1. What is the Doyle Log Rule?

The Doyle Log Rule is a mathematical formula used to estimate the board footage of lumber that can be sawn from a log. It's one of the most commonly used log rules in the eastern United States for hardwood lumber estimation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Doyle Log Rule formula:

Where:

• \( D \) — Diameter inside bark at small end (inches)
• \( L \) — Length of log (feet)
• \( BF \) — Board footage result

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.

3. Importance of Board Footage Calculation

Details: Accurate board footage estimation is crucial for timber pricing, lumber trading, inventory management, and determining the economic value of standing timber.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter diameter in inches (measured inside bark at small end) and length in feet. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does the Doyle rule subtract 4 inches?
A: The 4-inch deduction accounts for slab loss during the sawing process and bark thickness.

Q2: How accurate is the Doyle rule?
A: The Doyle rule tends to underestimate actual lumber yield, particularly for smaller diameter logs.

Q3: When is the Doyle rule typically used?
A: Primarily used for hardwood logs in the eastern United States, especially for oak, maple, and other valuable species.

Q4: Are there other log rules available?
A: Yes, other common rules include Scribner, International 1/4-inch, and cubic volume rules, each with different calculation methods.

Q5: Should diameter be measured at large or small end?
A: For the Doyle rule, diameter should be measured inside bark at the small end of the log.