The Doyle Log Calculator is an essential tool designed to estimate the board footage (volume) of logs. This calculation is crucial for loggers, foresters, sawmill operators, and anyone involved in the timber industry, as it helps in determining the value of a log before processing. Unlike other log scale rules, the Doyle method tends to underestimate the yield of smaller logs, which can significantly affect pricing and inventory management in the timber industry.
Formula of Doyle Log Calculator
The core of the Doyle Log Calculator’s functionality lies in its formula:
Where:
- D is the diameter of the small end of the log in inches.
- L is the length of the log in feet.
This formula allows users to calculate the board feet of a log, providing a standardized method for estimating lumber yield.
General Terms Table
To assist users in quickly accessing information without the need for manual calculations, a table of general terms and their corresponding values is provided below. This table facilitates an easier understanding of common measurements and conversions necessary in the logging industry.
| Term | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Board Foot | A unit of volume equal to 144 cubic inches of wood. | 1 board foot = 12″ x 12″ x 1″ |
| Diameter at Small End (D) | The diameter of the log measured at the smaller end, in inches. | If D = 10″, the log’s small end has a 10″ diameter. |
| Length (L) | The total length of the log in feet. | If L = 8, the log is 8 feet long. |
Example of Doyle Log Calculator
Consider a log with a diameter of 10 inches at the small end and a length of 20 feet. Using the Doyle formula:
Volume = (10 – 4) * (10 – 4) * 20 / 16
Volume = 6 * 6 * 20 / 16
= 45 board feet
This calculation shows that the log would produce approximately 45 board feet of lumber according to the Doyle scale.
Most Common FAQs
The Doyle Log Scale is a mathematical method used to estimate the lumber yield from a log based on its diameter at the small end and its length. It is widely used in the United States, especially in the eastern and southern regions.
The Doyle scale tends to provide lower yield estimates for smaller logs compared to other scales like the Scribner or International 1/4 inch scale. For larger logs, the differences between these scales diminish.
Yes, the Doyle Calculator is versatile and can be used for estimating the volume of any type of wood. However, keep in mind that the actual yield can vary based on the log’s condition, species, and processing techniques.