How the calculators work

Nominal sizes and species references

Nominal presets load documented actual sections. The main calculator converts the same inputs when switching units. Dry S4S sizing is scoped to SFPA Southern Pine tables; decking examples use the Ipe Woods dimensional reference. Custom measured dimensions override presets. Species densities retain the cited reference condition and are not automatically corrected for changing moisture.

Solid rectangular pieces

US volume in ft³ = thickness in inches × width in inches × length in feet × count ÷ 144. Metric volume in m³ = thickness in millimeters × width in millimeters × length in meters × count ÷ 1,000,000. Mass equals compatible volume × density.

Board-foot input

Actual-volume board feet ÷ 12 gives ft³. Commercial tally conventions must be checked before using this route. A tally covering all pieces must not be multiplied by the count again.

Mixed bundles

Each line is calculated independently. The lumber subtotal is the sum of valid lines; entered tare is added once to form estimated gross weight. Invalid lines block use of the total. At most 12 groups are accepted.

Moisture scenarios

Inferred dry mass = initial mass ÷ (1 + initial dry-basis moisture / 100). Target mass = dry mass × (1 + target dry-basis moisture / 100). The model holds dry material mass constant and makes no prediction of shrinkage, drying duration or installation readiness.

Conversions and limits

1 lb = 0.45359237 kg; 1 ft³ = 0.028316846592 m³. Displayed results are rounded to two decimal places, with calculations using unrounded values. Positive finite inputs are required. Counts must be whole numbers up to 100,000; density entry limits are 160 lb/ft³ or 2,500 kg/m³. These limits guard input mistakes; they are not catalog ranges or engineering bounds. Moisture scenarios accept 0–300% dry-basis values.

What is excluded

No automatic allowances for packaging, machining, treatment uptake, finishes, hardware, moisture variation or sample uncertainty. No result determines safe lifting, structural capacity, vehicle loading or transport compliance. Defaults are hypothetical examples, not species properties.