---
title: "Sawmill Recovery Calculator"
description: "Lumber recovery rate and log-rule overrun — benchmarked against FAO and EU data."
image: "https://nestingcalc.com/og-default.png"
url: "https://nestingcalc.com/sawmill-recovery-calculator/"
locale: "en"
---

# Sawmill Recovery Calculator

Lumber recovery rate and log-rule overrun — benchmarked against FAO and EU data.

Enter the roundwood volume that went into the mill and the sawn lumber volume that came out to get the recovery rate, benchmarked against FAO, EU and SE-Asia reference ranges. Optionally add the log-rule board feet and the actual sawn board feet to compute Doyle/Scribner overrun or underrun.

Interactive calculator (open in browser): [https://nestingcalc.com/sawmill-recovery-calculator/](https://nestingcalc.com/sawmill-recovery-calculator/)

## FAQ

What is a good lumber recovery rate?

It depends on the region and the log quality: EU hardwood mills average around 38%, softwood mills 48%, and FAO's global survey reports 42–60% with a 50.8% mean. Tropical plantation mills in SE Asia reach about 52% with band saws but only 39% with chain saws.

What is log-rule overrun?

Log rules estimate the board feet a log should yield. Overrun is the percentage by which actual production exceeds the rule: (actual − rule) ÷ rule × 100. The Doyle rule underestimates small logs, so mills buying on Doyle often saw 10–30% overrun; large logs can show underrun. International 1/4" is the most accurate rule.

How can I improve recovery at a small sawmill?

Band saws waste less kerf than chain or circle saws (the SE-Asia data shows 52% vs 39%), sharp thin-kerf blades, careful log positioning and edging, and selling shorter lengths all lift recovery. Tracking recovery per log batch against the benchmarks above is the first step.

## Related calculators

-   [Log Volume Calculator (Huber, Smalian, Newton)](https://nestingcalc.com/log-volume-calculator/)

    Estimate the cubic volume of a log with Huber, Smalian or Newton — free.

-   [Board Feet Calculator](https://nestingcalc.com/board-feet-calculator/)

    Calculate board feet, total volume and lumber cost for any board — free.

-   [Rough Sizing Calculator](https://nestingcalc.com/rough-sizing-calculator/)

    Convert between finished (planed) and rough-sawn dimensions — before kiln drying.

-   [JAS Log Scale Calculator (Japanese Agricultural Standard)](https://nestingcalc.com/jas-log-scale-calculator/)

    Scale logs to the JAS rule with diameter rounding and ovality — free.

## Related guides

-   [Sawmill Recovery Rate: Benchmarks and How to Improve Yours](https://nestingcalc.com/guides/sawmill-recovery-rate/)

    Lumber recovery factor benchmarks — around 38% in EU hardwood mills, 48% in softwood, 50% global average — how overrun differs, and the levers that actually raise recovery.

-   [Rough Sizing: How Big to Saw Before Kiln and Planer](https://nestingcalc.com/guides/rough-sizing-before-drying/)

    Combine planing allowance, saw kerf and Wood Handbook shrinkage to size rough stock for a finished dimension.

-   [How to Calculate Board Feet (and Log Scaling Rules)](https://nestingcalc.com/guides/how-to-calculate-board-feet/)

    The board foot is how lumber is bought and sold. The formula takes a minute; the scaling rules and pricing traps take a bit more.

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