Wood Shrinkage Calculator
Calculate wood dimension changes due to moisture content variations
About this calculator
The Wood Shrinkage Calculator helps woodworkers, furniture makers, and construction professionals predict dimensional changes in lumber due to moisture content variations. Wood naturally expands and contracts as it gains or loses moisture, which can affect joint fit, structural integrity, and overall project quality. This tool calculates exact shrinkage or expansion amounts across different wood species, enabling precise planning and preventing costly mistakes in woodworking projects.
How to use
Enter your wood species, current dimensions, initial moisture content, and target moisture content into the calculator. The tool will automatically compute the expected dimensional changes using species-specific shrinkage coefficients. Results show both the amount of change and final dimensions for accurate project planning.
Frequently asked questions
Which wood species shrink the most?
Hardwoods like oak, maple, and cherry typically have higher shrinkage rates than softwoods like pine, cedar, and fir.
Does wood shrink equally in all directions?
No, wood shrinks most across the grain (tangentially and radially) and very little along the grain length.
What moisture content should I target for indoor projects?
Indoor furniture and cabinets should be dried to 6-8% moisture content to match typical indoor humidity levels.