This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D2395 − 17

Standard Test Methods for

Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Wood and
Wood-Based Materials1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2395; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope D4442 Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measure-

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the ment of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
density and specific gravity (relative density) of wood and D5456 Specification for Evaluation of Structural Composite
wood-based materials to generally desired degrees of accuracy Lumber Products
and for specimens of different sizes, shapes, and moisture D7438 Practice for Field Calibration and Application of
content conditions. The test method title is indicative of the Hand-Held Moisture Meters
procedures used or the specific area of use. E1547 Terminology Relating to Industrial and Specialty
Chemicals
Section
Test Method A—Volume by Measurement 8 2.2 Other Standards:
Test Method B—Volume by Water Immersion 9 CAN/CSA O86 Engineering Design in Wood3
Test Method C—Flotation Tube 10 ANSI/AWC National Design Specification for Wood Con-
Test Method D—Forstner Bit 11
Test Method E—Increment Core 12 struction4
Test Method F—Chips 13
Test Method G—Full-Size Members 14 3. Terminology
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1 Definitions:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Terminology D9.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor- 3.2.1 density, ρ [kg/m3, g/cm3 or lb/ft3], n—the mass of a
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- unit volume of a specimen at specified moisture content.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the NOTE 1—The moisture content is specified for both mass and volume.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- For further discussion, see Appendix X3.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 3.2.1.1 density at moisture content M—density based on the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. mass of a specimen including moisture and its volume at the
same moisture content.
2. Referenced Documents
NOTE 2—The mass and volume at 12 % moisture content are frequently
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 used.
D9 Terminology Relating to Wood and Wood-Based Prod- 3.2.1.2 density, basic or conventional, ρb—density based on
ucts the oven-dry mass of a specimen and its green volume.
D2555 Practice for Establishing Clear Wood Strength Values 3.2.1.3 density, oven-dry or in the absolute dry condition,
ρ0—density based on the oven-dry mass of a specimen and its
oven-dry volume.
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D07 on 3.2.2 green volume, n—the volume of wood specimen
Wood and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.01 on Fundamental
Test Methods and Properties. before any shrinkage occurs due to drying to moisture content
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 2017. Published November 2017. Originally below the fiber saturation point (about 30 %).
approved in 1965. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D2395 – 14ε1. DOI:
10.1520/D2395-17.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from CSA Group, 5060 Spectrum Way, Mississauga, ON L4W 5N6,
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM Canada, http://www.csa.ca.
4
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Wood Council (AWC) 222 Catoctin Circle, SE, Suite
the ASTM website. 201 Leesburg, VA 20175, www.awc.org.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D2395 − 17
NOTE 3—Green volume may also be obtained by water soaking of 5.2 The basic density and basic specific gravity of wood are
partially dry wood specimens until they reach fully swollen condition used in the forestry industry for calculating the oven-dry
above the fiber saturation point (for example, see 13.2.3.1). The fiber
saturation point of wood averages approximately 30% moisture content,
weight of wood fiber contained in a known wood volume of
but in individual species and individual pieces of wood it can vary by various wood species. Thus, it serves as an indicator of the
several percentage points from that value. For further discussion, see amount of wood pulp that could be produced, the workability
Appendix X3. of the material or its shipping weight. This information is
3.2.3 moisture content, M [%]—the amount of water con- referenced in various resources, including Wood Handbook.5
tained in a specimen, expressed as a percentage of its oven-dry Note that specific gravity varies within a tree, between trees,
mass. and between species. Since the specific gravity of wood cell
3.2.4 specific gravity (relative density), S, n—the ratio of the wall substance is practically constant for all species (approxi-
oven-dry mass of a specimen to the mass of a volume of water mately 1.53), it is apparent that individual specific gravity
equal to the volume of the specimen at a specified moisture value is indicative of the amount of wood cell wall substance
content. present. It affords a rapid and valuable test method for selection
of wood for specific uses. In US and Canadian building codes,
NOTE 4—The volume may be that in the oven-dry, partially dry, or the oven-dry specific gravity is correlated to various strength
green (fully swollen) condition. Further in this standard, the terms specific
gravity and relative density are used interchangeably. For further
characteristics of wood products (for example, compression
discussion, see Appendix X3. perpendicular to grain, shear strength and fastener holding
3.2.4.1 specific gravity at moisture content M, n—specific capacity).
gravity based on the oven-dry mass of a specimen and its 5.3 It is often desirable to know the density or specific
volume at a specified moisture content between the oven-dry gravity of a living tree, a structural member already in place, a
condition and the fiber saturation point. log cross section, a segment of a research element, or the
earlywood or latewood layer. Therefore, it is possible that
NOTE 5—The volume at 12 % moisture content is frequently used.
specimens will be large or small, regular or irregular in shape,
3.2.4.2 specific gravity, basic (or green), Sb, n—specific and at a variety of moisture contents. These test methods give
gravity based on the oven-dry mass of a specimen and its green procedures that include all of these variables and provides for
volume. calculation of density and specific gravity values to degrees of
3.2.4.3 specific gravity, oven-dry or on oven-dry basis, S0, precision generally needed.
n—specific gravity based on the oven-dry mass of a specimen
5.4 In the wood-based composites industry, the product
and its oven-dry volume.
density or specific gravity also provides an important indicator
of potential product attributes. For wood-based materials, the
4. Summary of Test Methods
same test methods are used; however, the measurements
4.1 The precision of test results obtained on a representative typically combine the mass from the wood substance with any
specimen depends upon the precision of the measurements resin, wax, or other solid additives present in the material.
made. Test Method A is used for precise measurements when These properties are not to be confused with equivalent specific
the specimens are carefully prepared and regular in shape. Test gravity of structural composite lumber used to characterize its
Method B is used for precise measurements if the specimens fastener-holding capacity determined in accordance with
are irregularly shaped and if due care is taken to prevent Specification D5456.
sorption of water. Test Method C is an approximate test method
that is permitted for use as part of a production procedure or in 6. Test Specimens
other situations where less precision is acceptable. Test Meth- 6.1 The test specimens shall be fully representative of the
ods D and E are especially adapted to density or specific material from which they are taken. The specimen size shall be
gravity measurements of living trees or of in-place elements, such that accurate measurements of mass and volume are easy
and the precision of the result is dependent upon the care used to attain. Where other standards specify the location and size of
in obtaining the specimen. Test Method F is a specific test specimens, these requirements shall be carefully followed.
procedure for wood chips. Test Method G provides a procedure With the exception of Test Method G, the specimens shall be
to estimate the overall density or specific gravity of a full-size carefully cut from the larger element to ensure clean-cut
rectangular member that includes typical growth and manufac- surfaces. All loose fibers shall be carefully removed before the
turing characteristics. specimen is weighed and measured. The specimen shall be free
from knots, and if pitch or other infiltrates are present, this shall
5. Significance and Use be noted in the report or they shall be extracted before taking
5.1 Density and specific gravity are cornerstone terms that measurements and weighing. The specimens for Test Method
help define many useful properties of wood and wood-based G shall be full-size rectangular members. When Test Method G
materials. These terms designate concepts that have distinct is used with solid wood lumber, the specimens shall be
definitions though they relate to the same characteristic (mass permitted to include knots, wane, edge easing, pitch, or other
in a unit volume). Generally, in the US and Canada, density of typical growth or manufacturing characteristics.
wood is measured in terms of specific gravity, or relative
density. In the wood-based composites industry and interna- 5
Forest Products Laboratory General Technical Report FPL-GTR-190, Wood
tionally the term density is often preferred. Handbook: Wood as Engineering Material, Forest Products Society, 2010.

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 D2395 − 17
6.2 Measurements—The dimensions of test specimens shall 8.2.2 Initial Mass, (mM)—Determine the initial mass of the
be measured to a precision of 60.3 % or less, and the mass specimen at the time of test in accordance with 6.2.
shall be determined to a precision of 60.2 % or less. Where 8.2.3 Oven-dry Mass (m0)—Oven-dry mass of the specimen
drying of specimens is required, this shall be done in a forced shall be determined by drying to practical equilibrium in
convection oven that can be maintained at 103 6 2°C accordance with 6.2 or by calculation in accordance with
throughout the drying chamber for the time required to dry the 15.1.2 if a moisture meter is used (7.1.2).
specimen to reach practical equilibrium. The oven shall be 8.2.4 Moisture Content—Determine the moisture content
vented to allow the evaporated moisture to escape. (M) of the specimen in accordance with 7.1.
NOTE 6—For most specimens of wood and structural composite lumber
1 in. (25 mm) in length parallel to grain, drying for 24 h in an oven having 9. Test Method B—Volume by Water Immersion
good air circulation and exchange will be sufficient to reach practical
equilibrium (no more than 0.2% mass change over 8 h period of drying). 9.1 Applicability:
For other wood-based materials, the drying time should be established by 9.1.1 This procedure is particularly adaptable to clear wood
test. For further discussion, see Appendix X3.
specimens of irregular shape or having a rough surface.
7. Moisture Content NOTE 8—Limitations on specimen size are based primarily on size of
7.1 The moisture content (M) of the specimens shall be immersion tanks available. In small size specimens, less than 1 cm3 in
volume, air bubbles adhering to the specimen surface can result in
measured to identify the basis on which the density or specific considerable error in volume measurement and thus in the computed
gravity is determined. The method of determination of the density or specific gravity value. Freshly cut green wood will not absorb
moisture content depends on the size of the specimen and the appreciable quantities of water during the brief immersion period. If any
purpose of the test. drying has taken place, the surface of the specimen needs to be sealed
7.1.1 Oven Drying—The moisture content shall be deter- before immersion in water or else the volumetric displacement of the
specimen will be in error in an amount equal to the volume of water
mined using the oven-dry procedures of Test Method D4442. absorbed by the wood.
With small specimens of convenient size that can be oven-
dried within a reasonable timeframe, the entire piece shall be 9.2 Procedures:
used for the moisture content determination. With larger 9.2.1 Initial Mass (mM)—Determine the initial mass of the
specimens that cannot be conveniently oven-dried, at least one specimen at time of test in accordance with 6.2.
representative segment shall be cut from the full-size specimen 9.2.2 Volume—Determine the volume of the specimen by
for the moisture content determination. In this case, the measuring the volume or the mass of the water displaced by the
moisture content specimens shall be as large as can be specimen using one of the following modes. The mass of water
practically dried in a reasonable timeframe and cut away from in grams is numerically equal to its volume in cubic centime-
the member ends, wherever possible. ters. Unless the volume is determined on a specimen of green
7.1.2 Moisture Meter—Where a large solid wood specimen wood, the surfaces of the specimen shall be adequately sealed
cannot be cut to secure a moisture content segment for oven (see 9.2.2.5).
drying, an approximate moisture content shall be permitted to 9.2.2.1 Mode I—Place the specimen in a tank of known
be obtained through the use of a moisture meter in accordance volume and add sufficient water to fill the tank with the
with Practice D7438. The meter readings shall be corrected for specimen being fully submerged. Then remove the specimen
temperature and species. The use of moisture meters shall not and determine the volume of water remaining. The tank
be permitted for materials other than solid wood. volume less the volume of water remaining is equal to the
NOTE 7—Since the moisture content value obtained with moisture volume of the specimen. The relationship between specimen
meter is approximate, it should be recognized that the density and specific volume and tank volume shall be such that the precision of
gravity values obtained using this method are approximate. To improve specimen volume measurement is adequate to the purpose of
accuracy, the oven-drying method of moisture content determination the test.
should be used whenever possible.
9.2.2.2 Mode II—Place a container holding enough water to
8. Test Method A—Volume by Measurement completely submerge the specimen on a balance as shown in
Fig. 1. Then tare the balance to the combined mass of the
8.1 Applicability: container and water. Using a sharp, pointed, slender rod, place
8.1.1 This procedure is adaptable to any size of clear wood the specimen in the container so that it is completely sub-
specimen at any moisture content. The specimen shall be merged in the water without touching the sides of the container.
regular in shape with right-angle corners for determination of After reaching the equilibrium, the reading on the balance is
volume by linear measurement. If the surfaces of the specimen equal to the mass of water displaced by the specimen.
are smooth and sufficient measurements are taken, the volume 9.2.2.3 Mode III—Place a container holding enough water
can be obtained with high precision. Special care shall be taken to completely submerge the specimen on a balance as shown in
in measurement of very small or thin specimens. Volume of Fig. 2. The container shall be sufficiently large so that
irregular or rough-surfaced specimens shall be obtained by Test immersion of the specimen causes no significant change in
Method B. water level. Suspend a wire basket of sufficient mass to keep
8.2 Procedures: the specimen submerged and immerse it in the water. Tare the
8.2.1 Volume—Measure the length, width, and thickness of balance to the mass of the basket when freely immersed. Weigh
the specimen in accordance with 6.2 in a sufficient number of the specimen in air. Place the specimen in the basket and hold
places to ensure a precise indication of volume. it completely submerged without touching the container. After