Wood Species Weight Calculator
Knowing how much a piece of wood weighs is useful for furniture design, shipping estimates, and structural loading calculations. Weight depends on the volume of wood and the density of the species, typically expressed as specific gravity (SG) relative to water. This calculator converts board dimensions to cubic feet, multiplies by the species specific gravity and the density of water (62.4 lb/ft3), and then accounts for moisture content at 12 percent (air-dry) to give the weight in pounds. Specific gravity values are from the USDA Wood Handbook Table 5-3.
Wood weight formula
Volume (ft³) = thickness × width × length / 1,728
Density at 12% MC = SG × 62.4 × 1.12 (lb/ft³)
Weight = Volume × Density
Dimensions in inches are divided by 1,728 (12 cubed) to convert to cubic feet. Specific gravity is multiplied by 62.4 (lb/ft3 for water) and by 1.12 to account for the 12 percent moisture content of air-dried lumber. The product gives the weight in pounds.
Specific gravity of common species (12% MC)
- Balsa: 0.12. Eastern white pine: 0.35. Western red cedar: 0.32.
- Douglas-fir: 0.48. Southern yellow pine: 0.51. Ash: 0.60.
- Red oak: 0.56. White oak: 0.60. Hard maple: 0.63. Birch: 0.62.
- Black walnut: 0.55. Cherry: 0.50. Hickory: 0.75.
- Values from USDA Wood Handbook Table 5-3.
Wood species weight calculator: frequently asked questions
What is the density of common wood species?
Specific gravity (density relative to water at 12% MC) varies widely. Balsa is about 0.12; eastern white pine is 0.35; red oak is 0.56; hard maple is 0.63; hickory is 0.75; and some tropical species such as ironwood exceed 1.0. Values are from USDA Wood Handbook Table 5-3.
Does moisture content affect wood weight?
Yes significantly. Green (freshly cut) wood can weigh two to three times as much as oven-dry wood because water fills both cell cavities and cell walls. The USDA Wood Handbook specific gravity values are typically given at 12 percent moisture content, representative of air-dried lumber in the US.
How do I convert specific gravity to pounds per cubic foot?
Multiply specific gravity by 62.4 lb/ft3 (the density of water) to get dry-weight density in lb/ft3. At 12% moisture content, add the moisture weight: density at 12% MC = SG * 62.4 * 1.12. This calculator uses the 12% MC density directly for air-dried lumber.
Why does wood weight matter for furniture design?
Weight affects the practicality of furniture (a heavy dining table may be difficult to move), shipping cost, and structural loading on floors and supports. Knowing the weight of a completed piece also helps when planning finishes and hardware that must support the load.
Can I use this calculator for green (unseasoned) lumber?
To estimate green weight, enter the green specific gravity instead of the air-dry value. Green specific gravity is listed separately in USDA Wood Handbook Table 5-3. Alternatively, multiply the air-dry weight by a green/dry ratio, which is typically 1.5 to 2.5 depending on species.
Official sources
- USDA Forest Products Laboratory: Wood Handbook, FPL-GTR-190 (Table 5-3: specific gravity by species).
- USDA Forest Products Laboratory: FPL Homepage.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.