This calculator computes the specific gravity of wood given its species and moisture content. Units are in the imperial system.
Calculation
Inputs
Species
:Alder, red
MC
:0.05
Output
Gb
:0.37
S0
:0.09805
SMC
:0.0978865833333333
GMC
:0.41
Where:
MC
is the moisture content of the wood, as a percentage (%)
Gb
is the basic specific gravity, which means the specific gravity at green state (unitless)
S0=26.5Gb
is the oven-dry moisture content as a percentage of it's green state moisture content (%)
SMC=S0(1−30MC)
is the desired moisture content as a percentage (%)
GMC=1−SMCGb
is the specific gravity of wood at a given moisture content, in pounds per cubic foot (unitless)
Explanation
Specific gravity of wood refers to the ratio of the density of wood to the density of water. Materials with an SG > 1.0 are denser than water. A higher specific gravity often signifies stronger, more durable wood, while lower values may indicate softer, less durable varieties.