1. What is the Doyle Rule?

The Doyle Rule is a formula used in the lumber industry to estimate the board feet of lumber that can be sawn from a log. It's one of several log rules used for timber measurement and pricing.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Doyle Rule formula:

Where:

• \( D \) — Diameter of the log (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 the length, and divides by 16 to convert to board feet.

3. Importance of Board Feet Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the diameter in inches (must be 6 inches or greater) and length in feet. The calculator will compute the estimated board feet using the Doyle Rule formula.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does the Doyle Rule subtract 4 inches?
A: The 4-inch deduction accounts for slab loss - the outer portion of the log that becomes waste during the sawing process.

Q2: How accurate is the Doyle Rule?
A: The Doyle Rule tends to underestimate actual lumber yield, especially for smaller logs. It's more accurate for larger diameter logs.

Q3: Are there other log rules besides Doyle?
A: Yes, other common rules include Scribner, International 1/4-inch, and cubic volume rules, each with different calculation methods.

Q4: What is considered a standard board foot?
A: One board foot equals 144 cubic inches of lumber (12" × 12" × 1").

Q5: When is the Doyle Rule most commonly used?
A: The Doyle Rule is widely used in the eastern United States for hardwood timber and is often preferred by sawmills for its simplicity.