Wood Shrinkage Calculator
Calculate wood shrinkage from green to kiln-dried moisture content
About this calculator
The Wood Shrinkage Calculator helps woodworkers, carpenters, and lumber professionals accurately predict how much wood will shrink when dried from green (freshly cut) to kiln-dried moisture content. Wood naturally shrinks as moisture evaporates, and this shrinkage varies significantly between different wood species and grain directions. This calculator eliminates guesswork by providing precise measurements, helping you plan projects better, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure proper fit and finish in your woodworking projects.
How to use
Enter the original dimensions of your green wood piece, select your wood species from the dropdown menu, and input both the initial moisture content and target kiln-dried moisture content percentage. The calculator will instantly show you the expected final dimensions after drying, displaying both the total shrinkage amount and percentage for accurate project planning.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between radial and tangential shrinkage?
Radial shrinkage occurs across the grain from center to bark, while tangential shrinkage happens along the growth rings. Tangential shrinkage is typically greater, causing warping and checking in lumber.
What moisture content is considered kiln-dried?
Kiln-dried lumber typically has 6-12% moisture content, with most construction lumber dried to 19% or less. Furniture-grade wood is often dried to 6-8% moisture content.
Why does wood species matter for shrinkage calculations?
Different wood species have varying cell structures and densities, resulting in different shrinkage rates. Hardwoods generally shrink more than softwoods, with species-specific shrinkage coefficients varying significantly.