How to Determine the Volume of a Pine Tree

Pine trees belong to the Pinus genus, which includes about 114 species. They provide a major source of lumber, usually for indoor use. Before a tree is cut, it is helpful to determine the volume of wood in a pine tree to ensure it can meet lumber requirements. A variety of methods exist for estimating a pine tree's volume from its linear measurements. One common method uses the diameter of the tree at breast height and its length.

Clinometer
Tape measure
Calculator

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the pine tree's height with a clinometer. This device is commonly available to foresters and uses the slope of the line from the forester's eye to the top of the tree to estimate a tree's height. Assume the tree's height is 84 feet, as an example.
- 2
  Measure the diameter of the pine tree at a height of 4.5 feet with a tape measure. This measurement is known as the diameter at breast height, or DBH. Assume the DBH of the tree is 3 feet, as an example.
- 3
  Determine the pine tree's volume with the formula V = (D / 2)^ 2 x P x H / 3. V is the tree's volume, D is the tree's DBH, P is the value of pi and H is the tree's height. The pine tree's DBH is 3 feet, Pi is equal to about 3.142 and the tree's height is 84 feet. The tree's volume is therefore V = (D / 2)^ 2 x P x H / 3 = (3 / 2)^ 2 x 3.142 x 84 / 3 = 197.946, or about 198 cubic feet.

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