Log scaling: methods, formulas and calculators

Every country measures log volume a little differently. Here are the 22 log rules TIMBERPOLIS supports, with formulas, worked examples and calculators that run right in your browser.

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What is log scaling?

Log scaling is calculating the volume of a log from its dimensions – diameter and length – using an agreed log rule or standard. Europe expresses volume in cubic meters (m³), North America mostly in board feet (BF). Different rules give different results for the same log, so buyers and sellers always agree which rule applies.

European standard EN 1309-2

It does not prescribe a single scaling method, but what every rule must define clearly: where the diameter is measured, over or under bark, how results are rounded and by which formula volume is calculated. That is why every country has its own rules – and why the app knows 22 of them.

Methods with their own page

In your countryDoyle vs Scribner vs International ¼″Three US board foot rules, three different results for the same log. Clearly laid out, in numbers, with the reasons.BF · US · CA In your countrySmalian formulaWhen you cannot reach the middle of the log – on a deck or a truck – you measure both ends.m³ · US · CA In your countryDoyle Log RuleThe oldest log rule still in wide use in the southern and midwestern United States.BF · US In your countryScribner Decimal CA rule built by drawing boards into circles, today the standard for softwood logs in the western United States.BF · US · CA In your countryInternational ¼″ Log RuleIt allows for a ¼-inch kerf, shrinkage and log taper, so it comes closest to the real lumber yield.BF · US Huber formulaThe most widely used scaling method in Central Europe: one diameter at mid-length and the length.m³ · SK · CZ · DE · AT · FR · IE Swedish scaling (toppmätning)Swedish sawmills pay by the small-end diameter: m³to is a cylinder from the top end.m³ · SE Hoppus formulaA traditional British rule still used in the tropical hardwood and teak trade.m³ · GB · IE · IN · GH · MY More methodsSTN 48 0009, ČSN 48 0009, JAS, Vermont, Universal (Daniels), Newton, GOST 2708-75, Brereton, Ontario Board Foot, Ontario Cubic, Roy, Alberta, BC Firmwood, Mid-girth, Guo Biao (GB/T 4814)All 22 methods ›

Why does every log rule give a different number?

The same log, 16 inches at the small end and 16 feet long, scales 144 BF by Doyle, 160 BF by Scribner and 180 BF by International ¼″. The rules differ in which diameter they measure (middle, small end, both ends), whether they allow for saw kerf and taper, and how they round. The difference is not an error – it is a property of the rule.

Log volume tables › Doyle vs Scribner vs International ¼″ › Glossary ›

All 22 methods in the app

The app calculates with all of these rules, in metric and imperial units. You pick the rule once in settings and it applies to the tally recorder and the calculators.

Method	Where it is used	Unit
Smalian (USFS) In your country	US · CA	m³ · ft³
Scribner Decimal C In your country	US · CA	BF
Doyle In your country	US	BF
International ¼″ In your country	US	BF
Vermont In your country	US	BF
Universal (Daniels) In your country	US	BF
Huber	SK · CZ · DE · AT · FR · IE	m³
Newton	—	m³
Hoppus	GB · IE · IN · MY · GH	Hoppus m³
JAS	JP	m³
GOST 2708-75	RU · UA · KZ	m³
Sweden (toppmätning)	SE	m³
Brereton	PG · AU	m³
Ontario Board Foot	CA	BF
Ontario Cubic	CA	m³
Roy	CA	BF
Alberta	CA	m³
BC Firmwood	CA	m³
Mid-girth	GB · IE	m³
Guo Biao (GB/T 4814)	CN	m³
STN 48 0009	SK	m³
ČSN 48 0009	CZ	m³