🔥 Firewood Cord Calculator
Calculate how many cords of firewood you have, and see how much it’s worth.
Single Stack
Multiple Stacks (same dimensions)
Updated On: May 9, 2025
Firewood Cord Calculator
Created by James S. Lockwood
With a background in botany and ecological sciences, James specializes in creating practical tools and resources to help gardeners, farmers, and plant enthusiasts optimize their green spaces.
Our Firewood Cord Calculator, is a simple and effective tool for estimating the amount and value of your firewood. Whether you’re a homeowner, firewood seller, or outdoor enthusiast, this calculator will help you determine how many cords of firewood you have and what it’s worth based on current pricing.
Table of Contents
How to Use the Firewood Cord Calculator?
- Enter Firewood Stack Dimensions – Input the length, width, and height of your stack in feet.
- Choose Single or Multiple Stacks – If you have more than one stack, select the Multiple Stacks option and enter the number of stacks.
- Enter the Price per Cord – If you’re buying or selling firewood, enter the current market rate per cord.
- Get Instant Results – The calculator will provide the total cords of firewood and its estimated value in dollars.
What Is a Cord of Firewood?
A cord is the official unit of measurement for firewood in the U.S. It equals 128 cubic feet of neatly stacked wood, typically arranged in a pile 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long. That’s a lot of wood—and yes, it’s easy to over- or underestimate how much you’re actually getting.
Some sellers might offer a “face cord” instead, which is only the front face of a full cord (usually one-third of a cord). Others use terms like “rick” or “stove cord,” which aren’t standardized and vary by region.
It’s part of why many people rely on a cord of firewood calculator to do the math for them. Instead of guessing, you can plug in your stack dimensions and let the tool determine if you’re getting a full cord—or something less.
How to Calculate a Cord of Firewood?
A cord of firewood is a standard unit of measurement for firewood volume, commonly used in North America. It represents a neatly stacked pile of firewood measuring:
- Length: 8 feet
- Width: 4 feet
- Height: 4 feet
The total volume of one full cord is 128 cubic feet of stacked firewood, including air space. If your firewood is stacked in a different size or shape, you can use this formula to calculate how many cords you have:
Cords = (Stack Length × Stack Width × Stack Height) ÷ 128
For multiple stacks, multiply the result by the number of stacks to get the total firewood volume. You can try the Firewood Cord Calculator to quickly get an estimate based on your stack’s dimensions.
Dimensions of a Cord of Wood
Technically, a standard cord measures 4 ft × 4 ft × 8 ft, but the reality is more nuanced. Different arrangements, such as loose piles or crisscross stacks, may still visually appear to be a cord—but the air gaps can reduce actual wood volume by up to 10–15%.
Also, not all logs are split the same way. Denser species like oak take up less space between logs than something lighter like pine. Even the moisture level can play a role in the way wood sits in a pile.
So while “cord of wood dimensions” are often cited as a standard, the only consistent way to measure accurately is by calculating the total cubic feet.
How Many Logs in a Cord of Wood?
There’s no single answer here, but estimates help. A full cord typically contains 600 to 800 logs, depending on size and cut.
If you split your logs smaller for kindling, that number jumps significantly. Conversely, if you’re stacking rounds or oversized logs, you’ll have fewer. It also depends on whether the logs are machine-split, hand-split, or left in more natural shapes.
This variation is why relying solely on log count isn’t very effective. But for casual reference, an average log (16 inches long and 6 inches in diameter) stacked neatly will yield about 600–650 pieces per cord.
How Much Does a Cord of Firewood Weigh?
This one surprises people. A cord of green oak can weigh over 5,500 pounds, while a cord of dry pine might weigh closer to 2,500 pounds.
Factors affecting weight:
Wood species (oak, maple, birch = heavier; pine, spruce = lighter)
Moisture content (wet wood weighs much more)
Splitting and stacking method
This variation also affects burning efficiency. Wet wood may weigh more, but it burns poorly. For best results, aim for seasoned wood with moisture content below 20%.
How to Store Firewood for Winter?
Proper storage can make or break your winter stockpile. A few guidelines:
Keep it off the ground: Use a rack or pallets to avoid moisture absorption.
Cover the top, not the sides: Airflow is essential to drying; tarps should only cover the upper portion.
Stack loosely: Tight piles restrict airflow, slowing down seasoning.
Face it south: Sun exposure helps dry the wood faster.
Some people swear by tightly wrapped plastic wrap for protection; others say it traps moisture and leads to mold. Like most things in firewood prep, there’s room for debate.
Need help estimating mulch for the surrounding storage area? Try the Mulch Calculator to keep your stack well-drained.
Why Use a Firewood Cord Calculator?
- Accurate Volume Measurement – Avoid overpaying or underestimating your firewood supply.
- Easy Firewood Pricing – Quickly determine how much your firewood is worth based on price per cord.
- Supports Multiple Stacks – Calculate for single or multiple firewood stacks with ease.
- Instant & Free – No complicated math, just enter the values and get results instantly.
Related Tools to Explore
Once you’re done measuring your firewood, explore related tools:
Tree Value Calculator – Estimate how much a standing tree might be worth before you chop.
Tree Removal Cost Calculator – Planning to clear trees? Get cost estimates fast.
Drip Irrigation Flow Rate Calculator – If you use wood ash in your garden, this helps water planning.
Final Thoughts
A firewood cord calculator isn’t just a novelty—it’s a necessary tool in a world where firewood is still sold by volume, but often delivered in inconsistent ways. Whether you’re buying, selling, or preparing your winter stash, knowing how to calculate a cord of firewood helps you stay informed and confident.
For deeper reference on standard wood measurements, visit Forest Products Laboratory—a USDA research resource on all things wood.
Disclaimer for Firewood Cord Calculator
The Firewood Cord Calculator provides approximate calculations and should be used for estimating purposes only. Firewood volume can vary based on stacking method, log shape, and air gaps between logs. For exact measurements, refer to local regulations and industry standards for firewood sales. Prices may also fluctuate based on location, season, and wood type.
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