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Wood Movement Calculator

Calculate seasonal wood expansion and contraction by species, grain orientation, and humidity range. Essential for joinery.

Inputs

in
%

Starting MC (kiln-dried lumber is typically 6-8%)

%

Expected equilibrium MC in use environment

Results

Expected Movement

0.177 in

Movement

2.21%

Tangential Movement0.177 in
Radial Movement0.076 in
Movement exceeds 1/8" — design joints and attachments to accommodate seasonal change

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Tips

1
Quarter-sawn lumber moves half as much as flat-sawn. Worth the premium for wide panels.
2
Allow for movement in your joinery. A 12" oak panel can move 1/4" across the grain seasonally.

Open formula

Movement = Width × Dimensional Change Coefficient × ΔMC%
Tangential ≈ 2× Radial

Uses species-specific dimensional change coefficients multiplied by the change in moisture content. Tangential (flat-sawn) movement is roughly twice radial (quarter-sawn).

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