The Idaho Department of Lands hosts Log Scaling School at the Hells Canyon Grand Hotel and a local log yard in Lewiston, Idaho. Each day, school participants receive classroom training and hands on scaling experience in a log yard.
This class helps prepare those pursuing a career in log scaling for the state licensure test. It also serves as a great introduction for individuals seeking to learn more about the rewarding and precise work of log scaling.
Contact
Shannon McCormick
Timber Measurement Program Specialist
Phone: 208-666-8641
smccormick@idl.idaho.gov
Log Scaling School will resume in 2026
In 2025, we will not be holding a Scaling School. It will resume in 2026.
Read an Overview of Log Scaling in Idaho
Learn about Pro-Logger Credits
Understanding Log Scaling
Scaling, as a system of log measurement, relies on rules to generally express the volume of wood products contained in a log. In its simplest
form, scaling involves physically measuring the length and diameter of a log, then calculating its volume as a cylinder. Scaling also involves determining tree species and identifying log defects.
Scaling helps establish the value of logs by providing an objective, quantifiable basis for calculating the potential value-added
products that can be manufactured from saw logs. Other reasons to scale logs include predicting the quantity manufactured products, confirming the accuracy of timber cruise volumes, measuring log inventory, assessing taxes, creating written records for identifying logs and tracking work accomplished.
There are multiple methods of scaling logs but only two are approved for commercial scaling in Idaho, the Scribner Decimal “C” and Cubic.
Scaling Regulatory Oversight
The Idaho Board of Scaling Practices is an independent state agency attached to the Idaho Department of Lands for administrative purposes. The board enforces log scaling standards prescribed by statute and regulations. It also tests and licenses scaling practitioners and subjects them to routine, unannounced check scales to assure proficiency.
Idaho law requires that every person performing log scaling for commercial purposes must first be licensed by the Idaho Board of Scaling Practices. Licensed professional log scalers receive a certificate of registration that proves they have been tested and deemed qualified to scale logs commercially. License registrations are valid for a two-year period and scalers must pass an examination every two years to maintain active license status.