Stress wave velocity, wave impedance, and stress wave elasticity of small, clear bending specimens of five domestic softwoods (Pinus densiflora, Pinus koraiensis, Chamaecyparis obtusa, Cryptomeria japonica, and Larix leptolepis) and four tropical hardwoods(Kempas, Malas, Taun, and Terminalia) were correlated with static bending modulus of elasticity(MOE) and modulus of rupture(MOR). The degree of correlation between stress wave parameters and static bending properties was dependent on wood species tested. Stress wave elasticity and wave impedance were better predictors for static bending properties than stress wave velocity for each species individually and for softwood or hardwood species taken as a group, even though elasticity and impedance were nearly equally correlated with static bending properties apparently. Based upon the correlation coefficient between stress wave parameters and static properties, stress wave elasticity and wave impedance were found as stress wave parameters which can be used for the purpose of the reliable and successful prediction of bending properties. The degree of correlation between static MOE and MOR was also different according to wood species tested. Static MOE was nearly as well correlated with MOR as was stress wave elasticity. The results of this research are encouraging and can be considered as a basis for further work using full-size lumber. From the results of this study, it was concluded that stress wave measurements could provide useful predictions of static bending properties and was a feasible method for machine stress grading of domestic softwoods and tropical hardwoods tested in this study.