Last updated: Jun 26, 2024

Lumber Weight Calculator

Q: What factors affect the weight of lumber?

Several factors affect the weight of lumber : Wood species — different types of wood have different densities; Moisture content — wet wood is heavier than dry wood; Dimensions — the length, width, and thickness of the lumber determine its volume; and Treatment — lumber weight per foot is affected by pressure used in the production process. Read more

Table of contents

Lumber vs Timber How to calculate lumber weight?How to use our lumber weight calculator Lumber density chart FAQs

Our lumber weight calculator makes it easy to determine the weight and volume of your lumber. By using the lumber weight formula, you can calculate the weight for various wood types. Simply select the wood type from our lumber density chart, input the dimensions, and enter the quantity. You will instantly receive accurate measurements for single pieces and the total for multiple pieces.

Lumber vs Timber

Lumber and timber are terms often used interchangeably but have different meanings. Lumber refers to wood that has been processed into beams or planks and is ready for use in construction. Timber, on the other hand, generally refers to trees or wood in its natural, unprocessed state. Once the timber is cut and prepared, it becomes lumber.

A fun fact: in the UK, timber is commonly used to describe what Americans call lumber. Whether you're building a house or crafting furniture, this difference is essential for anyone working with wood.

Our lumber weight calculator helps you determine the exact weight of your lumber, ensuring you have the right amount for your project. However, if you're looking for more timber-related tools, please check out our specialized calculators that will calculate a tree's value, height, and age!

How to calculate lumber weight?

Calculating the weight of lumber involves a simple formula:

weight = volume × density

The dimensions of the lumber determine the volume. When we multiply its length, width, and thickness together. Density, which varies based on the type of wood, is a measure of how much mass is contained in a specific volume of material. Different types of wood have different densities, so it's essential to know the type of wood you're using. For instance, oak is denser and heavier than pine.

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How to use our lumber weight calculator

As we explained earlier, lumber is wood processed into beams and planks. It is commonly used in construction and furniture making. We designed this lumber weight calculator to help you determine the weight and volume of rectangular pieces of lumber, such as beams and planks.

To use our calculator, follow these simple steps:

Choose the type of wood — Select the wood type from the drop-down list. Different woods have different densities, which affect the weight.
Enter the dimensions — Input the width, length, and thickness of a single piece of lumber. These measurements are usually in inches or centimeters, depending on your preference.
Enter the quantity — Specify the number of pieces of lumber of that size. This information is used to calculate the total weight and volume.
Once you've entered these details, the calculator will automatically display the weight and volume for a single piece of lumber. It will also display the total weight and volume for all the pieces. This makes it easy to estimate how much lumber you'll need for your project and understand the load you'll be working with.

Our calculator simplifies the process, ensuring you have accurate information for your construction or woodworking projects.

Lumber density chart

Understanding the density of different wood species is important for weight calculations. Below is a chart listing the densities of various types of lumber in pounds per square foot (lb/ft³).

Species	Density lb/ft³	Species	Density lb/ft³
Alder, red	46	Maple, red	50
Apple	55	Maple, silver	45
Ash, green	47	Maple, sugar	56
Ash, Oregon	48	Oak, black	62
Ash, white	48	Oak, Cali. black	66
Aspen, quaking	43	Oak, English	52
Bald cypress	51	Oak, live	76
Basswood	42	Oak, pin	64
Beech	54	Oak, post	63
Birch, paper	50	Oak, red	63
Birch, Yellow	57	Oak, scarlet	64
Butternut	46	Oak, white	62
Cedar, incense	45	Osage orange	62
Cedar, western red	28	Pecan	61
Cherry, black	45	Persimmon	63
Chestnut	55	Pine, loblolly	53
Chinaberry	50	Pine, lodgepole	39
Cottonwood	49	Pine, longleaf	55
Elm, American	54	Pine, ponderosa	46
Fir, Douglas	39	Pine, slash	58
Fir, noble	29	Pine, sugar	52
Fir, white	47	Pine, white	36
Gum, black	45	Poplar, yellow	38
Gum, red	50	Redwood coastal	50
Hackberry	50	Sassafras	44
Hemlock eastern	49	Spruce, Red	34
Hemlock western	41	Spruce, Sitka	32
Hickory Shagbark	64	Sweetgum	55
Horse chestnut	41	Sycamore	52
Larch	51	Tamarack	47
Locust, black	58	Walnut, black	58
Locust, honey	61	Willow	32
Magnolia ev.	59

FAQs

How do I calculate the weight of lumber?

If you're wondering how to calculate lumber weight, just follow these instructions:

Measure the dimensions (width, length, and thickness) of the lumber.
Calculate the volume by multiplying these dimensions.
Determine the wood's density (check a density chart if needed).
Multiply the volume by the density to get the weight.

The result is your lumber weight!

What is the weight of a 4×4 inch piece of oak lumber, 6 feet long?

A 4×4 piece of oak lumber that is 6 feet long weighs approximately 45 pounds. For this calculation, we use the average density of oak, which is 67 lb/ft³ (lumber weight per foot).

Using the lumber weight formula, we multiply the volume (1 cubic foot) by the density to get the weight.

How much does a standard 2×4 piece of lumber weigh?

The weight of a standard 2×4 piece of lumber depends on its length and the type of wood. For example, an 8-foot-long 2×4 made from pine typically weighs half as much as a piece of oak of the same size due to the fact that oak has a higher density.

What factors affect the weight of lumber?

Several factors affect the weight of lumber:

Wood species — different types of wood have different densities;
Moisture content — wet wood is heavier than dry wood;
Dimensions — the length, width, and thickness of the lumber determine its volume; and
Treatment — lumber weight per foot is affected by pressure used in the production process.