Log Volume Calculator (Smalian, Huber, Newton)

Calculate log volume in the browser from length and butt/top diameters.

Switch between Smalian, Huber, and Newton, while keeping regional rules in separate add-on packs.

Compare all three methods in one view Toggle between m³ and ft³ Keep inputs on the device only
Related tools

Formulas

Local processing
A(d) = π × d² / 4
Smalian: V = L × (A_butt + A_top) / 2
Huber: V = L × A_mid
Newton: V = L × (A_butt + 4A_mid + A_top) / 6
Default midpoint estimate: d_mid = (d_butt + d_top) / 2

What this tool does

Compare three methods from the same input

Switch between Smalian, Huber, and Newton without re-entering the same log measurements.

Work across global unit presets

Use metric, imperial, or mixed defaults, and still edit each unit separately if needed.

Estimate midpoint diameter transparently

Huber and Newton can use an estimated midpoint when you do not enter one yourself.

Keep regional packs separate

Doyle, Scribner, and International 1/4 stay in the pack panel so the core result stays universal.

How to use

  1. 1

    Enter length, butt diameter, and top diameter.

  2. 2

    Choose Smalian, Huber, or Newton.

  3. 3

    Add a midpoint diameter or let the tool estimate one for Huber and Newton.

  4. 4

    Review the comparison table and any regional pack notes.

Sample cases

Typical metric log

Input / Output

Input: Length 4 m, butt diameter 28 cm, top diameter 18 cm, count 20, method Smalian

Output: About 0.174 m³ per log, about 3.48 m³ total

Huber with midpoint

Input / Output

Input: Length 4 m, butt diameter 28 cm, top diameter 18 cm, midpoint diameter 23 cm, method Huber

Output: About 0.166 m³ per log, about 3.32 m³ total

Imperial check

Input / Output

Input: Length 16 ft, butt diameter 11 in, top diameter 7 in, count 10, method Newton

Output: About 7.18 ft³ per log, about 71.8 ft³ total

Glossary

Butt diameter

The diameter at the thicker end of the log.

Top diameter

The diameter at the thinner end of the log.

Midpoint diameter

A diameter near the middle of the log, used for Huber and Newton.

Smalian

A formula that uses the average of the butt and top areas.

Huber

A formula that uses the midpoint area.

Newton

A formula that blends butt, midpoint, and top areas.

Board feet

A regional unit used by some add-on packs. It is not the same thing as cubic meters.

FAQ

Can I calculate Huber or Newton without a midpoint diameter?

Yes. The tool estimates a midpoint diameter and keeps going. You can overwrite it in the advanced midpoint section.

What if I mixed up the butt and top diameters?

Use the swap button to correct them. The tool still warns you if the values look reversed.

Are Doyle, Scribner, and International 1/4 included?

They are separated into add-on pack placeholders. The core result is always based on cubic volume.

Can I switch between metric and imperial units?

Yes. Metric, imperial, and mixed presets are available, and each unit can also be edited separately.

Does the page send my measurements to a server?

No. The calculations stay in the browser, and local save is optional.

Notes

  • The midpoint diameter is marked as estimated whenever the tool has to infer it.
  • Regional pack board-foot values are separate from the cubic-volume result.
  • Check the diameter basis carefully when you compare results across regions.