Last updated: 2026-02-27

Wood Density Calculator

Calculate wood density, specific gravity, and weight for various species. Includes comprehensive wood density database with 27+ species grouped by type, moisture content adjustments, and three calculation modes: Species Lookup, Custom Measurement, and Weight Estimator.

Species Database Specific Gravity Weight Estimator MC Adjustment

Density Calculator

Green: 40-100%, Air-dry: 12-20%, Kiln-dry: 6-8%

Results

Select a calculation mode and enter your measurements to see the results.

Wood Density Reference

Very Light < 25 lb/ft³ — Balsa, Paulownia
Light 25-35 lb/ft³ — Pine, Cedar, Poplar
Medium 35-45 lb/ft³ — Cherry, Walnut, Maple
Heavy 45-55 lb/ft³ — Oak, Hickory, Beech
Very Heavy > 55 lb/ft³ — Ipe, Ebony, Lignum Vitae
Density values are averages for each species and may vary by region, growth conditions, and individual boards. For structural applications, always use certified engineering data.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. 1
    Choose Calculation Mode Select from three modes: 'By Species' for species database lookup, 'Custom' for density from weight/volume measurements, or 'Weight' for estimating lumber weight from known species and dimensions.
  2. 2
    By Species Mode Choose from 27+ species across Hardwoods, Softwoods, Exotics, and specialty woods. Adjust moisture content (Green 40-100%, Air-dry 12-20%, Kiln-dry 6-8%) for accurate density.
  3. 3
    Custom Measurement Mode Enter measured weight (lbs/kg/oz) and precise dimensions (length × width × thickness) in your preferred units. Calculator derives density and specific gravity from your measurements.
  4. 4
    Weight Estimator Mode Select species, enter board dimensions and quantity. Calculator estimates total weight for shipping planning, structural loading, and material handling.
  5. 5
    Review Results Get density (lb/ft³ and kg/m³), specific gravity, weight estimates, and species comparison data. Use the reference chart to classify your wood.
Pro Tip: For the Custom mode, weigh your sample at a known moisture content. Density values vary with MC — standardize at 12% MC (air-dry) for consistent comparisons. A kitchen scale accurate to 0.1 oz is sufficient for small samples.

What is Wood Density?

Wood density is the mass per unit volume, typically measured in pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). This fundamental property varies significantly between species and is directly influenced by moisture content.

Dense woods like hickory and hard maple (45-50 lb/ft³) offer superior strength and wear resistance, making them ideal for tool handles and flooring. Lighter woods like pine and cedar (25-30 lb/ft³) are easier to work with and better suited for applications where weight is a concern.

Density = Weight ÷ Volume

Understanding Specific Gravity

Specific gravity (SG) is a dimensionless ratio of wood density to water density (62.4 lb/ft³). Most woodworking species range from 0.3 (balsa) to 0.9 (hickory). Some exotics like lignum vitae exceed 1.0 — they sink in water.

SG = Wood Density ÷ 62.4 lb/ft³
Comprehensive Wood Density Database (at 12% MC)
SpeciesDensity (lb/ft³)Density (kg/m³)Specific GravityJanka Hardness (lbf)
Balsa101600.16100
Cedar (Western Red)233680.37350
White Pine254000.40380
Poplar284490.45540
Spruce284490.45510
Douglas Fir345450.55660
Cherry355610.56950
Mahogany365770.58800
Walnut (Black)386090.611,010
Teak416570.661,000
White Ash426730.671,320
Yellow Birch436890.691,260
Hard Maple447050.711,450
Red Oak447050.711,290
Beech457210.721,300
White Oak477530.751,360
Hickory518170.821,820
Rosewood538490.852,720
Purpleheart568970.902,520
Ebony671,0731.073,220
Ipe691,1051.113,510
Janka hardness measures resistance to denting. Higher values = harder surface. All values at 12% MC standard. Individual boards vary ±10-15% from species average.

Moisture Content's Impact on Density

Moisture content dramatically affects wood density and weight. Green wood (freshly cut) at 40-100% MC can weigh 50-100% more than kiln-dried wood at 6-8% MC. Each 1% MC change results in approximately 0.5% weight change.

Density Change with Moisture Content

Hard Maple board (44 lb/ft³ at 12% MC):

  • Green (80% MC): ~79 lb/ft³ — nearly twice the dry weight
  • Air-dry (18% MC): ~47 lb/ft³ — still notably heavier
  • Kiln-dry (8% MC): ~42 lb/ft³ — lightest practical state
  • Oven-dry (0% MC): ~39 lb/ft³ — laboratory reference only

Shipping implication: A pallet of green maple (1,000 BF) weighs ~3,660 lbs vs ~2,035 lbs kiln-dried — 80% heavier!

Practical Applications

Wood density knowledge has wide-ranging practical applications across woodworking, construction, and industry.

When Density Matters Most
  • Structural design: Load calculations, beam sizing, span tables require accurate density
  • Shipping & logistics: Weight estimates for freight costs and handling equipment
  • Flooring: Density correlates directly with Janka hardness and wear resistance
  • Finishing: Dense woods absorb less finish — adjust application technique accordingly
  • Tool selection: Dense woods require sharper tools and slower feed rates
  • Strength-to-weight ratio: Critical for boats, aircraft, furniture portability

Glossary of Terms

Wood Density

Mass per unit volume of wood, typically measured in lb/ft³ or kg/m³. Varies by species, moisture content, and growth conditions. Standardized at 12% MC for comparison.

Specific Gravity (SG)

Dimensionless ratio of wood density to water density (62.4 lb/ft³). Ranges from 0.16 (balsa) to 1.11 (ipe). Values above 1.0 mean the wood sinks in water.

Janka Hardness

Measure of wood's resistance to denting, expressed in pounds-force (lbf). Determined by the force required to embed a 0.444" steel ball halfway into the wood surface.

Oven-Dry Density

Wood density measured at 0% moisture content. The baseline reference for scientific comparison. All moisture has been removed by drying at 217°F (103°C) until constant weight.

Air-Dry Density

Wood density at 12-20% moisture content, the equilibrium range for outdoor-stored, covered lumber. The standard reference point for most commercial density data.

Green Density

Density of freshly cut wood containing maximum natural moisture (40-100%+ MC). Significantly higher than dried density due to water weight in cell cavities.

Board Foot Weight

The weight of one board foot (144 in³) of a given species. Useful for estimating lumber weights: Weight = Volume (BF) × Species Weight per BF.

Heartwood vs. Sapwood Density

Heartwood is typically denser than sapwood in the same species due to accumulated extractives. This difference can be 5-15% and affects both weight and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the densest commonly available wood?

Ipe (69 lb/ft³, SG 1.11) is the densest widely available lumber. It's commonly used for decking and outdoor applications. Even denser species exist — Lignum Vitae (82 lb/ft³, SG 1.32) is the densest commercial wood but is now endangered and rarely available.

Why does moisture content affect density so much?

Water weighs 62.4 lb/ft³. Green wood can contain 50-100% of its dry weight in water, stored in cell cavities and cell walls. When water evaporates during drying, the weight drops dramatically while volume decreases only 6-12%. This is why green maple weighs ~79 lb/ft³ vs ~42 lb/ft³ kiln-dried.

How accurate are species-average density values?

Individual boards can vary ±10-15% from species averages due to growth rate, soil conditions, and position within the tree. Heartwood is typically 5-15% denser than sapwood. For critical applications (structural, shipping), add a 15% safety margin to average values.

Does density correlate with hardness?

Yes — strongly. Density and Janka hardness have a near-linear positive correlation. Denser woods are harder, more wear-resistant, and generally stronger. However, some species deviate (teak has moderate density but exceptional durability due to oils).

What density is best for different applications?

Carving: 20-35 lb/ft³ (basswood, pine). General furniture: 35-45 lb/ft³ (cherry, walnut). Flooring: 40-55 lb/ft³ (oak, maple). Decking: 55-70 lb/ft³ (ipe, cumaru). Turning: Any density works, but denser woods finish better.

How do I measure density at home?

Cut a small sample with precise dimensions. Weigh on a kitchen scale (±0.1 oz accuracy). Calculate: Density = Weight / (L × W × T). Convert units as needed. For best results, measure at known MC (use a moisture meter) and sample from the center of the board.

Why does the same species have different densities in different databases?

Databases may report at different MC levels (green, air-dry, oven-dry). Growth conditions and geographic origin also matter — old-growth is typically denser than plantation-grown. Always check the moisture content standard (ideally 12%) when comparing values.

Can wood density predict its fire resistance?

Partially. Denser woods burn slower because they contain more material per volume to consume. However, resin content, moisture level, and surface-to-volume ratio matter more. Fire-rated construction relies on charring rates (typically 1.5"/hour for softwoods).