Wood Stere Calculator
Convert between stere and other wood volume measurements
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Enter the volume of wood you want to convert
- Select the input unit (stere, cubic meter solid, cord, or cubic feet)
- Choose your wood type (firewood logs, split wood, or chips) to apply the correct stacking factor
- Click calculate to see conversions in all standard wood volume units
What is a Stere?
A stere is a unit of volume equal to one cubic meter of stacked wood. The term comes from the Greek word 'stereos' meaning solid. It's widely used in Europe for measuring firewood and timber.
Unlike a cubic meter of solid wood, a stere accounts for the air spaces between logs when wood is stacked. This makes it a more practical unit for buying and selling firewood.
Understanding Stacking Factors
The stacking factor is the ratio between solid wood volume and stacked wood volume. It accounts for the air spaces between pieces when wood is stacked.
| Wood Type | Stacking Factor | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Firewood Logs | 0.60 - 0.70 (avg 0.65) | Round logs with bark, largest air gaps |
| Split Wood | 0.70 - 0.80 (avg 0.75) | Split pieces stack more efficiently |
| Wood Chips | ~0.40 | Very small pieces with many air pockets |
Wood Volume Conversion Factors
| From | To | Conversion |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Stere | Cubic Meter Solid | 0.6-0.8 m³ (depends on wood type) |
| 1 Cord | Stere | 3.625 stere |
| 1 Cord | Cubic Feet | 128 ft³ |
| 1 Stere | Cubic Feet | 35.31 ft³ |
Practical Applications
- Firewood Sales: Accurately price and measure firewood for sale
- Heating Calculations: Estimate how much firewood needed for winter heating
- Forestry Management: Convert between different volume measurements
- Transportation: Calculate truck capacity for wood deliveries
- Storage Planning: Determine storage space needed for firewood
- International Trade: Convert between regional measurement standards
Tips for Buying Firewood
- Always verify the measurement unit being used (stere, cord, cubic meter)
- Check if the price is for stacked or solid volume
- Split wood is more expensive but easier to stack and burn
- Seasoned (dry) wood weighs less but provides more heat
- Consider the wood species - hardwoods provide more heat than softwoods
- Measure the delivered pile to ensure you received the correct amount
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between a stere and a cubic meter?
- A stere is one cubic meter of stacked wood, including air spaces between pieces. A cubic meter of solid wood contains no air spaces. The stacking factor (typically 0.6-0.8) converts between the two.
- How many steres are in a cord?
- One cord equals 3.625 steres or cubic meters of stacked wood. A cord is a traditional North American measurement defined as a stack 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long.
- Why does wood type affect the conversion?
- Different wood types stack differently. Round logs have larger air gaps (stacking factor ~0.65) compared to split wood which stacks more tightly (stacking factor ~0.75). This affects the ratio between stacked and solid volume.
- Is it better to buy firewood by stere or by weight?
- Both have advantages. Volume (stere) is traditional and easier to visualize, but weight accounts for moisture content. Dry wood weighs less but provides more heat. Many sellers use volume for pricing but both measurements are useful.