There are a variety of log scaling methods around the world. However, there is a vast variability between each region, making transparent communication difficult. Describing each method and its parameters are vital for enabling clear and transparent measurement between all partners, and thus eradicating any attempts at fraud.
Typically, each method utilizes length and diameter information to determine volume in cubic units. Several log-scaling methods require small-end diameter measurement while others require diameters at both ends of the log. The majority of methods use the diameter measurement under the bark.
Some methods are based on mathematical formulas and others use fixed values for certain diameters that come from tables.
A very important part of the log volume calculation is rounding the diameter. While many of the formulas use the conservative mathematical rounding (meaning 25.5cm 26cm and 25.4 25cm), for example, the Japanese Agricultural Standard requires rounding down to the nearest even number (meaning 25.9cm is rounded down to 24). This, of course, raises questions about the log’s true volume – but these are the rules that must be abided by.
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