1. What is the Doyle Log Scale?

The Doyle Log Scale is a method used in the forestry and lumber industry to estimate the board foot volume of a log based on its diameter and length. It is one of the most commonly used log rules in the eastern United States.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Doyle formula:

Where:

• \( D \) — Diameter inside bark at small end (inches)
• \( L \) — Length of the log (feet)

Explanation: The formula subtracts 4 inches from the diameter to account for slab loss, squares the result, multiplies by length, and divides by 16 to convert to board feet.

3. Importance of Board Foot Calculation

Details: Accurate board foot calculation is essential for timber valuation, lumber pricing, inventory management, and fair transactions between loggers and sawmills.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter diameter in inches (measured at the small end inside bark) and length in feet. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why subtract 4 inches from the diameter?
A: This accounts for the slab loss that occurs when squaring a round log to produce lumber.

Q2: How accurate is the Doyle scale?
A: The Doyle scale tends to underestimate volume in smaller logs and overestimate in larger logs compared to actual lumber yield.

Q3: Where is the Doyle scale commonly used?
A: It is primarily used in the eastern United States for hardwood logs.

Q4: What are the limitations of the Doyle scale?
A: It may not be accurate for very small or very large logs, and doesn't account for log quality or defect.

Q5: Are there other log scales available?
A: Yes, other common scales include Scribner and International 1/4-inch rules, each with different calculation methods.