Since the test method for compression strength perpendicular to the grain was changed from a partial area to a full area loading test, strength values for softwood in EN 338 were significantly reduced. Consequently, a change in Eurocode 5 was necessary to ensure an equivalent resistance level in compression perpendicular to the grain. Experimental results are presented with wood in compression perpendicular to the grain. A numerical model is also presented. This model was used to establish a rule of calculation proposed at the P21A-Committee of the technical and construction equipment standardization office (BNTEC)