Firewood Cord Calculator
Calculate the volume of a firewood pile in cubic feet and convert it to full cords so you know exactly how much wood you have or need to order.
Results
What is it?
A cord is the standard unit for measuring firewood in the US and Canada. A full cord is a neatly stacked pile measuring 4 ft x 4 ft x 8 ft = 128 cubic feet. A face cord (rick) is only 16 inches deep instead of 4 feet, giving roughly 1/3 of a full cord � so pricing must be compared carefully.
How to use
Measure your firewood pile in feet � length along the ground, height, and depth (log length). The calculator converts the pile volume to full cord equivalents. Use this to verify you received the amount ordered, or to estimate how many cords you need for a heating season.
Example scenario
A pile 8 ft long x 4 ft high x 4 ft deep = 128 cu ft = exactly 1.00 full cord. A face cord 8 x 4 x 16 inches (1.33 ft) = 42.7 cu ft = 0.33 cords � confirming why face cords should cost about 1/3 of a full cord price.
Pro tip
A cord of seasoned hardwood (oak, hickory, ash) contains roughly twice the BTU content of a cord of softwood (pine, fir). For efficient heating, source hardwood with under 20% moisture content � split and stack in a sunny, ventilated spot for at least 6�12 months before burning. Use a moisture meter to confirm readiness.