Enter values to see results
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m²
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m³
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ft³
Enter values to see results
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m²
—
m³
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ft³
The Tree Volume Calculator estimates the stem volume of a standing tree from its diameter at breast height (DBH), total height, and a species-specific form factor. Tree volume estimation is fundamental to forest inventory, timber cruising, carbon stock assessment, and forest management planning. This calculator uses the standard forestry formula that treats the tree as a modified cylinder, with the form factor accounting for the natural taper of the stem.
Enter the DBH (measured at 1.3 meters above ground), tree height, and the form factor for your species to obtain the estimated stem volume in both cubic meters and cubic feet.
The calculator uses the standard tree volume equation:
Basal area is the cross-sectional area of the stem at breast height (1.3 m). The form factor adjusts for stem taper: a perfect cylinder would have a form factor of 1.0, while a cone would be 0.33. Most trees fall between 0.4 and 0.6, with 0.5 being a common average for many species. Species-specific form factors improve accuracy.
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A tree with 30 cm DBH and 20 m height using form factor 0.5 has a stem volume of about 0.71 m³.
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A large conifer (50 cm DBH, 30 m tall, form factor 0.45) yields about 2.65 m³ of stem volume.
Form factor is the ratio of actual tree volume to the volume of a cylinder with the same basal area and height. Values range from about 0.3 (very tapered trees) to 0.7 (cylindrical boles). Common defaults: conifers 0.42-0.50, broadleaved trees 0.45-0.55, plantation species 0.45-0.60. For precise work, use species-specific tables from your regional forest service or derive local form factors from sample tree measurements.
Diameter at Breast Height is measured at 1.3 meters (4.5 feet) above ground level on the uphill side of the tree. Use a diameter tape (D-tape) wrapped around the tree; it reads diameter directly from circumference. For leaning trees, measure at 1.3 m along the lean axis. For trees with swelling or buttresses at breast height, measure above the irregularity.
This calculator gives total stem volume from ground to tip. Merchantable volume (the portion suitable for timber products) is typically less, as it excludes the stump, the upper stem below a minimum diameter, and any defective sections. Merchantable volume is usually 60-80% of total volume, depending on species, defect, and product specifications.
Roboculator Team
The Roboculator Team explains calculations, planning tools, and practical formulas in clear language for real-life situations.
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