Manufacturing Yield Calculator
Chain sawing, drying, machining and finishing yields into one recovery figure - and see how much roundwood a target output really needs.
Every step between the log and the shipped product throws away volume: the sawmill leaves slabs and sawdust, drying causes shrinkage and downgrade, machining produces offcuts and shavings. This calculator multiplies the yield of each stage into a single chain-yield figure, breaks the loss down stage by stage, and converts it into the question that actually matters for purchasing: how many cubic metres of roundwood do I need to buy for one cubic metre of finished product?
FAQ
What is a typical manufacturing yield in woodworking?
Sawmill recovery is commonly 38-60% (FAO global average around 50%), drying retains most volume but downgrades some boards, and machining to final size typically yields 70-90%. A full chain from roundwood to finished parts often ends up at 25-45%.
How is cumulative yield calculated?
Multiply the decimal yields of the stages: 55% sawing, 70% drying, 85% machining and 95% finishing give 0.55 × 0.70 × 0.85 × 0.95 = 31.09%. Losses compound, which is why the chain yield is always far below the lowest single stage.
How much roundwood do I need for 1 m³ of finished product?
Divide the finished volume by the chain yield. At a 31.09% chain yield you need 1 / 0.3109 = 3.22 m³ of roundwood input for every cubic metre that ships.
Which stage loses the most volume?
Usually primary breakdown: converting round logs into square-edged lumber loses 40-60% to slabs, edgings and kerf. The loss table shows each stage's contribution so you can target the biggest one first.