400.0 25.0 96.2 2.72 80.1 2.50 2.55 2.32 2.13
Machang Mangifera spp. ns 850.0 53.1 0.51 510.0 31.8 75.4 2.13 62.8 1.96 2.00 1.82 1.67
Red beech Nothofagus fusca ns 977.0 61.0 0.57 570.0 35.6 67.5 1.91 56.2 1.75 2.06 1.87 1.72
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 249 6.9.2005 3:05am

Silver beech Nothofagus menziesii ns 880.9 55.0 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 2.35 2.13 1.96
Mountain beech Nothofagus solandri ns 961.0 60.0 0.52 520.0 32.4 74.0 2.09 61.6 1.92 2.22 2.01 1.85
Hard beech Nothofagus truncata ns 1105.1 69.0 0.63 630.0 39.3 61.1 1.73 50.9 1.59 2.11 1.91 1.76
Nyatoh, bitis Palaquium spp., Payena spp. ns 1075.0 67.1 0.55 550.0 34.3 69.9 1.98 58.3 1.82 2.35 2.13 1.96
continued
249
Table A.2.B. continued
250

Size class
Green with
bark kg=m3
Green with
bark lbs=ft3
Specific gravity
(green volume)
BD weight
kg=m3
BD weight
lbs=ft3
ft3 =BDU*
m3 =BDU*
ft3 =BDT*
m3 =BDMT*
Ton/BDU**
Tonne/BDU**
Ton/BDT**
Tonne/BDMT

Common name Latin name

Bagtikan Parashorea spp. ns 1100.0 68.7 0.44 440.0 27.5 87.4 2.47 72.8 2.27 3.00 2.72 2.50
Thitka Pentace spp. ns 800.0 50.0 0.56 560.0 34.9 68.7 1.94 57.2 1.79 1.72 1.56 1.43
White lauan Pentacme contorta ns 950.0 59.3 0.43 430.0 26.8 89.4 2.53 74.5 2.33 2.65 2.41 2.21
Tropical Asian pine Pinus kesyia, Pinus merkusii ns 875.0 54.6 0.47 470.0 29.3 81.8 2.32 68.2 2.13 2.23 2.03 1.86
(conifer)
Merkus pine (conifer) Pinus merkusii ns 875.0 54.6 0.57 570.0 35.6 67.5 1.91 56.2 1.75 1.84 1.67 1.54
Kahikatea (conifer) Podocarpus dacrydioides ns 816.8 51.0 0.39 390.0 24.3 98.6 2.79 82.2 2.56 2.51 2.28 2.10
Miro (conifer) Podocarpus ferrugineus ns 864.9 54.0 0.51 510.0 31.8 75.4 2.13 62.8 1.96 2.04 1.85 1.70
Matai (conifer) Podocarpus spicaus ns 1089.1 68.0 0.54 540.0 33.7 71.2 2.02 59.4 1.85 2.42 2.20 2.02
Kasai Pometia spp. ns 1000.0 62.4 0.54 540.0 33.7 71.2 2.02 59.4 1.85 2.22 2.02 1.85
Balau Shorea spp. (Balau group) ns 1200.0 74.9 0.70 700.0 43.7 54.9 1.55 45.8 1.43 2.06 1.87 1.71
White meranti Shorea spp. (white meranti) ns 725.0 45.3 0.47 470.0 29.3 81.8 2.32 68.2 2.13 1.85 1.68 1.54
Yellow meranti Shorea spp. (yellow meranti) ns 900.0 56.2 0.46 460.0 28.7 83.6 2.37 69.7 2.17 2.35 2.13 1.96
Teak Tectona grandis ns 850.0 53.1 0.57 570.0 35.6 67.5 1.91 56.2 1.75 1.79 1.62 1.49
Indian almond wood Terminalia spp. ns 825.0 51.5 0.51 510.0 31.8 75.4 2.13 62.8 1.96 1.94 1.76 1.62
Red cedar Toona sureni, T. calantas ns 750.0 46.8 0.42 420.0 26.2 91.6 2.59 76.3 2.38 2.14 1.94 1.79
Brush box Tristania spp. ns 1200.0 74.9 0.80 800.0 49.9 48.1 1.36 40.1 1.25 1.80 1.63 1.50
Pyinkado Xylia xylocarpa ns 1200.0 74.9 0.81 810.0 50.5 47.5 1.34 39.6 1.23 1.78 1.61 1.48

African conifers and hardwoods

Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 250 6.9.2005 3:05am

Afzelia Afzelia cuanzensis ns 1250.0 78.0 0.67 670.0 41.8 57.4 1.62 47.8 1.49 2.24 2.03 1.87
Doussié Afzelia spp. ns 1150.0 71.8 0.67 670.0 41.8 57.4 1.62 47.8 1.49 2.06 1.87 1.72
Albizzia Albizia spp. ns 975.0 60.9 0.51 510.0 31.8 75.4 2.13 62.8 1.96 2.30 2.08 1.91
Alstonia Alstonia congensis ns 600.0 37.5 0.33 330.0 20.6 116.6 3.30 97.1 3.03 2.19 1.98 1.82
Mecrusse Androstachys johnsonii ns 1200.0 74.9 0.72 720.0 44.9 53.4 1.51 44.5 1.39 2.00 1.81 1.67
Appendix 2
Aningeria Aningeria spp. ns 900.0 56.2 0.44 440.0 27.5 87.4 2.47 72.8 2.27 2.46 2.23 2.05
Ako Antiaris spp. ns 800.0 50.0 0.38 380.0 23.7 101.2 2.86 84.3 2.63 2.53 2.30 2.11
Gaboon (okoumé) Aucoumea klaineana ns 600.0 37.5 0.37 370.0 23.1 104.0 2.94 86.6 2.70 1.95 1.77 1.62
Appendix 2

Mukulungu Autranella congolensis ns 1100.0 68.7 0.78 780.0 48.7 49.3 1.40 41.1 1.28 1.69 1.54 1.41
Rhodesian-teak Baikiaea plurijuga ns 1150.0 71.8 0.73 730.0 45.6 52.7 1.49 43.9 1.37 1.89 1.72 1.58
Dimpampi Baillonella toxisperma ns 1050.0 65.6 0.71 710.0 44.3 54.2 1.53 45.1 1.41 1.78 1.61 1.48
Berlinia Berlinia spp. ns 900.0 56.2 0.58 580.0 36.2 66.3 1.88 55.3 1.72 1.86 1.69 1.55
East African bombax Bombax rhodognaphalon ns 900.0 56.2 0.40 400.0 25.0 96.2 2.72 80.1 2.50 2.70 2.45 2.25
Bombax Bombax spp. ns 800.0 50.0 0.40 400.0 25.0 96.2 2.72 80.1 2.50 2.40 2.18 2.00
Muhuhu Brachylaena hutchinsii ns 1200.0 74.9 0.75 750.0 46.8 51.3 1.45 42.7 1.33 1.92 1.74 1.60
Okwen Brachystegia spp. ns 950.0 59.3 0.51 510.0 31.8 75.4 2.13 62.8 1.96 2.24 2.03 1.86
Burkea Burkea africana ns 1150.0 71.8 0.70 700.0 43.7 54.9 1.55 45.8 1.43 1.97 1.79 1.64
Abel Canarium schweinfurthii ns 800.0 50.0 0.40 400.0 25.0 96.2 2.72 80.1 2.50 2.40 2.18 2.00
Pillarwood Cassipourea malosana ns 1000.0 62.4 0.59 590.0 36.8 65.2 1.84 54.3 1.69 2.03 1.84 1.69
Ceiba Ceiba pentandra ns 900.0 56.2 0.26 260.0 16.2 147.9 4.19 123.3 3.85 4.16 3.77 3.46
African celtis Celtis spp. ns 950.0 59.3 0.59 590.0 36.8 65.2 1.84 54.3 1.69 1.93 1.75 1.61
Esa Celtis spp. ns 950.0 59.3 0.59 590.0 36.8 65.2 1.84 54.3 1.69 1.93 1.75 1.61
Ohia Celtis spp. ns 950.0 59.3 0.59 590.0 36.8 65.2 1.84 54.3 1.69 1.93 1.75 1.61
Mtambara Cephalosphaera usambarensis ns 850.0 53.1 0.48 480.0 30.0 80.1 2.27 66.8 2.08 2.13 1.93 1.77
Kambala Chlorophora excelsa ns 1075.0 67.1 0.55 550.0 34.3 69.9 1.98 58.3 1.82 2.35 2.13 1.96
and C. regia
Abale Combretodenodron africanum ns 1100.0 68.7 0.70 700.0 43.7 54.9 1.55 45.8 1.43 1.89 1.71 1.57
West African cordia Cordia millenii, C. platythyrsa ns 750.0 46.8 0.34 340.0 21.2 113.1 3.20 94.3 2.94 2.65 2.40 2.21
Musine Croton megalocarpus ns 950.0 59.3 0.57 570.0 35.6 67.5 1.91 56.2 1.75 2.00 1.81 1.67
Okan Cylicodiscus gabunensi ns 1050.0 65.6 0.80 800.0 49.9 48.1 1.36 40.1 1.25 1.58 1.43 1.31
Muhimbi Cynometra alexandri ns 1000.0 62.4 0.74 740.0 46.2 52.0 1.47 43.3 1.35 1.62 1.47 1.35
Safukala Dacryodes pubescens ns 975.0 60.9 0.61 610.0 38.1 63.1 1.78 52.5 1.64 1.92 1.74 1.60
Adjouaba Dacryodes spp. ns 850.0 53.1 0.61 610.0 38.1 63.1 1.78 52.5 1.64 1.67 1.52 1.40
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 251 6.9.2005 3:05am

African blackwood Dalbergia melanoxylon ns 1400.0 87.4 1.08 1080.0 67.4 35.6 1.01 29.7 0.93 1.56 1.41 1.30
Daniellia Daniellia ogea and D. thurifera ns 900.0 56.2 0.40 400.0 25.0 96.2 2.72 80.1 2.50 2.70 2.45 2.25
Eyoum Dialium spp. ns 1050.0 65.6 0.71 710.0 44.3 54.2 1.53 45.1 1.41 1.78 1.61 1.48
Sapo Didelotia brevipaniculata ns 950.0 59.3 0.53 530.0 33.1 72.6 2.05 60.5 1.89 2.15 1.95 1.79
continued
251
Table A.2.B. continued
252

Size class
Green with
bark kg=m3
Green with
bark lbs=ft3
Specific gravity
(green volume)
BD weight
kg=m3
BD weight
lbs=ft3
ft3 =BDU*
m3 =BDU*
ft3 =BDT*
m3 =BDMT*
Ton/BDU**
Tonne/BDU**
Ton/BDT**
Tonne/BDMT

Common name Latin name

African ebony Diospyros crassiflora ns 1325.0 82.7 0.82 820.0 51.2 46.9 1.33 39.1 1.22 1.94 1.76 1.62
Ayan Distemonanthus benthamianus ns 900.0 56.2 0.58 580.0 36.2 66.3 1.88 55.3 1.72 1.86 1.69 1.55
Gedu nohor Entandrophragma angolense ns 850.0 53.1 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 2.27 2.06 1.89
Aboudikro Entandrophragma cylindricum ns 900.0 56.2 0.60 600.0 37.4 64.1 1.81 53.4 1.67 1.80 1.63 1.50
Sipo Entandrophragma utile ns 775.0 48.4 0.53 530.0 33.1 72.6 2.05 60.5 1.89 1.76 1.59 1.46
Missanda Erythrophleum ivorense ns 1150.0 71.8 0.72 720.0 44.9 53.4 1.51 44.5 1.39 1.92 1.74 1.60
Landa Erythroxylum manii ns 850.0 53.1 0.50 500.0 31.2 76.9 2.18 64.1 2.00 2.04 1.85 1.70
Mafu Fagaropsis angolensis ns 950.0 59.3 0.56 560.0 34.9 68.7 1.94 57.2 1.79 2.04 1.85 1.70
Longui Gambeya spp. ns 1050.0 65.6 0.63 630.0 39.3 61.1 1.73 50.9 1.59 2.00 1.82 1.67
Kamassi Gonioma kamassi ns 1100.0 68.7 0.75 750.0 46.8 51.3 1.45 42.7 1.33 1.76 1.60 1.47
Agba Gossweilerodendron spp. ns 800.0 50.0 0.40 400.0 25.0 96.2 2.72 80.1 2.50 2.40 2.18 2.00
Scented Guarea Guarea cedrata ns 900.0 56.2 0.48 480.0 30.0 80.1 2.27 66.8 2.08 2.25 2.04 1.88
Black Guarea Guarea thompsonii ns 975.0 60.9 0.48 480.0 30.0 80.1 2.27 66.8 2.08 2.44 2.21 2.03
Benge Guibourtia arnoldiana ns 1050.0 65.6 0.64 640.0 39.9 60.1 1.70 50.1 1.56 1.97 1.79 1.64
Amazakoue Guibourtia ehie ns 1050.0 65.6 0.67 670.0 41.8 57.4 1.62 47.8 1.49 1.88 1.71 1.57
Bubinga Guibourtia spp. ns 1100.0 68.7 0.72 720.0 44.9 53.4 1.51 44.5 1.39 1.83 1.66 1.53
African pencil Juniperus procera ns 750.0 46.8 0.48 480.0 30.0 80.1 2.27 66.8 2.08 1.88 1.70 1.56
cedar (conifer)
Senegal mahogany Khaya grandifoliola ns 775.0 48.4 0.60 600.0 37.4 64.1 1.81 53.4 1.67 1.55 1.41 1.29
African mahogany Khaya ivorensis ns 700.0 43.7 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 1.87 1.69 1.56
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 252 6.9.2005 3:05am

East African Mahogany Khaya nyasica ns 800.0 50.0 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 2.14 1.94 1.78
Azobe Lophira alata ns 1200.0 74.9 0.90 900.0 56.2 42.7 1.21 35.6 1.11 1.60 1.45 1.33
African walnut Lovoa trichilioides ns 800.0 50.0 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 2.14 1.94 1.78
Musizi Maesopsis eminii ns 700.0 43.7 0.35 350.0 21.8 109.9 3.11 91.6 2.86 2.40 2.18 2.00
Oboto Mammea africana ns 1100.0 68.7 0.62 620.0 38.7 62.0 1.76 51.7 1.61 2.13 1.93 1.78
Appendix 2
Aprono Mansonia altissima ns 925.0 57.8 0.54 540.0 33.7 71.2 2.02 59.4 1.85 2.06 1.87 1.72
Zebrano Microberlinia spp. ns 1150.0 71.8 0.70 700.0 43.7 54.9 1.55 45.8 1.43 1.97 1.79 1.64
Panga panga Millettia spp. ns 1150.0 71.8 0.71 710.0 44.3 54.2 1.53 45.1 1.41 1.94 1.76 1.62
Appendix 2

Bahia Mitragyna ciliata ns 925.0 57.8 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 2.47 2.24 2.06
Andoung Monopetalanthus heitzii ns 900.0 56.2 0.39 390.0 24.3 98.6 2.79 82.2 2.56 2.77 2.51 2.31
Difou Morus mesozygia ns 1050.0 65.6 0.70 700.0 43.7 54.9 1.55 45.8 1.43 1.80 1.63 1.50
Umbrella tree Musanga cecropioides ns 750.0 46.8 0.23 230.0 14.4 167.2 4.73 139.4 4.35 3.91 3.55 3.26
Bilinga Nauclea diderrichii ns 1050.0 65.6 0.63 630.0 39.3 61.1 1.73 50.9 1.59 2.00 1.82 1.67
Danta Nesogordonia papaverifera ns 925.0 57.8 0.65 650.0 40.6 59.2 1.67 49.3 1.54 1.71 1.55 1.43
E. African camphorwood Ocotea usambarensis ns 875.0 54.6 0.51 510.0 31.8 75.4 2.13 62.8 1.96 2.06 1.87 1.72
East African olive Olea hochstetteri ns 1200.0 74.9 0.72 720.0 44.9 53.4 1.51 44.5 1.39 2.00 1.81 1.67
Angueuk Ongokea gore ns 1050.0 65.6 0.72 720.0 44.9 53.4 1.51 44.5 1.39 1.75 1.59 1.46
Tola mafuta Oxystigma oxyphyllum ns 900.0 56.2 0.53 530.0 33.1 72.6 2.05 60.5 1.89 2.04 1.85 1.70
Mubara Parinari excelsa ns 1000.0 62.4 0.69 690.0 43.1 55.7 1.58 46.5 1.45 1.74 1.58 1.45
Aformosia Pericopsis elata ns 1125.0 70.2 0.57 570.0 35.6 67.5 1.91 56.2 1.75 2.37 2.15 1.97
Agboin Piptadeniastrum africanum ns 1000.0 62.4 0.56 560.0 34.9 68.7 1.94 57.2 1.79 2.14 1.94 1.79
Podo (conifer) Podocarpus gracilior ns 700.0 43.7 0.43 430.0 26.8 89.4 2.53 74.5 2.33 1.95 1.77 1.63
Ovoga Poga oleosa ns 950.0 59.3 0.36 360.0 22.5 106.8 3.02 89.0 2.78 3.17 2.87 2.64
Muninga Pterocarpus angolensis ns 1050.0 65.6 0.59 590.0 36.8 65.2 1.84 54.3 1.69 2.14 1.94 1.78
African padauk Pterocarpus soyauxii ns 950.0 59.3 0.61 610.0 38.1 63.1 1.78 52.5 1.64 1.87 1.70 1.56
Koto Pterygota spp. ns 900.0 56.2 0.52 520.0 32.4 74.0 2.09 61.6 1.92 2.08 1.89 1.73
Akomu Pycnanthus angolensis ns 800.0 50.0 0.44 440.0 27.5 87.4 2.47 72.8 2.27 2.19 1.98 1.82
Mueri Pygeum africanum ns 950.0 59.3 0.58 580.0 36.2 66.3 1.88 55.3 1.72 1.97 1.78 1.64
Essessang Ricinodendron heudelotii ns 800.0 50.0 0.20 200.0 12.5 192.3 5.44 160.3 5.00 4.81 4.36 4.01
Odoko Scottellia coriaceae ns 950.0 59.3 0.56 560.0 34.9 68.7 1.94 57.2 1.79 2.04 1.85 1.70
Niove Staudtia stipitata ns 1050.0 65.6 0.75 750.0 46.8 51.3 1.45 42.7 1.33 1.68 1.53 1.40
Brown stericula Sterculia rhinopetala ns 1000.0 62.4 0.64 640.0 39.9 60.1 1.70 50.1 1.56 1.88 1.70 1.56
Dina Swarztia fistuloides ns 1150.0 71.8 0.82 820.0 51.2 46.9 1.33 39.1 1.22 1.68 1.53 1.40
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 253 6.9.2005 3:05am

Ossol Symphonia globulifera ns 925.0 57.8 0.58 580.0 36.2 66.3 1.88 55.3 1.72 1.92 1.74 1.60
Emeri Terminalia ivorensis ns 800.0 50.0 0.43 430.0 26.8 89.4 2.53 74.5 2.33 2.24 2.03 1.86
Akom Terminalia superba ns 762.5 47.6 0.49 490.0 30.6 78.5 2.22 65.4 2.04 1.87 1.69 1.56
Izombe Testulea gabonensis ns 1000.0 62.4 0.60 600.0 37.4 64.1 1.81 53.4 1.67 2.00 1.81 1.67
continued
253
Table A.2.B. continued
254

Size class
Green with
bark kg=m3
Green with
bark lbs=ft3
Specific gravity
(green volume)
BD weight
kg=m3
BD weight
lbs=ft3
ft3 =BDU*
m3 =BDU*
ft3 =BDT*
m3 =BDMT*
Ton/BDU**
Tonne/BDU**
Ton/BDT**
Tonne/BDMT

Common name Latin name

Ekop Tetraberlinia tubmaniana ns 825.0 51.5 0.60 600.0 37.4 64.1 1.81 53.4 1.67 1.65 1.50 1.38
Baku Tieghemella spp. ns 937.5 58.5 0.55 550.0 34.3 69.9 1.98 58.3 1.82 2.05 1.86 1.70
Abachi Triplochiton scleroxylon ns 625.0 39.0 0.33 330.0 20.6 116.6 3.30 97.1 3.03 2.27 2.06 1.89
Avodire Turraeanthus africanus ns 800.0 50.0 0.51 510.0 31.8 75.4 2.13 62.8 1.96 1.89 1.71 1.57
Sugar-plum Uapaca spp. ns 1000.0 62.4 0.60 600.0 37.4 64.1 1.81 53.4 1.67 2.00 1.81 1.67
Vitex Vitex spp. ns 825.0 51.5 0.40 400.0 25.0 96.2 2.72 80.1 2.50 2.48 2.25 2.06
Mlanje-cedar (conifer) Widdringtonia whytei ns 700.0 43.7 0.45 450.0 28.1 85.5 2.42 71.2 2.22 1.87 1.69 1.56

European conifers
Siberian larch Larix sibiricus ns 885.0 55.3 0.46 460.0 28.7 83.6 2.37 69.7 2.17 2.31 2.10 1.93
Norway spruce Picea abies ns 860.0 53.7 0.38 380.0 23.7 101.2 2.86 84.3 2.63 2.72 2.46 2.26
Scots pine Pinus sylvestris ns 880.0 54.9 0.40 400.0 25.0 96.2 2.72 80.1 2.50 2.64 2.40 2.20

Note: Green weight-to-volume ratios for logs includes weight of bark, and volume of wood only. Bone dry weight-to-volume ratios includes weight and volume of
wood only.
*
Volume (ft, m3 ) is green log volume.
**
Ton and Tonne are for green logs weighed with bark.
Source: Calculated by the author.
Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood appendix-2 Final Proof page 254 6.9.2005 3:05am

Appendix 2
 Fonseca: The Metrics of Roundwood glossary Final Proof page 255 6.9.2005 3:05am

Appendix 3
Glossary

Arbor: A rotating shaft on which cutting tools such as saws are fastened.
Basal area: Cross-sectional area of the tree at breast height and reflected in squared area
(ft2 , m2 , etc.)
Basic density: The weight of a m3 of wood (volume normally measured in the green state),
when bone dry, and often reflected in kg=m3 .
Bleached paper: Having the lignin removed through a chemical bleaching, giving it a
whiter colour.
Block (log): A short processed log length generally less than 100 in nominal length (3.05 m),
such as a stud or peeler block.
Boards: Vernacular for lumber which is normally less than 200 in nominal thickness and
used in application where appearance is the primary concern.
Board foot: In principle, represents a piece of wood which is nominally 10 wide, 10 long,
and 10 thick, but in actuality may represent volumes and/or dimensions that are signifi-
cantly different depending on the product being reflected, e.g. logs, lumber (type of
lumber, size of lumber).
Bone dry: Wood fibre having all of the moisture removed (0% moisture).
British thermal unit (BTU): Amount of heat needed to raise 1 pound of water 18 Fahrenheit
at its maximum density.
Broadleaved: Trees that are botanically classified as Angiospermae. Also called hard-
woods.
Buck: The process of cutting a tree stem into shorter segments via crosscutting.
Bunk: A platform or rack, generally with stakes, either on a truck or trailer, or in a
stationary location, used to store, transport or contain logs temporarily.
Butt: The large-end of a log or tree. Often referring to the buttressed and flared end which
occurs just above the ground level.

ßM.A. Fonseca 2005. The Measurement of Roundwood: Methodologies

and Conversion Ratios (M.A. Fonseca) 255
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256 Glossary

Butt cut: The crosscut of the log which is next to the stump (closest to the ground). A butt
cut log normally has a buttressed and irregular shape on the butt-end, and thus often
gives a non-representative diameter.
Buttress: Flared area of a tree located in the lower part, near the ground, with the biological
purpose of aiding in the support of the tree.
Calliper: A tool used to measure the diameter of a log, tree or other object by measuring the
distance between two arms, which clamp on the outside of the log or object.
Cambium layer: A narrow area of cells which lie between the inner bark and sapwood of a
tree, and is responsible for each years growth of wood and bark.
Cant: A semi-processed piece of roundwood with at least one (generally 2 or 4) flat face
(either sawn or chipped) on it. Typically, a cant is further processed into lumber or
veneer.
Canter: A milling machine that utilizes chipping heads, saws, or both, to convert a log into
a cant.
Char: Wood fibre which has been partly burned, forming a crumbly carbonized area of the
wood that is black and lacks strength.
Check: A split in the wood fibre that occurs across the annual rings of a tree. Checks can
occur radially from the outside of the log toward the heart, or they may occur entirely
inside the log.
Chemi-mechanical process: A process used to make wood pulp (for paper) which utilizes
chemical treatment followed by mechanical processing to separate fibres.
Chipper: A piece of equipment (stationary or portable) which generally has a large rotating
head, that makes chips from larger pieces of wood.
Chips: Wood particles larger and thicker than sawdust or shavings, which are produced via
a chipping head from larger pieces of wood or roundwood.
Chop saw: A large stationary saw, generally located at the infeed of a sawmill, used to
crosscut (buck) logs into shorter segments.
Clipper: A milling machine used to either cut veneer into preset sizes or to remove
defective areas of veneer.
Compression wood: The wood that resides on the lower side of a leaning tree trunk. It is
characterized by: wide annual rings which lack strength, and often possess excessive
lengthwise shrinkage.
Conic: Having a cone-like shape with even taper throughout its length.
Conifer: A tree botanically classified as Gymnospermae. Also called softwood.
Cord: A unit of measure of stacked wood (wood, bark and void space) occupying a space of
128 ft3 , e.g. a stack of wood 40
40
80 is one cord.
Core (peeler): The residual core of a peeler after it has been processed into veneer via rotary
peeling. Generally, the peeler core is slightly larger than the chucks used to spin the log.
Crook: An abrupt bend or curve in the lineal direction of a log or tree (also called pistol butt
or kink).
Cubic foot: 10
10
10 (or the equivalent).
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Glossary 257

Cubic metre: 1 m
1 m
1 m (or the equivalent).

Cull: Worthless, of no value, rejected.
Cunit (ccf ): 100 ft3 of solid wood.
Cuttings: A portion of a board or flitch that is obtained via ripping and crosscutting, which
fits the requirements needed for the manufacture of particular products. Normally used
in grading hardwood lumber and softwood shop lumber.
Cut-to-length system (CTL): A piece of equipment used for timber harvesting which cuts
the tree down, and processes the stem into logs by removing the limbs and cutting the
tree stem into measured log lengths.
Diameter at breast height (DBH): The diameter of a tree measured at 4.50 (1.3 m in metric
countries) above the ground level.
Debarker: A machine (generally stationary) used to remove the bark from logs.
Decimal C: Refers to the Scribner log rule, where the volume is reflected in units of 10 bf,
e.g. 50 bf is reflected as 5 decimal C.
De-limbing knives: Knives that are normally mounted on timber harvesting equipment for
removing the limbs of a log.
Diagram rule: A log rule which is based on diagrams of a log with lumber placed hypo-
thetically within the log to maximize recovery, and based on preset assumptions. The
diagrammed lumber is then tallied giving log volumes by diameter and length combin-
ations.
Dimension: Vernacular for lumber which is 200 thick or greater in nominal thickness and is
utilized in applications where serviceability and structural strength is the primary
concern. Differentiated from studs, in that dimension is commonly produced in longer
lengths (10–200 ), wider widths (up to 1200 ), and has more stringent strength requirements
and less wane allowance.
Earlywood: The portion of the annual growth ring that is formed early in the growing
season (also called springwood). It is both softer and weaker than the latewood portion.
Edgings: The tapered and wane edge of a flitch that is sawed off via ripping (normally by a
piece of equipment called an edger) to produce lumber.
End grain: Having the characteristics of a cut surface which is perpendicular to the wood
fibres. Rough and difficult to make smooth.
Feed speed: The speed (normally measured in distance or number of pieces per an allotted
time) at which logs or lumber is fed through processing equipment.
Feed-rolls: Rollers or wheels which propel logs or lumber through saws or other processing
equipment.
Fibreboard: A sheet, generally a panel, that is formed from refined wood fibres that are
pressed together in varying densities, and with different amounts of glues and additives
to achieve different properties.
Fines: Refers to wood particles which are classified as being too small for the end use
intended. Normally used in conjunction with specifications for wood chips.
Firmwood: Wood fibre that is suitable for making chips or other solid wood products such
as lumber or veneer. Firmwood fibre.
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258 Glossary

Fishtail veneer: Veneer recovered from the outer portion of the log, generally during the
round-up process, with a ‘fishtail’ appearance and thus yielding half length sheets after
trimming.
Flitch: A sawn piece of a log or cant that has not yet had the edgings removed and thus is
tapered lengthwise and is made up of edges that are entirely of wane.
Green: Wood cut from a live tree and unseasoned.
Hardwood: Trees that are botanically classified as Angiospermae. Also called broadleaved.
Heartwood: Wood that is technically dead (it only serves a structural function for the tree)
and resides from the pith to the sapwood.
Hog: A piece of equipment that normally utilizes rotating hammers to beat chunks of wood
and tree residue into smaller conveyable chunks.
Hog fuel: The product of a hog as utilized for mulch, raw material for making alcohol,
burning, etc.
Insulation board: A low density fibreboard utilized for thermal and sound insulating
qualities (commonly as ceiling panels), having a specific gravity of less than 0.50, and
as low as 0.02 (commonly around 0.26).
Joule: A metric unit of energy. One joule equals 0.2388 calories or 0.0009481 BTU.
Kerf: The volume of wood that is removed by a saw when cutting through wood.
Kiln: A chamber used for drying wood in a controlled manner.
Knot indicator: An imprint on the surface of a log that indicates the past presence of a limb.
Kraft paper: A process for making paper whereby the lignin is removed from the wood
pulp by subjecting the wood fibre to heated chemicals. This process yields long fibres,
thus strong paper.
Latewood: The portion of the annual growth ring that is formed late in the growing season
(also called summerwood). It is both harder and stronger than the earlywood portion.
Load cell: A sensor that measures static tension or compression, and is used to accurately
ascertain the weight of something. Commonly mounted under log bunks or in log and
lumber handling equipment to measure the weight of logs or lumber.
Lumber recovery factor (LRF): The ratio of lumber recovered, as measured in board feet,
relative to the volume of logs used to produce the lumber, as measured in cubic feet or
cubic metres.
Lump sum: The sale of standing timber based on the consolidated value of all timber to be
harvested within the sale area, e.g. purchaser pays $45,000 for all the trees marked for cut
in the sale area.
Mechanical paper process: Produced from wood pulp which is made from grinding the
fibres apart instead of chemical separation. This process yields more wood pulp than
chemical processes, such as the Kraft process, but weaker paper.
Medium density fibreboard (MDF): Fibreboard with a specific gravity of greater than 0.5
and less than 0.8.
Mensuration: The process of measuring.
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Glossary 259

Moisture content: The amount of moisture contained in wood fibre. Normally reflected as a
percentage of the bone-dry weight of the wood. Occasionally reflected as the total weight
including moisture (generally when referring to wood for combustion).
Neiloid: A frustum of a cone having a decreasing rate of taper, thus having concave sides.
Nominal measure: Existing in name only, e.g. a board which has nominal dimensions of 100
thick by 800 wide is actually 0.7500 thick and 7.2500 wide.
Optimizer: Computerized controls that use shape images of logs, cants, flitches or boards to
set milling equipment to get optimal recovery.
Oriented strand board (OSB): A sheet or panel made up of long chips or strands, alterna-
tively layered and pressed together with glue, heat and pressure.
Overrun: Refers to lumber recovery when the output of products in board feet exceeds the
input of logs in board feet, and reflected in the percentage that output exceeds input, e.g.
115 mbf of lumber produced from 100 mbf of logs is 15% overrun.
Overs: Wood residue which is classified as being too large for the end use intended.
Normally used in specifications for wood chips.
Paraboloid: A frustum of a cone having an increasing rate of taper, thus having convex
sides. Often described as being ‘bullet-shaped’.
Particleboard: A panel made of particles (not processed fibres) of wood which are bonded
together using heat pressure and glues. Particles are generally sawdust and shavings.
Peeler: A log which is intended for rotary peeling.
Pith: A soft, often dark core appearing at the centre of the annual rings on cross-cut logs or
lumber ends.
Plug: A piece of wood pressed into a panel or board to cover a blemish. Often used in
plywood to cover loose knots or blemishes.
Primary log breakdown: The machine which initially processes a log into a cant.
Primary product: The main manufactured product of a mill, e.g. lumber, plywood.
Recovery factor: The ratio of wood product volume produced per log volume consumed. If
it takes 1 m3 of logs to make 0:5 m3 of lumber, the recovery factor is said to be 0.5 (or
50%).
Residuals: General term for chips, shavings, sawdust, bark and other products that are
residual to making primary products.
Residue: Similar to residuals, as the term wood residue normally refers to chips, shavings,
sawdust, bark, etc., but can be a primary product as is the case with whole log chips.
Revised Scribner: The Scribner board foot volume chart, which was revised in 1972 and
used in California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. Slightly different volumes (always
+ 10 bf ) than the original Scribner table that is used elsewhere.
Rough: When used in reference to lumber, as in rough lumber, it means not surfaced. When
used in reference to a log, it means covered with large knots.
Round up: The point where a tapered and often elliptical peeler block becomes a cylinder
and thus produces a continuous ribbon of full width veneer.
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260 Glossary

Roundwood: Normally used to indicate wood in the log form with bark, but also is
occasionally used to indicate manufactured products such as poles or house logs.
Rule: Because in many parts of the world a ‘log rule’ means a product output scaling
method, the use of this term is limited strictly to regulations alone or only when referring
to product output scaled logs, e.g. Scribner log rule. The term is not used in conjunction
with cubic scaling methods, e.g. USFS Cubic Log Scale (see: Scale).
Sapwood: Often lighter coloured wood which occurs in the outer perimeter of the log
between the cambium layer and the heartwood. Sapwood is living.
Sawdust: The particles that are removed by the saw from wood during the sawing process.
Sawyer: The person who saws a log into a cant, flitches or boards.
Scale: 1. The official method of measuring a log, as in a rule or a standard (Alberta Cubic
Metre Log Scale); 2. The act of measuring log volume; 3. The volume itself.
Scaling cylinder: A hypothetical cylinder which has the small-end diameter and the length
of a log segment. Referred to by some log scaling rules.
Scanner: A machine which uses mechanical means, photo-cells, or multipoint lasers to
measure size and/or shape of a log, cant, flitch or board for determining volume or
interfacing with milling equipment via an optimizer.
Seasonality: Vernacular for changes to the amount of moisture contained in the bole of a
tree in response to changes of the season.
Second cut: Refers to logs or crosscuts that are not the first log or crosscut closest to the
ground, but the second or more one up from the butt.
Secondary breakdown: Sawmilling equipment that processes flitches, cants and lumber,
as in trim-saws, edgers, gang-saws, re-saws, etc.
Segment (log): An individually measured or segregated section of a log, e.g. a log which has
a nominal length of 320 (9.8 m) is often measured and accounted for as two individual 160
long (4.9 m) log segments under many scaling methods.
Shake: A split in the wood fibre which occurs along the annual growth rings.
Shavings: A thin curled particle of wood generated by the rotating heads of a planer during
the surfacing process of lumber.
Shop lumber: Also called factory lumber. Utilized as stock to extract cuttings for further
manufacture, e.g. components of doors, windows and furniture.
Skip: An area of a surfaced board that has not been planed. Generally caused by an
undersized dimension, causing the planning knifes to miss the surface of the lumber,
and thus creating a rough area.
Slab: The outer perimeter of a log, which is removed during the milling process, and
contains the rounded (wane) portion.
Slabber: Rotating chipping heads that grind off the slab(s) instead of sawing them off.
Sleeper: Also called a tie. Used as a support underneath railroad tracks, both on the ground
and on bridges.
Slice: A process whereby wood fibre is cut via a knife rather than a saw. Commonly used
for veneer, but occasionally used for lumber as well.
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Glossary 261

Slope of grain: Wood grain that developed with a spiral orientation around the tree trunk
rather than the normal vertical orientation. Produces lumber with a diagonal grain
orientation that tends to be weak and easily warped. Also called twist.
Soft rot: Wood which has been decayed by fungus and is soft.
Softwood: A tree botanically classified as Gymnospermae. Also called a conifer.
Sort: Vernacular for a group of logs that are segregated, based on characteristics (generally
species, diameter, length).
Southern pines: Generic term used to describe any one or a combination of the following
pines which are native to the southeastern USA, and have similar qualities and charac-
teristics: loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), shortleaf pine (Pinus
echinata) and slash pine (Pinus elliottii).
Spangle: A multidirectional separation in the wood fibre across the annual growth rings. A
log defect that normally transects the pith of a log. Two or more checks which transect
the pith of a log.
Specific gravity: Generally, when used for wood, the bone-dry weight of a given wood
volume (measured before drying) is indexed against the same volume of water, e.g. if a
bone-dry m3 of wood weighs 500 kg per m3 it has a specific gravity of 0.5 as water weighs
1000 kg per m3 .
Spike-rolls: Feed-rolls with spikes for better control of logs in processing equipment.
Normally found on timber harvesting equipment and debarkers.
Stere: A unit of measure of stacked wood (wood, bark and void space) occupying a space of
1 m3 , e.g. a stack of wood 1 m
1 m
1 m is one stere.
Stratification: A grouping of a population with similar characteristics used in statistical
sampling to reduce variation, and thus improve the quality of the sample and/or reduce
the number of samples needed to obtain a desired level of accuracy.
Stroke de-limber: A machine used to convert tree stems into logs by removing the limbs
and cutting the stem into measured log lengths.
Strip veneer: Narrow pieces, or strips, of veneer which are recovered between defects
during the clipping process.
Stud: Lumber which is commonly used in a vertical application in timber framed walls.
Always 200 thick and 3–600 wide in nominal measure. Commonly produced in lengths of
6–100 (80 most common).
Stumpage: The price paid for log volume still standing on the stump (the purchaser pays
for harvesting and transportation costs).
Surfaced: Processed through a planer to provide a smooth finish and provide exact sizing.
Also called planing or dressing.
Sweep: Refers to a consistent rate of bend or curve in the lineal direction of a log or tree.
Target size: The size that a lumber or veneer manufacturer is aiming for, in the rough green
state, to have enough extra dimension to account for shrinkage, surfacing, etc.
Tension wood: The wood that resides on the upper side of a leaning tree trunk.
It is characterized by narrow annual rings, raised grain, excessive lengthwise shrinkage,
and warping.
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262 Glossary

Thinnings: Small trees which are removed to improve the growing conditions of the
residual stand of trees. Can be milled or chipped.
Tie: Also called a sleeper. Used as a support underneath railroad tracks, both on the ground
and on bridges.
Ton rate: Selling logs on a value per weight basis.
Tree length: A tree stem from the stump to the merchantable top. A log that is made up of
an entire merchantable portion of a tree.
Trim allowance: Unmeasured additional length to allow for end checking, shrinkage,
unsquare cuts and uniform sizing.
Trim ends: Short sections of lumber, commonly 20 (0.61 m) in length and shorter, which are
trimmed off lumber to improve the grade or standardize the length.
Twist: See slope of grain.
Unbleached paper: Made from wood pulp which still contains the lignin, and is thus a
natural cream or tan colour.
Under-run: Refers to lumber recovery when the output of product in board feet is less than
the input of logs in board feet. Reflected in the percentage that output is less than input,
e.g. 95 mbf of lumber produced from 100 mbf of logs is a 5% under-run.
Veneer: A thin sheet of wood which can be produced by rotary peeling, slicing or sawing.
Commonly a component of plywood or other products.
Veneer recovery factor (VRF): The ratio of veneer or plywood recovered, as measured in
square foot 3⁄800 or square metre 1 mm, relative to the volume of logs used to produce the
lumber, as measured in cubic feet or cubic metres.
Wane: A characteristic and grade defect of lumber which contains the rounded area (and
thus a void) from the perimeter of the log.
Waste gate: A gate just behind a lathe which when opened, is used to dispose of waste
veneer. Generally, the veneer from the round-up process and defective veneer is sent
under the waste gate, and thus to the chipper.
Wet-wood: An abnormal water-soaked heartwood associated with anaerobic bacteria.
XY charger: An optimizer that utilizes a scanner to determine the optimal location on a
peeler block to centre the chucks of a veneer lathe, and places the peeler block there to
obtain the optimal recovery.
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Index

African log scaling methods 38–44 Bone dry weight

African timber species Bone-dry ton (BDT) 170–173, 177, 180,
Bone-dry weight and volume 243–254
conversions 250–254 Bone-dry tonne (BDMT) 170–175, 177, 180,
Log weight-to-volume data 235–240 243–254
Alberta Cubic Metre Scale 18–22 Bone-dry unit (BDU) 170–177, 180, 243–254
One diameter regression formula volume Bone-dry weight and volume conversions
chart 209–210 of selected tree species 172–173,
Asian, Australian and Oceania timber species 243–254
Bone-dry weight and volume Fibre content (%) 170
conversions 248–250 Units of measure 169–170
Log weight-to-volume data 232–235 Brereton, Bernard 39
Asian log scaling methods 38–47, 197 Brereton log scale 38–42
British Standard log scale 196
British Thermal Unit (BTU) 181–183
Band saws 139 Butt flare 15, 19, 23, 36–37, 84
Bark
Content in stacked measure 79,
183 Chemi-mechanical paper 180
Effects on solid wood content of stacked Chips 117, 120–121, 131, 140, 142, 146–149,
measure 80 169–171, 174–176
Heating value 178–179, 181–183 Fines 121, 171, 174, 176
Products 131, 177–180 Overs 171, 174
Recovery 2, 169, 177–180, 227–230, Residual 174–177
240–241 Whole log 174
Role in preventing wood degradation 82, Circular area defect formula 14, 21
123 Circular saws 139
Volume and weight 32, 129, 227–230, Clark, Judson F. 67
241–242 Computer tomography 82
Basic density see Specific gravity Conditioning (peeler block) 164
BC Firmwood 15–18, 84, 90, 92, 130, 151–152, Conversion ratios (commonly used) 193–195
164 Between log scales 83–93
Board foot (lumber) see Lumber measure Cord 74, 78–79, 181–182
Boards (appearance lumber) 137, 146, Cubage au Réel 33–36
176 Cubic foot, half segment volume chart 205–206
Lumber recovery from cubically scaled Cubic metre
logs 145–146, 150, 152, Full segment volume chart 211–212
156–158 Half segment volume chart 207–208
Lumber recovery from product output Cunit 10
scaled logs 153, 156–158 Curve sawing 139

263
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264 Index

Decimal C 52–53, 58–59 Brereton 39–40

Defect British Standard 196
Effects on log grade 117–121 Cubage au Réel 34
Effects on lumber recovery 142 Doyle Log Rule 62–63
Effects on plywood and veneer German Log Scaling Standard 196
recovery 162–163 Hirogoku 197
Effects on pulp log grade 121 Hoppus 43
Defect deductions 8–9 International 1⁄400 68–69
Alberta Cubic Metre Scale 21–22 JAS Scale 45
BC Firmwood 16–18 Maine Rule 199
Brereton 40–42 New Brunswick Board Foot Rule 201
British Standard 196 New Brunswick Cubic Metre Scale 198
Cubage au Réel 35 New Zealand 3-D and Mid-girth 36–37
Doyle Log Rule 64, 67 Newfoundland Board Foot Rule 200
Effect on conversion ratios 84, 90 Norwegian Cubic Log Scale 197
Effect on plywood and veneer Ontario Board Foot Rule 202
recovery 162–163 Ontario Cubic Method 23–24
Effects on log grade 17 Quebec Cubic Metric 198
Effects on lumber recovery 142 Russian Government Standard 30
Effects on weight ratios 129 Scribner Long Log Rule 55–56
German log scaling standard 196 Scribner Short Log Rule 49–50
Hirogoku 197 Swedish National Board of Forestry Log
Hoppus 44 Scale 27
International 1⁄400 70, 73 USFS National Cubic Log Scale 10–11
JAS Scale 46–47 Dimension lumber 132–134, 136–137, 145,
Maine Rule 199 175–176
New Brunswick Board Foot Rule 201 Lumber recovery from cubically scaled
New Brunswick Cubic Metre 198 logs 145, 148, 150, 152,
New Zealand 3-D and Mid-girth 37–38 Lumber recovery from product output
Newfoundland Board Foot Rule 200 scaled logs 154–158
Norwegian Cubic Log Scale 197 Doyle Log Rule 6, 61–67, 76–77
Ontario Board Foot Rule 202 Lumber recovery 158
Ontario Cubic Method 24–26
Quebec Cubic Metric 198
Russian Government Standard 33 East-side Scribner see Scribner Short Log Rule
Scribner Long Log Rule 56, 60–61 Ethanol alcohol 183
Scribner Short Log Rule 51, 54 European log scaling methods 26–36, 196–197
Swedish National Board of Forestry Log European timber species
Scale 28–29 Bone-dry weight and volume
USFS National Cubic Log Scale 12–14 conversions 254
Density, wood 128–129, 180 Log weight-to-volume data 240–242
Diagram rule 6, 47–48 European Union Log Scaling Standard 196
Diameter 7–8
Effects on log grade 118
Effects on log quality 122 Factory lumber (softwood shop) 134, 136–137
Effects on lumber recovery 140–141 Firewood 78
Effects on plywood and veneer see also Wood energy
recovery 161–162 Formula rule 6, 48
Elliptical 7, 118, 162 Francon system see Hoppus
Rounding rules 7 Freshness, log (excessive delay in log
see also the various log scaling rules delivery) 95
Diameter deduction 14, 18, 22, 26, 29, 35, 38, 42, Frozen wood 139
51, 54, 60–61, 67, 73
Diameter measurements 7–8
Alberta Cubic Metre Scale 19 German Log Scaling Standard 196
BC Firmwood 15–16 Goskomlesprom of Russia 29
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Index 265

Grain characteristics Insulation board 180

Compression wood 119, 145 International 1⁄400 6, 67–73
Earlywood 119 Lumber recovery 153,159
Effects on log grade 119 International Technical Association of
Effects on pulp log grade 121 Tropical Timber log scale (ATIBT
Growth ring density 119 Method) 38–42
Latewood 119
Tension wood 119
Gross volume determination 8 Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) 44–47
Alberta Cubic Metre Scale 20–21 Volume chart 218–219
Automated measurement systems Japanese Brereton 38–42
80–82 Joule 181–183
BC Firmwood 16–17
Brereton 40–41
British Standard 196 Kerf 48, 61, 67, 134, 139, 176–177
Cubage au Réel 35 Kiln 177
Doyle Log Rule 63–64 Knots
German Log Scaling Standard 196 Effects on log grade 118–119
Hirogoku 197 Effects on lumber recovery 142
Hoppus 43–44 Effects on plywood and veneer
International 1⁄400 69–70 recovery 159, 162
JAS Scale 46–47 Kraft paper 180
Maine Rule 199–200
New Zealand 3-D and Mid-girth
37–38 Laser scanning 80–81
New Brunswick Cubic Metre Scale Length (log)
198–199 Effects on log grade 118
Newfoundland Board Foot Rule 200 Effects on log quality 121–122
Norwegian Cubic Log Scale 197 Effects on lumber recovery 141–142
Ontario Board Foot Rule 202 Effects on lumber recovery (cubic scaled
Ontario Cubic Method 24–25 logs) 151–152
Quebec Cubic Metric 198 Effects on lumber recovery (Scribner Long
Russian Government Standard 31, 33 Log Rule) 157
Scribner Long Log Rule 56–58 Effects on lumber recovery (Scribner Short
Scribner Short Log Rule 50–53 Log Rule) 156
Swedish National Board of Forestry Log Effects on plywood and veneer recovery 162
Scale 28 Scaling length vs. segment length vs. mill
USFS National Cubic Log Scale 12–13 length 141
Guyana 43 Length deduction 13–14, 18, 22, 29, 35, 38,
41–42, 51, 60, 67, 73
Length measurements 8
Hardwood lumber 136, 138, 145 Alberta Cubic Metre Scale 19–20
Lumber recovery from cubically scaled BC Firmwood 16
logs 145, 149, 150–152, Brereton 39–40
Lumber recovery from product output British Standard 196
scaled logs 153, 155–158 Cubage au Réel 34
Heartwood 75, 118–120, 125, 169 Doyle Log Rule 62–63
Heating values 178–179, 181–183 German Log Scaling Standard 196
Hirogoku 197 Hirogoku 197
Hog fuel 169 Hoppus 43
Holland Rule see Maine Rule International 1⁄400 69
Hoppus 42–44 JAS Scale 45–46
Hoppus, Edward 42 Maine Rule 199
Hoppus superficial feet 43–44 New Brunswick Board Foot Rule 201
Hoppus ton 43–44 New Brunswick Cubic Metre Scale 198
Huber formula 9, 23–24, 30–31, 33, 35, 91 New Zealand 3-D and Mid-girth 36
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266 Index

Length measurements continued Cubic volume 138

Newfoundland Board Foot Rule 200 Rough-green vs. finished-dry 133
Norwegian Cubic Log Scale 197 Lumber recovery
Ontario Board Foot Rule 202 Defined 131
Ontario Cubic Method 24 Measured as a percentage 131–132
Quebec Cubic Metric 198 Lumber recovery factor (LRF) 131–132
Russian Government Standard 30 To determine mill usage volume
Scribner Long Log Rule 55–56 113–114
Scribner Short Log Rule 50 Effects of saw kerf 139
Swedish National Board of Forestry Log Trends by log size and lumber type
Scale 27 145–152
USFS National Cubic Log Scale 11
Limbs (effects on log quality) 122
Log cost 5 Maine Rule 199–200
Log decks volume measurement Mass scaling see Weight scale
Closed decks 107 Mechanical paper 180
Count based 112–113 Medium density fibreboard (MDF) 180–181
Deck factors 108–110 Merchantability factor
Depletion 107–108, 110, 112 Alberta Cubic Metre Scale 22
Open decks 107–108 BC Firmwood 18
Physical measurements 109 Brereton 42
Sample measure 111–113 Cubage au Réel 35
Scaling into a deck 107, 110 Doyle Log Rule 67
Solid wood factor 109 International 1⁄400 73
Stacked measure 107–110 Maine Rule 199
Weight measure 112 New Brunswick Board Foot Rule
Log grade 5, 17–18, 27, 33, 82, 117–121 201
Log scaling New Zealand 3-D and Mid-girth 38
Bias 5 Newfoundland Board Foot Rule 200
Check scaling 5 Ontario Board Foot Rule 202
Converting between methods 83–93 Ontario Cubic Method 26
Definition 5 Russian Government Standard 33
Log segmenting 11–12 Scribner Long Log Rule 61
Log shape 8–9 Scribner Short Log Rule 54
Log yard inventory 107–114 Swedish National Board of Forestry Log
Cutout 108, 113 Scale 29
Determined from deliveries and USFS National Cubic Log Scale 14
production 113–114 Mill usage (Determining volume)
Log rotation 108 114–116
Using log tags 110 Mis-sorted logs 122
see also Log deck volume measurement Moisture content
Long-butting (cull volume: effects on log Effects on heat recovery 181
quality) 122 Effects on measuring chips and residual
Lumber wood fibre 169
Finger-joint 140 Effects on shrinkage and lumber
Nominal sizing 133–138 recovery 143–145
Target size 134, 136, 139, 176 Effects on shrinkage and plywood and
Surfacing see Planing veneer recovery 163–164
Trim ends 140 Effects on specific gravity (basic
Wane 49, 137, 140 density) 170
Width yield by log diameter Heartwood 125–127
134–135 Logs 125–128
Lumber measure 133–138 Lumber 134, 137–138
Board foot 133–134, 136–138 Sapwood 125–127
Board foot actual to nominal size 133–134, Shavings (planer) 177
136–138 Myanmar 43
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Index 267

New Brunswick Board Foot Rule 201 Quality control, log manufacturing 121–123
New Brunswick Cubic Metre Log Scale, Quarter girth formula see Hoppus
198–199 Quebec Cubic Metric 197–198
New Zealand 3-D and Mid-girth
36–38
Volume chart 214–215 Residues and chip (wood) recovery
Newfoundland Board Foot Rule 200 169–183
North American log scaling methods 10–26, Russian Government Standard 29–33
47–73, 197–202
North American timber species
Bone-dry weight and volume Sample scaling 93–105
conversions 172–173, 243–246 Allowable sampling error 94–98
Log weight-to-volume data 126–127, Coefficient of variation (CV) 95–98,
227–230 100–101, 103, 105
Norwegian Cubic Log Scale 197 Determining sample size needed 94–97
Level of detail to extrapolate 101–103
Prior load expansion 104–105
Oceania log scaling methods 36–47 Probability 94–96
Ontario Board Foot Rule 202 Sample selection 93
Ontario Cubic Method 22–26 Simple sample 97–98
Optimization, shape sawing (mill) 80–82, Standard deviation (SD) 95–96
139 Stratification 93, 99–101, 105
Oriented strand board (OSB) 121, 169, 171, t value 94–96
180–181 Three-P 98–99, 105
Overrun 132 Time period of expansion process
102–105
Weight sample 98
Paper 180 Sapwood 39, 75, 119–120, 125, 169
Papua New Guinea Brereton 38–42 see also Moisture content, Sapwood
Particleboard 176, 180–181 Sawdust 131–132, 139–140, 146–149, 169,
Peeler 175–177
Conditioning 164 Sawing variation 139
Core 161 Scaling cylinder 26, 48–50, 55–56, 60–61,
Percentage deduction 13, 21–22, 42, 51, 67, 68–69, 91, 120, 141–142
70, 73 Scanners 26, 80–82, 115–116, 160–161
Philippine Brereton 38–42 Scribner
Planing Long Log Rule 7, 55–61
Allowance 134, 139–140 Long Log Rule lumber recovery 157
Effects of grain distorting 119 Long Log Rule vs. Short Log Rule
Production of shavings 177 comparison chart 222–223
Volume loss from 133–134, 146–149 Revised 49, 52–53
Plywood and veneer Short Log Rule 7, 48–55
Round-up process 161 Short Log Rule lumber recovery 156
Size control 161 Seasonality 128, 169
Target sizing 161 Segment length, USFS 11, 50, 69, 203
Volume measurement 159–160 Shavings 131–132, 146–149, 169, 175, 177
Plywood and veneer recovery 159–167 Shrinkage
Cubically scaled logs 164–166 Allowance in lumber measure 138–139
Product output scaled logs 164–167 Effects on specific gravity 170
Pulp Lumber 8, 61, 68, 122, 128, 132–134, 138,
Log grading 120–121 143–149, 177
Log stacked measure guidelines Plywood and veneer 161, 163, 165
(Swedish) 80 Slab loss 48, 61, 68, 80, 140, 161, 174,
Pulp log scaling 14, 18, 22, 26, 29, 33, 38, 176–177
54 Slope of grain 9, 13, 17, 22, 35, 51, 60, 67, 73,
Recovery from wood fibre 180 119, 139, 145
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268 Index

Smalian formula 9, 12, 16, 19–20, 23–24, 31, 33, British Standard 196
91, 197–198 Cubage au Réel 35
South and Central American log scaling Doyle Log Rule 63
methods 38–47 German Log Scaling Standard 196
South and Central American timber species Hirogoku 197
Bone-dry weight and volume Hoppus 43
conversions 246–248 International 1⁄400 68–69
Log weight-to-volume data 230–232 JAS Scale 46
Southern pine 74 Maine Rule 199
Specific gravity 128–129, 170–173, 177–181, New Brunswick Board Foot Rule 200
193, 227–254 New Brunswick Cubic Metre Scale 198
Spin-out see Unchuckable New Zealand 3-D and Mid-girth 36–37
Squared area defect formula 13, 17, 21, 37–38, Newfoundland Board Foot Rule 200
41, 46–47, 51, 64, 70 Norwegian Cubic Log Scale 197
Squareness of bucked ends, effects on log Ontario Board Foot Rule 202
quality 122 Ontario Cubic Method 24
Stacked measure 78–80, 181–183 Quebec Cubic Metric 198
Stain Russian Government Standard 31–32
Blue stain 119 Scribner Long Log Rule 56–57
Effects on log grade 119 Scribner Short Log Rule 50
Step function 8, 141 Swedish National Board of Forestry Log
Stere 74, 79, 181–183 Scale 26, 28
Studs 118, 121, 132–134, 136–137, 175 USFS National Cubic Log Scale 11–12
Recovery from cubic scaled logs 145, 147, USFS segment 204
150–152 Target size and size control 139
Recovery from product output scaled Tree length logs 18, 23–24, 97–98
logs 154, 156–158 Trim allowance 8, 11, 14, 16, 19–20, 22,
Surface measure, plywood and veneer 160 24, 33, 45–46, 50, 55–57, 62–63,
Surfacing see Planing 69, 203
Swedish National Board of Forestry Log Effects on log quality control 122
Scale 26–29 Effects on plywood and veneer
Volume chart 213 recovery 162
Swedish Timber Measurement Council 26–27 Twist see Slope of grain
Sweep and crook
Deduction 13–14, 17, 21–22, 38, 41, 51, 60,
67, 73 Unchuckable 162
Effects on log quality 120, 123 Under-run 132
Effects on lumber recovery 141–142 United States Forest Service (USFS) 10, 48, 68
Measured via a scanner 82 National Forest Cubic Scaling
Handbook 10
Unnecessary log damage 122–123
Taper, log 8 USFS National Cubic Log Scale 10–14, 90, 92,
Alberta taper regression formula 20 109, 151–152, 164
Effects on converting between scaling
methods 90–91
Effects on log grade 121 Veneer
Effects on lumber recovery 142–143 Clipping 161
Effects on plywood and veneer Rotary peeled 159, 162
recovery 162–163 Sliced 159
Regional taper factors in Russia 32
see also the various log scaling rules
Taper distribution Washington and Oregon mill survey,
Alberta Cubic Metre Scale 18, 20 Scribner to BC cubic metre
BC Firmwood 16 comparison 224
Brereton 40 Waste gate 161
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Index 269

Water (weight-to-volume ratio) 125, 170 Wet wood 119

Weight scale 6, 73–78 Wood energy 177–179, 181–183
Weight-to-length ratios 76–78
Weight-to-volume ratios
Common world timber species (in the log X-ray imaging 83
form) 227–242 XY charger 161
Logs 74–77, 125–130
West-side Scribner see Scribner
Long Log Rule Yukon territory 15