Home / Timber Measurement & Forestry / Doyle Log Rule
Vriksai Timber Intelligence

Doyle Log RuleBoard Foot Volume Calculator

Most widely used log scaling rule in eastern USA. Calculates board foot volume from diameter and length. Instantly compare Doyle, Scribner, International Rule and IS 1902 India.

Doyle BFScribner CompareInternational 1/4"IS 1902 IndiaPDF Report
D

Doyle Log Rule

Board Foot Volume Calculator

Unit System and Species
Log Dimensions
inches

Diameter Inside Bark at the small end. Doyle is based on DIB.

feet

Standard lengths: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 ft. India IS: 1.8m to 6m.

logs
inches

Enter 0 if measuring DIB directly.

in / 4ft
USD/BF
OK
Doyle Log Volume Results
-
BF
Doyle per log
-
BF total
All logs
-
USD value
Estimated
-
m3
Cubic volume
Log RuleFormulaBF per logNote
Step-by-Step Calculation

About Doyle Log Rule

The Doyle Rule is the most widely used log scaling standard in eastern and southern United States. Developed by Edward Doyle in the 1820s, it estimates the number of 1-inch lumber boards that can be sawn from a log. Despite known underestimation for small logs, it remains the industry standard across North America for hardwood log purchases.

Where Is This Used?

Lumber Mills USA / CanadaTimber BuyersLog AuctionsForest ManagementIndian Log Importers

Formulas Used

Doyle: BF = ((D - 4)^2 / 16) x L D = DIB inches, L = length feetScribner: BF = (0.79 x D^2 - 2xD - 4) x (L/16)International: BF = (0.905 x (D/2)^2 - D) x (L/16)IS 1902 India: V = pi x (D/200)^2 x L m3, D in cm, L in mConversion: 1 m3 = 423.78 BF | 1 BF = 2359 cm3

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Doyle underestimate small logs?
The formula (D-4)^2/16 was calibrated for logs 20 inches and above. Under 12 inches it gives 30-50% less than actual yield. Always use International Rule for logs under 12 inches diameter.
Is Doyle Rule used in India?
India primarily uses IS 1902:2015 cubic metre measurement. However imported logs from North America arrive with Doyle or Scribner scaling. Indian importers at Kandla, Gandhidham and Mumbai must reconcile all three systems on invoices.
How to convert board feet to cubic metres?
Multiply board feet by 0.002359 to get cubic metres. Or divide cubic metres by 0.002359 to get board feet. Quick field estimate: 1 m3 = approx 424 BF.
ResourcesView the formulasFormula Library