# Utility Pole Size, Depth and Load Charts

**URL:** https://draftech.com/tools/utility-pole-charts

**Canonical:** https://draftech.com/tools/utility-pole-charts

**Updated:** Not stated

**Description:** Find utility pole size, diameter, setting depth and class loads from RUS tables using ANSI O5.1-2008 minimums for wood poles by species, class and length.

**Visible word count:** 1456

**Source:** derived from tools/utility-pole-charts.html by projects/content-pipeline/src/sync_blog_ai_mirrors.py - do not hand-edit

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Free OSP Engineering Tool

Updated October 2026

Look up wood pole circumference, diameter, setting depth and class load by species, class and length. We use USDA Rural Utilities Service Bulletin 1724E-150, whose pole tables draw on the minimum dimensions in ANSI O5.1-2008.

## Select Your Pole

Species Group

Pole Class

Pole Length

## Pole Reference Values

N/AGround-line circumference

N/AGround-line diameter

N/ATop circumference

N/ATop diameter

N/ASetting depth

N/AHeight above ground

N/AClass load, 2 ft from top

These federal table values represent minimum dimensions; use the measured pole dimensions or the pole owner's governing standard for your work.

Maintained by the Draftech pole loading engineering team · Data: USDA RUS Bulletin 1724E-150

## Utility Pole Size Chart by Species

Ground-line circumference is the distance around the pole where it meets the ground at the tabulated setting depth. Match the species group, class and length to read the minimum circumference in inches.

| Class | Length (ft) | Setting depth (ft) | Southern Yellow Pine and Douglas Fir | Lodgepole and Red Pine | Western Larch | Western Red Cedar |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | 35 | 6.0 | 39.0 | 41.5 | 38.0 | 42.5 |
| 1 | 40 | 6.0 | 41.0 | 44.0 | 40.0 | 45.0 |
| 1 | 45 | 6.5 | 42.8 | 45.8 | 41.8 | 47.2 |
| 1 | 50 | 7.0 | 44.6 | 47.5 | 43.6 | 49.0 |
| 1 | 55 | 7.5 | 45.9 | 48.8 | 44.9 | 50.8 |
| 2 | 35 | 6.0 | 36.5 | 38.5 | 35.5 | 40.0 |
| 2 | 40 | 6.0 | 38.5 | 41.0 | 37.5 | 42.5 |
| 2 | 45 | 6.5 | 40.3 | 42.8 | 39.3 | 44.3 |
| 2 | 50 | 7.0 | 41.6 | 44.5 | 40.6 | 46.0 |
| 2 | 55 | 7.5 | 42.9 | 45.8 | 42.0 | 47.8 |
| 3 | 35 | 6.0 | 34.0 | 36.0 | 33.0 | 37.5 |
| 3 | 40 | 6.0 | 36.0 | 38.0 | 35.0 | 39.5 |
| 3 | 45 | 6.5 | 37.3 | 39.8 | 36.8 | 41.3 |
| 3 | 50 | 7.0 | 38.6 | 41.6 | 38.1 | 43.0 |
| 3 | 55 | 7.5 | 40.0 | 42.9 | 39.5 | 44.3 |
| 4 | 35 | 6.0 | 31.5 | 33.5 | 31.0 | 34.5 |
| 4 | 40 | 6.0 | 33.5 | 35.5 | 32.5 | 36.5 |
| 4 | 45 | 6.5 | 34.8 | 36.8 | 33.8 | 38.3 |
| 4 | 50 | 7.0 | 36.1 | 38.6 | 35.2 | 39.6 |
| 4 | 55 | 7.5 | 37.5 | 39.9 | 36.5 | 41.4 |
| 5 | 35 | 6.0 | 29.0 | 31.0 | 28.5 | 32.0 |
| 5 | 40 | 6.0 | 31.0 | 33.0 | 30.0 | 34.0 |
| 5 | 45 | 6.5 | 32.3 | 34.3 | 31.3 | 35.8 |
| 5 | 50 | 7.0 | 33.7 | 35.6 | 32.7 | 37.1 |
| 6 | 35 | 6.0 | 27.0 | 28.5 | 26.5 | 30.0 |
| 6 | 40 | 6.0 | 28.5 | 30.5 | 28.0 | 31.5 |
| 6 | 45 | 6.5 | 29.8 | 31.8 | 28.8 | 32.8 |

## Utility Pole Diameter Chart by Class

Diameter is calculated by dividing circumference by pi. Use the same species group, class and length as in the size chart to find the diameter corresponding to that minimum circumference.

| Class | Length (ft) | Top diameter (in) | Southern Yellow Pine and Douglas Fir | Lodgepole and Red Pine | Western Larch | Western Red Cedar |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | 35 | 8.6 | 12.4 | 13.2 | 12.1 | 13.5 |
| 1 | 40 | 8.6 | 13.1 | 14.0 | 12.7 | 14.3 |
| 1 | 45 | 8.6 | 13.6 | 14.6 | 13.3 | 15.0 |
| 1 | 50 | 8.6 | 14.2 | 15.1 | 13.9 | 15.6 |
| 1 | 55 | 8.6 | 14.6 | 15.5 | 14.3 | 16.2 |
| 2 | 35 | 8.0 | 11.6 | 12.3 | 11.3 | 12.7 |
| 2 | 40 | 8.0 | 12.3 | 13.1 | 11.9 | 13.5 |
| 2 | 45 | 8.0 | 12.8 | 13.6 | 12.5 | 14.1 |
| 2 | 50 | 8.0 | 13.2 | 14.2 | 12.9 | 14.6 |
| 2 | 55 | 8.0 | 13.7 | 14.6 | 13.4 | 15.2 |
| 3 | 35 | 7.3 | 10.8 | 11.5 | 10.5 | 11.9 |
| 3 | 40 | 7.3 | 11.5 | 12.1 | 11.1 | 12.6 |
| 3 | 45 | 7.3 | 11.9 | 12.7 | 11.7 | 13.1 |
| 3 | 50 | 7.3 | 12.3 | 13.2 | 12.1 | 13.7 |
| 3 | 55 | 7.3 | 12.7 | 13.7 | 12.6 | 14.1 |
| 4 | 35 | 6.7 | 10.0 | 10.7 | 9.9 | 11.0 |
| 4 | 40 | 6.7 | 10.7 | 11.3 | 10.3 | 11.6 |
| 4 | 45 | 6.7 | 11.1 | 11.7 | 10.8 | 12.2 |
| 4 | 50 | 6.7 | 11.5 | 12.3 | 11.2 | 12.6 |
| 4 | 55 | 6.7 | 11.9 | 12.7 | 11.6 | 13.2 |
| 5 | 35 | 6.0 | 9.2 | 9.9 | 9.1 | 10.2 |
| 5 | 40 | 6.0 | 9.9 | 10.5 | 9.5 | 10.8 |
| 5 | 45 | 6.0 | 10.3 | 10.9 | 10.0 | 11.4 |
| 5 | 50 | 6.0 | 10.7 | 11.3 | 10.4 | 11.8 |
| 6 | 35 | 5.4 | 8.6 | 9.1 | 8.4 | 9.5 |
| 6 | 40 | 5.4 | 9.1 | 9.7 | 8.9 | 10.0 |
| 6 | 45 | 5.4 | 9.5 | 10.1 | 9.2 | 10.4 |

## Utility Pole Setting Depth by Length

The setting depths tabulated by RUS follow 10 percent of the pole's length plus 2 feet, with a 6-foot minimum. Soil, rock, slope and guying can require greater depth, and the pole owner's construction standard governs.

| Pole length (ft) | Setting depth (ft) | Height above ground (ft) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 35 | 6.0 | 29.0 |
| 40 | 6.0 | 34.0 |
| 45 | 6.5 | 38.5 |
| 50 | 7.0 | 43.0 |
| 55 | 7.5 | 47.5 |

## Pole Classes and Horizontal Loads

A pole class defines a horizontal load applied 2 feet from the top, with a lower class number indicating a stronger, thicker pole. Different species and lengths within a class carry about the same load, but their minimum dimensions differ.

| Class | Horizontal load 2 ft from top (lb) | Minimum top circumference (in) | Minimum top diameter (in) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | 4,500 | 27.0 | 8.6 |
| 2 | 3,700 | 25.0 | 8.0 |
| 3 | 3,000 | 23.0 | 7.3 |
| 4 | 2,400 | 21.0 | 6.7 |
| 5 | 1,900 | 19.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 1,500 | 17.0 | 5.4 |

## Methodology and Sources

We use USDA RUS Bulletin 1724E-150, "Unguyed Distribution Poles--Strength Requirements" (2014), which uses ANSI O5.1-2008 minimum dimensions. RUS Equation 5.2 converts the circumference 6 feet from the butt to the ground-line circumference at the tabulated setting depth; diameter = circumference / pi. Coverage is Classes 1 to 4 at 35 to 55 feet, Class 5 at 35 to 50 feet, and Class 6 at 35 to 45 feet. Species groups are Southern Yellow Pine and Douglas Fir; Lodgepole and Red Pine; Western Larch; and Western Red Cedar. We omit weights because the federal tables do not provide them, and weights vary with species, treatment and moisture.

## From Pole Dimensions to Pole Loading Analysis

The charts give minimum pole dimensions and horizontal class loads. Those values alone do not tell you whether a pole can carry wind and ice loads. Use the free [Pole Loading Calculator](https://draftech.com/tools/pole-loading-calculator) to screen one tangent wood pole for NESC Rule 250B wind and ice load against its capacity by class. The calculator uses the same ANSI O5.1 minimums as these charts.

For a full stamped assessment, use our [pole loading analysis](https://draftech.com/services/pole-loading-analysis) service. Make-ready engineering follows that analysis.

From the Blog

## Related Technical Guides

Standards [ANSI O5.1 Pole Specifications Guide: Class, Length, and Fiber Stress for Make-Ready](https://draftech.com/blog/ansi-o5-1-pole-specifications-guide)

Pole Loading [What Is a Pole Loading Analysis? (And Why It Stops Fiber Builds Cold)](https://draftech.com/blog/what-is-a-pole-loading-analysis)

Attachments [Utility Pole Attachment Engineering: Build a Reviewable Route Package](https://draftech.com/blog/utility-pole-attachment-engineering)

Software [Pole Loading Analysis with O-Calc Pro: The Complete Guide for Fiber Attachments](https://draftech.com/blog/pole-loading-analysis-o-calc-pro)

FROM DIMENSIONS TO DESIGN

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Utility Pole Charts is a free reference from Draftech International using federal pole tables in USDA RUS Bulletin 1724E-150. Find minimum circumferences, calculated diameters, setting depths and class loads by species, class and length. For the next step, screen a pole with our [Pole Loading Calculator](https://draftech.com/tools/pole-loading-calculator), request a stamped [pole loading analysis](https://draftech.com/services/pole-loading-analysis), or explore our [free design offer](https://draftech.com/free-design).

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How Deep Is a 40-Foot Utility Pole Set?

RUS tabulates a 6-foot setting depth for a 40-foot pole. The rule takes 10 percent of the pole's length and adds 2 feet, with a 6-foot minimum. Soil, rock, slope and guying can require a deeper setting, and the pole owner's construction standard governs.

### What Does Class 4 Mean for a Wood Pole?

Class 4 corresponds to a horizontal load of 2,400 pounds applied 2 feet from the pole's top. Its minimum top circumference is 21.0 inches. Ground-line dimensions depend on species and length. A lower class number indicates a stronger, thicker pole, so class must be read together with those other selections.

### Why Is Western Red Cedar Thicker at the Ground Line?

Western Red Cedar has a lower designated fiber stress, 6,000 psi, than the 8,000 psi for Southern Yellow Pine and Douglas Fir. To carry about the same class load, it needs a greater ground-line circumference. For a 40-foot Class 4 pole, the listed minimum is 36.5 inches for Western Red Cedar versus 33.5 inches for Southern Yellow Pine and Douglas Fir.

### How Do I Convert Pole Circumference to Diameter?

Divide the circumference by pi to obtain diameter in the same units. The chart uses minimum circumferences from the RUS data, with the ground-line value computed using RUS Equation 5.2. Select the species group, class and length first so the circumference corresponds to the pole you are looking up.

### Do These Charts Replace a Pole Loading Analysis?

These charts provide minimum dimensions and horizontal class loads. The Pole Loading Calculator screens one tangent wood pole for NESC Rule 250B wind and ice load against its capacity by class. We provide the full stamped pole loading analysis as a separate service, followed by make-ready engineering.