Lumber Weight Calculator

How to Use This Calculator

Knowing lumber weight is essential for transportation, structural calculations, and handling safety. This calculator provides accurate weight estimates based on species, size, and moisture content.

1. Select the wood species - this determines the density.
2. Choose the lumber dimension (2x4, 2x6, 4x4, etc.).
3. Enter the length in feet.
4. Specify quantity if calculating for multiple pieces.
5. Select moisture content: dry for kiln-dried, green for fresh-cut.

Why This Matters

Lumber weight affects transportation costs, vehicle load limits, crane capacity requirements, and worker safety. A single 2x10x20 might be manageable, but a pallet of them could exceed truck limits. Understanding weight also helps with structural design, as dead load calculations require accurate material weights.

• Calculate weight for transportation planning
• Determine lifting and handling requirements
• Estimate dead loads for structural design
• Compare species for weight-sensitive applications
• Plan for moisture loss as lumber dries

Worked Examples

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using nominal instead of actual dimensions - a 2x4 is actually 1.5" x 3.5".
• Ignoring moisture content - green or PT lumber weighs significantly more.
• Forgetting species variation - oak weighs nearly twice as much as cedar.
• Not accounting for treatment chemicals - PT lumber is denser.
• Underestimating total loads - individual pieces add up quickly.