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How to calculate timber volume in cubic metres
Timber is often priced by the cubic metre, while workshop measurements are recorded in millimetres or centimetres. The important step is to convert all three length dimensions to metres before multiplying. Use one batch for pieces with the same cross-section and length; calculate different sizes separately.
How to use the calculator
- Measure the width and height of the cross-section and the length of a single piece. Decide whether those dimensions are nominal ordering dimensions or measured finished dimensions.
- Select millimetres, centimetres or metres. All three dimensions must use that unit. Changing the unit converts existing lengths; it does not change the size of the timber.
- Enter the number of identical pieces as a whole number. Calculate to see the volume of one piece and the total batch volume.
- Optionally enter a price per m³ to estimate the batch cost. The calculator currently uses PLN; changing the interface language does not perform an exchange-rate conversion.
Total volume in m³ = width in m × height in m × length in m × number of pieces.
Worked example
Ten pieces measuring 8 × 16 cm and 500 cm long are 0.08 × 0.16 × 5 m each. One piece has a volume of 0.064 m³, so ten pieces total 0.64 m³. At 1,500 PLN per m³, the batch cost is 960 PLN before delivery or other charges.
The price above is an illustrative input, not a current supplier quote.
Open the calculator: Timber volume →
Measurement mistakes to avoid
Multiplying 8 × 16 × 500 directly does not produce cubic metres. Do not use millimetres for the cross-section and metres for the length in the same form. Count actual pieces, and separate batches with different sizes.
Before cutting or ordering
The result is nominal geometric volume. It does not include cutting waste, defects, moisture effects, transport, tax adjustments or supplier rounding. Confirm the supplier’s measurement and pricing rules before placing an order.