Finance July 13, 2026 · 8 Min Read

Tree Value Calculator – Guide & Formulas

Calculate standing tree value using the Doyle, Scribner, or International rules. Estimate board feet, cubic volume, and stumpage value for timber.

Estimate the value of standing timber using the Doyle, Scribner, or International rules. Calculate board feet, cubic volume, and stumpage value for timber sales.

Key Takeaway

Use the free Tree Value Calculator to calculate standing tree value using the doyle, scribner, or international rules. estimate board feet, cubic volume, and stumpage value for timber. Get instant results with step-by-step explanations.

How to Use the Tree Value Calculator

  1. Enter the diameter at breast height (DBH) in inches.
  2. Input the merchantable height in feet (usable log length).
  3. Select the log rule (Doyle, Scribner, or International).
  4. Enter the price per board foot or per thousand board feet (MBF) to estimate dollar value.

The Formula

Doyle Rule: Board Feet = (DBH - 4)² × Height / 16. Scribner: BF = (DBH - 1.5)² × Height × 0.0491. International: BF = (DBH - 0.67)² × Height × 0.0455. Value = BF × Price per BF.

Variable Definitions

  • DBH: Diameter at breast height in inches
  • Height: Merchantable log height in feet (usable trunk length)
  • BF: Board Feet — a volume measure equal to 1 ft × 1 ft × 1 inch (144 cubic inches)
  • MBF: Thousand Board Feet — standard pricing unit for timber sales

Calculating Board Feet for a 16-inch DBH, 32-foot Log

Estimate board feet using the Doyle rule for a standing tree.

  1. Step 1: Identify inputs: DBH = 16 inches, Height = 32 feet.
  2. Step 2: Apply Doyle formula: BF = (16 - 4)² × 32 / 16.
  3. Step 3: Calculate: (12)² × 32 / 16 = 144 × 2 = 288 board feet.
  4. Step 4: At $400 per MBF (thousand board feet): 288/1000 × $400 = $115.20 stumpage value.

Financial Advisory Notice

This Tree Value Calculator provides rough estimates for educational purposes. Actual timber value depends on species, quality, grade, market conditions, accessibility, and buyer negotiations. Consult a licensed forester for professional timber appraisals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Doyle Rule?

The Doyle Rule is the most widely used log scaling formula in the eastern United States. It tends to underestimate volume in small logs and overestimate in large logs. Formula: BF = (D-4)² × L / 16.

Which log rule is most accurate?

The International 1/4-inch rule is considered the most accurate for actual lumber recovery. The Scribner rule is common in the Pacific Northwest. The Doyle rule is standard in the Southeast but biases low for small logs.

What is stumpage value?

Stumpage is the price paid for the right to harvest standing timber. It is typically quoted per thousand board feet (MBF) or per cubic meter and varies by species, quality, accessibility, and market conditions.

How do I convert board feet to cubic meters?

1 board foot = 0.00235974 cubic meters. To convert: multiply board feet by 0.00236. Conversely, 1 cubic meter = 423.78 board feet.