1. What is a Timber Beam Volume Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the volume of timber beams using standard Australian sizes (e.g., 90×45 mm, 190×45 mm).

Purpose: It helps carpenters, builders, and DIYers determine the volume of timber needed for construction projects.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( V \) — Volume of timber (cubic meters)
• \( L \) — Length of beam (meters)
• \( W \) — Width of beam (meters, e.g., 0.09 for 90mm)
• \( H \) — Height of beam (meters, e.g., 0.045 for 45mm)

Explanation: The formula multiplies the three dimensions to calculate the total volume of the timber beam.

3. Common Australian Timber Sizes

Standard Sizes:

• 90 × 45 mm (0.09 × 0.045 m)
• 140 × 45 mm (0.14 × 0.045 m)
• 190 × 45 mm (0.19 × 0.045 m)
• 240 × 45 mm (0.24 × 0.045 m)

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the beam length in meters, width (default 0.09 m for 90mm), and height (default 0.045 m for 45mm). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use meters instead of millimeters?
A: The calculator uses meters for consistency with volume calculations (m³), but you can convert mm to m by dividing by 1000.

Q2: What's the most common timber size in Australia?
A: 90×45 mm and 190×45 mm are among the most commonly used sizes for framing and structural work.

Q3: How do I calculate multiple beams?
A: Calculate one beam's volume then multiply by the number of identical beams needed.

Q4: Does this account for timber shrinkage?
A: No, consider adding 5% to the calculated volume for drying shrinkage in some applications.

Q5: How do I convert volume to linear meters?
A: Divide the total volume by the cross-sectional area (W × H) to get linear meters.