Research Progress Report 417
June 1973

Revised Composite Tree Volume Tables for Indiana Hardwoods
Thomas W. Beers,
Department of Forestry and Conservation

For a quarter century the composite volume tables prepared by A. M. Herrick* have been in common use in Indiana. The original tables, presumed applicable to all Indiana hardwood species, provide board-foot volumes by 2-inch DBH (diameter breast high -- at 4 1/2 feet above ground) classes and 12-foot log height classes. For many years, researchers have found it necessary to determine volumes for trees measured more precisely -- that is, for one -inch DBH classes and one -half log height classes. As a result, expanded tables were prepared to meet these requirements. Under the assumption that such expanded tables are useful for others involved in measuring standing trees, the revised tables shown on the following pages are being published.
All three tables, whether based on Doyle, Scribner, or International 1/4-inch log rules, were prepared using carefully drawn curves plotted from the original Herrick publication. Therefore, although minor differences exist between the present and the earlier tables, they are of no practical significance.
The Doyle log rule is the one most commonly used for timber sales in Indiana, but the user should be aware that for the smaller trees Doyle scale tends to underestimate the actual board-foot tree volumes. Nevertheless, tables based on the Doyle log rule, such as Table 1, are most likely to be encountered in dealings with buyers of Indiana timber. Scrupulous timber buyers recognize the inherent bias in Doyle scale and compensate accordingly in the price paid to the seller.
Tables 2 and 3, based respectively on the Scribner and International 1/4-inch log rules, are used less frequently (in Indiana) but are presented here for completeness.
To use the tables one must first measure or estimate the tree diameter at breast height (i.e. at 4 1/2 feet above ground) and the merchantable tree height, which is usually defined as the length of the main stem between an assumed one-foot stump and the top of the last usable log to be cut from the tree. This upper limit of the merchantable length is inherently vague, but is commonly indicated by a serious defect, excessive or heavy branching or by the stem diameter

*Composite Volume Tables for Indiana Hardwoods. Purdue University Extension Leaflet 273.	1946, reprinted 1956.

Agricultural Experiment Station, PURDUE UNIVERSITY, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907