What is beam cutting from logs?

Beam cutting is a process in which beams with square or rectangular cross-sections are sawn from round logs. The minimum log diameter depends on the dimensions of the required beam.

How can I find out from which log a given beam can be sawn?

The minimum log diameter for cutting a beam is calculated from the cross-sectional dimensions. The diameter must be large enough for the full beam cross-section to fit inside the log, including any allowance for machining.

What is the difference between cutting beams and cutting boards?

Beam cutting involves square or rectangular cross-sections with greater thickness (for example 100 × 100 mm or 150 × 200 mm), while board cutting involves a flatter cut with smaller thickness. Both methods require an adequate log diameter.

Can I use the calculator when planning log purchases?

Yes. If you know the dimensions of the beams you need to saw, the calculator will quickly tell you the minimum log grade you need to secure, which helps with ordering and purchase optimisation.

Squared timber cutout
Minimum log diameter for cutting beams

Enter the width and thickness of the beam. The calculator will calculate the minimum log diameter at the thinner end required for cutting this beam.

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Small end diameter

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Squared timber - Width (mm)

Squared timber - Thickness (mm)

The final value is approximate and due to various factors may differ from the actual value.Did you find an inaccuracy?

Did you find an inaccuracy?

Our aim was to create calculators for wood professionals that provide the most accurate results possible. However, there are many coefficients, standards, deviations and calculation methods that vary by country and local conditions, so it is not possible to cover all locations with 100% accuracy immediately. For some calculators, however, it is possible to enter custom parameters, such as wood densities or growth factors.
However, the system is designed so that we can refine it gradually, and we would appreciate your feedback, which will help us improve the calculators further and adapt them to practical use.

Tree species parameters

Wood species parameters, such as density, can vary significantly depending on location and growing conditions. To account for these natural variations, we offer fine-tuning options that help ensure accurate and reliable data adapted to specific environments.

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Squared timber cutoutMinimum log diameter for cutting beams

Small end diameter

Did you find an inaccuracy?

Tree species parameters

Preferred species

Squared timber cutout
Minimum log diameter for cutting beams