What does air-dried density mean?

Air-dried density (also called dry density) is measured at roughly 12–15% moisture content — the equilibrium a board reaches when stored indoors. Green (freshly cut) wood is significantly heavier. The values in this table are air-dried unless noted.

What is Janka hardness?

The Janka hardness test measures the force (in lbf) needed to embed a 0.444-inch steel ball halfway into a wood surface. Higher numbers mean harder, more dent-resistant wood. Flooring typically needs at least 1000 lbf; cutting boards benefit from 900–1500 lbf.

Why does my calculated weight differ from what I measured?

Actual weight varies with moisture content, grain direction, and natural voids in the wood. The calculator uses average air-dried density as a starting point — expect ±10–15% in real boards.

How accurate is the weight calculator for plywood or MDF?

Engineered panels like plywood and MDF have more consistent densities than solid lumber, so the calculator is reasonably accurate (±5–8%). The table lists their average values.

What is lb/ft³ and how does it relate to kg/m³?

1 lb/ft³ = 16.018 kg/m³. Density in lb/ft³ is common in US lumber trade; kg/m³ is the SI unit used globally. Both are shown for every species in this table.

Wood Species Density Reference

Look up density and Janka hardness for 27 wood species, then calculate board weight from dimensions.

Species Reference

Species	kg/m³	lb/ft³	Janka (lbf)	Typical Uses

Board Weight Calculator

Inches Millimeters

Length

Width

Thickness

Species

Enter dimensions and select a species, then click Calculate.

Summary

Look up density and Janka hardness for 27 wood species, then calculate board weight from dimensions.

How it works

Browse the full species table or type a name in the search box to filter.
Click any row to pre-select that species in the weight calculator below.
Enter your board dimensions (length, width, thickness) and choose inches or millimeters.
Select a species from the dropdown and click Calculate.
Weight results appear instantly in both pounds and kilograms.

Use cases

Estimate shipping weight for a batch of hardwood boards.
Choose a lighter species when structural weight matters (e.g., cabinet carcasses).
Compare hardness ratings before selecting a flooring or countertop species.
Verify whether a workbench top in a given wood will be heavy enough to stay put.
Plan load capacity for shelves by estimating board weight.
Decide between domestic and exotic species based on density trade-offs.
Teach apprentices about the relationship between density, hardness, and workability.
Quick reference during a lumber yard visit to compare available species.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-09-19 · Reviewed by Nham Vu