Lumber Weight Calculator
Calculate lumber weight using wood density and board dimensions
Calculate Lumber Weight
Dry lumber density: 25 lbs/ft³
Nominal dimensions will be converted to actual (e.g., 2" → 1.5")
Lumber Weight Results
Formula: Weight = Volume × Density
Volume: 0.00 × 0.00 × 0.00 = 0.000 ft³
Density: 25 lbs/ft³ (pine white dry weight)
Actual Dimensions: 0" × 0" × 0ft
Load Analysis
Example Calculation
Standard 2×4 Oak Lumber
Species: Oak, White (47 lbs/ft³ dry weight)
Nominal Size: 2×4 inches
Actual Size: 1.5×3.5 inches
Length: 8 feet
Quantity: 10 pieces
Calculation Steps
Volume per piece = 8 × (1.5/12) × (3.5/12) = 0.292 ft³
Weight per piece = 0.292 × 47 = 13.7 lbs
Board feet per piece = (1.5 × 3.5 × 8) / 12 = 3.5 BF
Total weight (10 pieces) = 137 lbs
Common Lumber Sizes
Based on typical construction-grade lumber
Popular Wood Densities
Lumber Tips
Nominal dimensions are larger than actual dimensions
Dry lumber is lighter than green (fresh-cut) lumber
Hardwoods are generally denser than softwoods
Board feet = (width" × thickness" × length') ÷ 12
Consider moisture content for accurate weight
Understanding Lumber Weight Calculations
Lumber vs. Timber
Lumber refers to wood that has been processed into beams or planks ready for construction use. Timber generally refers to trees or wood in its natural, unprocessed state. Once timber is cut and prepared, it becomes lumber.
Factors Affecting Weight
- •Wood species - different densities
- •Moisture content - wet wood is heavier
- •Dimensions - length, width, thickness
- •Treatment processes and pressure
Calculation Formula
Weight = Volume × Density
Volume = Length × Width × Thickness
Board Feet = (W" × T" × L') ÷ 12
- Volume: Total lumber volume (ft³)
- Density: Wood species density (lbs/ft³)
- Board Feet: Standard lumber measurement
Note: This calculator uses dry lumber densities. Green (fresh-cut) lumber can be 20-50% heavier.
Nominal vs. Actual Dimensions
Nominal Sizes
Standard lumber names like 2×4, 2×6, etc. These are the dimensions before drying and planing.
Actual Sizes
Real dimensions after processing. A 2×4 actually measures 1.5" × 3.5" due to drying and planing.
Common Conversions
2" → 1.5", 4" → 3.5", 6" → 5.5", 8" → 7.25", 10" → 9.25", 12" → 11.25"