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NHLA CalculatorNHLA Hardwood Grade Calculator

Determine the NHLA hardwood lumber grade from board dimensions and clear yield. Calculate surface measure and estimate FAS, Select or Common grades to the North American standard used worldwide.

Surface MeasureClear Yield %FAS to No.3 GradesNHLA StandardPDF Report
NH

NHLA Calculator

NHLA Hardwood Grade Calculator

Board Dimensions
value
value
%

Usable area free of defects.

pieces

Clear pieces needed to reach yield.

OK
NHLA Grading Results
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board ft
Surface Measure
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%
Clear Yield
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grade
NHLA Grade
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cuttings
Cuttings Used
PropertyValueDetail
NHLA Calculation
About NHLA Calculator
The NHLA (National Hardwood Lumber Association) grading rules are the global standard for hardwood lumber, used throughout North America and by importers worldwide including India. Grades are based on the percentage of clear, defect-free cuttings obtainable from the poorer face of a board. This tool calculates surface measure and clear yield to estimate the NHLA grade - FAS, Select, or the Common grades.
Where Is This Used?
Hardwood ImportingLumber GradingExport Quality ControlPurchase InspectionFurniture SourcingPrice Negotiation
Formulas & Grade Rules
Surface Measure (SM) = (Length_ft x Width_in) / 12, roundedClear yield % = (Clear cutting area / Total face area) x 100FAS: minimum 83.3% clear (10/12)No. 1 Common: minimum 66.7% (8/12)No. 2A Common: 50% (6/12) | No. 3A: 33.3% (4/12)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is surface measure and why round it?
Surface measure is the board's face area expressed in board feet, calculated as length in feet times width in inches divided by 12. NHLA rounds it to the nearest whole number (with specific half-rounding rules) because grade cutting requirements are defined in tables indexed by whole-number surface measure.
What does FAS mean?
FAS stands for "First And Seconds" - the highest standard NHLA grade. A FAS board must yield at least 83.3% (ten twelfths) clear, defect-free cuttings from its poorer face, in a limited number of large cuttings. It is the grade demanded for high-end furniture, mouldings and export, and commands the highest price.
Is this a full official NHLA grade?
This tool estimates grade from clear yield and surface measure, which are the core drivers. Full NHLA grading also applies minimum cutting sizes, cutting count limits per surface measure, and species-specific rules. Use this as a strong working estimate, then confirm borderline boards with a certified inspector for contracts.
ResourcesView the formulasFormula Library
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