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Shrinkage is proportional to the change in moisture content (MC) between the fiber saturation point (~25–30% MC) and the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) the wood will reach in service.
ΔMC = MC_initial − MC_finalEach species has distinct shrinkage coefficients for radial, tangential, and longitudinal directions. Tangential shrinkage is typically 1.5–2× radial; longitudinal shrinkage is negligible for most furniture work.
ΔL/L = α × ΔMCMultiply the original dimension by the species-specific coefficient and moisture change for each grain direction. Use tangential values for flat-sawn faces and radial values for quarter-sawn faces.
New dimension = Original × (1 − α × ΔMC / 100)Updated: July 2026
A 36-inch-wide flat-sawn white oak panel dried from 12% to 6% EMC in a heated home. Tangential shrinkage coefficient ~0.0037 per 1% MC yields roughly 0.8 inches total width loss across the grain.
Hard maple drawer sides at 8% MC installed in summer at 11% MC need extra side clearance. Radial shrinkage of ~0.0017 per 1% MC on a 4-inch side means ~0.02 inches seasonal movement to account for.
Before gluing a 24-inch cherry panel, calculate worst-case shrinkage from kiln-dried 6% to humid 10% MC. Tangential coefficient ~0.0025 gives ~0.24 inches expansion to plan frame grooves accordingly.
Flat-sawn faces move tangentially; quarter-sawn faces move radially. Applying an average coefficient underestimates movement on wide flat-sawn panels and overestimates it on quarter-sawn stock.
Panels need a floating tenon or groove that allows expansion across the grain. A glued captive panel will crack or blow out the frame when humidity rises.
Wood expands and contracts as moisture content changes, and the amount varies dramatically by grain direction and species. This calculator estimates dimensional change so you can size panels, tabletops, and joinery with proper allowance for seasonal movement.