1. What is the Doyle Log Scale?

The Doyle Log Scale is a formula used in the forestry industry to estimate the board foot volume of logs based on their 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 Log Scale formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates board foot volume by accounting for the taper of the log and the amount of wood that can be sawn from it.

3. Importance of Doyle Scale Calculation

Details: Accurate log scale calculation is essential for timber valuation, logging operations, and forest management. The Doyle rule tends to underestimate volume in smaller logs and overestimate in larger logs compared to other scaling methods.

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: What is the Doyle rule used for?
A: The Doyle rule is primarily used for estimating board foot volume of hardwood logs in the eastern United States for timber buying and selling.

Q2: How accurate is the Doyle scale?
A: The Doyle rule is known to be less accurate for small diameter logs (under 28 inches) as it tends to underestimate their volume, and may overestimate volume for very large logs.

Q3: When should I use Doyle vs other log rules?
A: Doyle is commonly used for hardwood scaling in the eastern US. The International 1/4-inch rule or Scribner rule may be preferred in other regions or for different wood products.

Q4: How do I measure diameter for Doyle scaling?
A: Diameter should be measured inside bark at the small end of the log, typically to the nearest inch.

Q5: Does the Doyle rule account for log taper?
A: Yes, the (D-4)² component of the formula accounts for typical log taper and sawing waste.