Janka Database ToolJanka Hardness Lookup & Comparison
Look up the Janka hardness of 60 timber species in both pounds-force and Newtons, compare any two woods side by side, and get suitability guidance for flooring and furniture selection.
Why this calculation matters
Hardness decides denting resistance, fixing behaviour and machining cost. It says nothing about scratch resistance — the finish handles that.
Janka Database Tool
Janka Hardness Lookup & Comparison
The wood you want to assess.
A reference wood for comparison.
| Property | Value | Detail |
|---|
About Janka Database Tool
The Janka hardness test measures the force needed to embed a 11.28mm steel ball to half its diameter into wood - a direct measure of a wood's resistance to denting and wear. It is the universal benchmark for choosing flooring and furniture timber. This tool gives the Janka rating for 60 species in both US (lbf) and metric (Newtons) units, with a side-by-side comparison and suitability guidance. Use it to browse the Janka hardness scale or run a quick wood hardness comparison between any two species before committing to an order.
Where Is This Used?
Standards & Conversion
Janka test: force to embed steel ball to half diameterUS/India unit: pounds-force (lbf)EU/Metric unit (EN 1534): Newtons (N)Conversion: 1 lbf = 4.44822 NHardness ratio = Janka A / Janka BHow the calculation works
Janka is a measured resistance to denting, not a calculation. The ratio is the useful part: it says how much harder one species is than another, which matters more than either number alone.
Show the formula
Janka values are published figures in lbf; the metric equivalent is lbf x 4.44822 N. The comparison ratio is simply the harder value divided by the softer.Published averages across samples. Within-species variation, growth rate and moisture content at test all shift the figure, and Janka measures denting rather than scratch resistance.
References and what each one provides
- USDA Wood Handbook (FPL GTR-190)USDA Forest Products LaboratoryPublished density, moisture relationships, shrinkage coefficients and mechanical properties for a wide range of species. The reference dataset behind most wood-property figures on this site.
- EN 1534CENThe European indentation method, reported in Newtons; 1 lbf = 4.44822 N exactly.
- The Wood DatabaseEric MeierSpecies-level property summaries used as a cross-check on density, Janka and shrinkage figures where FPL does not cover a species.
Unverified values are marked as such rather than presented as sourced.
Limitations of this calculation
Reports published Janka values, which are averages across samples. It does not account for within-species variation, growth rate, moisture content at test, or the difference between side and end hardness. Janka measures denting, not abrasion or scratch resistance.
Do not use this for Product certification, warranty claims, or specifying a floor without confirming the actual consignment.
Figures are engineering estimates from the inputs and assumptions shown. Verify against the actual material and, where the result affects structure or safety, against a qualified professional.
- EN 1534 reports Newtons; 1 lbf = 4.44822 N exactly
Formula checked against the sources above by an automated regression test (tests/verify-phase3a.js) that derives each expected value independently of this page. Last reviewed .
How to use this tool
- Enter the trade details below, then press Calculate.
- Press Calculate.
Worked example
Common mistakes to avoid
- Comparing side hardness with end-grain hardness. End grain always tests harder — make sure you compare the same test.
- Choosing flooring on Janka alone. Finish quality and traffic matter as much as the wood itself.
- Assuming a hard wood is a durable wood. Hardness is about dents; durability is about rot. They are separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wood species data
Density, hardness and movement for 60 timbers
Full listing in the Janka hardness table.