Firewood Calculator – Calculate Cords and Volume
Calculate firewood volume in cords and cubic feet
How to Use
- Measure the length of your firewood stack in feet
- Measure the height of the stack in feet
- Measure the depth (width) of the stack in feet
- Click calculate to see total cords and estimated weight
What is a Cord of Firewood?
A cord is the standard unit of measurement for firewood in the United States. A full cord measures 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet of stacked wood (including air space between logs).
When properly stacked, a cord contains approximately 85 cubic feet of solid wood, with the remaining space occupied by air gaps between the logs.
How to Measure Your Firewood Stack
To accurately measure your firewood:
- Measure the length (longest dimension) of the stack
- Measure the height from ground to top of stack
- Measure the depth (width of individual logs)
- Ensure wood is stacked tightly and uniformly
- Measure in feet for easiest cord calculation
Firewood Weight Estimates
The weight of a cord varies significantly by wood type and moisture content:
- Green (unseasoned) hardwood: 4,000-5,000 lbs per cord
- Seasoned hardwood: 2,500-3,000 lbs per cord
- Seasoned softwood: 1,500-2,500 lbs per cord
- This calculator uses 2,750 lbs as an average for seasoned hardwood
Common Firewood Terms
Face Cord (Rick): One-third of a full cord, typically 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but only 16 inches deep.
Half Cord: Exactly half of a full cord, or 64 cubic feet.
Seasoned Wood: Wood that has been dried for 6-12 months, with moisture content below 20%.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much firewood do I need for winter?
- The average home uses 3-6 cords per heating season, depending on climate, home insulation, and how much you rely on wood heat. Colder climates and primary wood heating require more.
- What's the difference between a cord and a face cord?
- A full cord is 128 cubic feet (4'x4'x8'). A face cord (or rick) is typically one-third of a cord, measuring 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but only 16 inches deep instead of 4 feet.
- How do I know if I'm getting a full cord when buying firewood?
- Ask the seller to stack the wood so you can measure it. A full cord should measure 4x4x8 feet when stacked. Be wary of terms like 'truckload' or 'rack' which aren't standard measurements.
- Does the type of wood affect the cord measurement?
- No, a cord is a volume measurement (128 cubic feet) regardless of wood type. However, different woods have different weights and heat values. Hardwoods like oak are denser and provide more heat per cord than softwoods like pine.