Lumber Weight Calculator
Calculate the weight of lumber by species, dimensions, and length.
Supports common and custom sizes.
Lumber Weight
Lumber weight depends on the wood species, moisture content, and dimensions. Knowing the weight is essential for structural calculations, shipping, and handling.
Formula:
Weight = Volume × Density
Volume = Thickness × Width × Length
For dimensional lumber (e.g., 2×4), the actual dimensions are smaller than the nominal size:
| Nominal Size | Actual Size (in) | Actual Size (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 1×4 | 0.75 × 3.5 | 19 × 89 |
| 2×4 | 1.5 × 3.5 | 38 × 89 |
| 2×6 | 1.5 × 5.5 | 38 × 140 |
| 2×8 | 1.5 × 7.25 | 38 × 184 |
| 2×10 | 1.5 × 9.25 | 38 × 235 |
| 2×12 | 1.5 × 11.25 | 38 × 286 |
| 4×4 | 3.5 × 3.5 | 89 × 89 |
| 6×6 | 5.5 × 5.5 | 140 × 140 |
Common wood densities (air-dried, ~12% moisture):
| Species | Density (kg/m³) | Density (lb/ft³) |
|---|---|---|
| Pine (Southern Yellow) | 560 | 35 |
| Douglas Fir | 530 | 33 |
| Spruce | 430 | 27 |
| Cedar (Western Red) | 370 | 23 |
| Oak (Red) | 660 | 41 |
| Oak (White) | 770 | 48 |
| Maple (Hard) | 710 | 44 |
| Walnut | 640 | 40 |
| Poplar | 430 | 27 |
When to use this calculator:
- Estimating structural loads for framing
- Calculating shipping weights for lumber orders
- Determining if you can safely carry lumber in your vehicle
- Planning crane or forklift capacity for large deliveries
Practical example: A standard 2×4 Douglas Fir board that is 8 feet (2.44 m) long weighs approximately 4.3 kg (9.5 lb). A stack of 100 such boards weighs roughly 430 kg (950 lb).
Tips:
- Green (freshly cut) lumber weighs 50–100% more than air-dried lumber due to moisture.
- Pressure-treated lumber weighs 20–30% more than untreated due to chemical absorption.
- Always use actual dimensions, not nominal, for accurate weight calculations.