In the United States and Canada logs are most commonly measured in board feet. Firewood and wood cut into short bolts, such as small pulpwood, excelsior wood, etc., are usually measured in cords. In the Adirondack Mountains the 19-inch standard, or, as it is often called, "the market," is a common unit of log measure. In some localities a log 22 inches in diameter at the small end and 13 feet long is used as a standard log and is the unit for buying and selling timber. In other sections standards are used which are based on logs 12 feet long and respectively 21, 22, and 24 inches in diameter at the small end inside the bark.

In some cases logs are measured in cubic feet. This is common with long spar timber and with long logs to be cut or hewn square. In many localities timber is sold by the log or tree, and in some sections standing timber is sold for a specified amount per acre or other unit of land measure. Piles and mine props are usually sold by the piece or by the linear foot. Logs are occasionally sold by the ton.