1. What is the Doyle Log Rule?

The Doyle Log Rule is a method used to estimate the amount of lumber that can be sawn from a log. It's commonly used in the eastern United States for hardwood logs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Doyle rule formula:

Where:

• \( BF \) — Board feet
• \( D \) — Log diameter inside bark at small end (inches)
• \( L \) — Log length (feet)

Explanation: The Doyle rule tends to underestimate volume for smaller logs and overestimate for larger logs compared to actual mill yields.

3. Importance of Board Foot Calculation

Details: Accurate board foot calculation is essential for log buyers, sellers, and sawmill operators to determine the value of logs and estimate lumber yield.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the log's diameter at the small end (inside bark) in inches and length in feet. The diameter should be measured to the nearest inch and length to the nearest foot.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is the Doyle rule?
A: The Doyle rule is less accurate for small logs (under 28 inches) and more accurate for larger logs. It's most commonly used for hardwood logs in the eastern U.S.

Q2: Are there other log rules?
A: Yes, other common rules include Scribner (used in the northwest) and International 1/4" rule (considered more accurate but more complex).

Q3: How should diameter be measured?
A: Diameter should be measured inside bark at the small end of the log, rounded to the nearest inch.

Q4: Does this account for saw kerf?
A: No, log rules are estimates only and don't account for actual saw kerf, sawing pattern, or defects in the log.

Q5: What's considered a good yield?
A: Typical sawmill recovery rates range from 40-60% of log volume ending up as lumber, with the rest becoming chips, sawdust, or slabs.