DBH stands for?

• A. Diameter at Base Height
• B. Diameter at Breast Height
• C. Depth at Breast Height
• D. Diameter by Height

Answer: (B)

In forestry, size and growth are compared using a measurement taken at a fixed height on the tree, so measurements are consistent across species and ages. That fixed height is breast height, about 1.3 meters above the ground. Therefore, DBH stands for Diameter at Breast Height—the trunk diameter measured at about chest height.

Measurement is typically done with a diameter tape or calipers around the trunk at that height. If the trunk has irregularities or buttressing, you still measure as close to 1.3 meters as practical, ensuring consistency for volume and growth estimates.

The other phrases don’t fit because they refer to different concepts (base height would imply near the ground, depth is not a diameter measurement, and diameter by height is not the standard terminology). So the correct interpretation is Diameter at Breast Height.