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Doyle Scale Formula:
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The Doyle Scale is a formula used to estimate the board feet of lumber that can be obtained from a log. It's one of several common formulas used in the lumber industry to estimate lumber yield.
The calculator uses the Doyle Scale formula:
Where:
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.
Details: Accurate board feet estimation is crucial for lumber pricing, inventory management, and determining the value of timber stands. The Doyle Scale tends to underestimate volume for smaller logs and overestimate for larger ones compared to actual mill yields.
Tips: Enter log diameter in inches (measured at the small end inside bark) and length in feet. Both values must be greater than zero. For diameter, values less than 4 inches will result in negative board feet, which should be interpreted as zero.
Q1: Why subtract 4 inches from the diameter?
A: This accounts for the slab loss (outer portions of the log that are removed during sawing) and bark thickness.
Q2: How accurate is the Doyle Scale?
A: The Doyle Scale is known to be less accurate for very small or very large logs. It tends to favor the sawmill for smaller logs and the logger for larger logs compared to other scaling methods.
Q3: Are there other log scaling rules?
A: Yes, other common rules include Scribner, International 1/4-inch, and cubic volume rules. Each has different assumptions and applications.
Q4: What is a board foot?
A: A board foot is a unit of measure for lumber equal to 1 foot long × 1 foot wide × 1 inch thick (or its equivalent).
Q5: When is the Doyle Scale typically used?
A: The Doyle Scale is commonly used for hardwood logs in the eastern United States, particularly for oak, poplar, and other Appalachian species.