How to use this firewood cord calculator
- Measure the length and height of the stack.
- Measure the depth, which is the length of the logs (often 16 in).
- Optionally enter the price per full cord to value the stack.
Example
A 16 ft long, 4 ft high stack of 16 inch logs is 0.67 cords (2 face cords). At $300 per full cord, it is worth about $200.
What to know before you buy
Best firewood types
Dense hardwoods such as oak, hickory, ash and maple produce the most heat per cord and burn longer. Softwoods like pine light easily and burn hot and fast, making them good kindling but they need more frequent reloading.
Seasoning firewood
Freshly cut wood can contain over 50% water. Split and stacked wood usually needs 6–12 months (hardwoods longer) to dry below 20% moisture. Dry wood burns cleaner, produces more heat and reduces creosote buildup in the chimney.
Common firewood stacks
| Stack (L × H × log length) | Full cords | Face cords (4×8 ft stack) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 × 4 ft × 16 in | 0.33 cords | 1 |
| 8 × 4 ft × 24 in | 0.5 cords | 1 |
| 8 × 4 ft × 48 in | 1 cords | 1 |
| 16 × 4 ft × 16 in | 0.67 cords | 2 |
| 24 × 4 ft × 16 in | 1 cords | 3 |
Formula
A full cord is 4 × 4 × 8 ft = 128 cu ft of stacked wood. A face cord is a 4 × 8 ft stack of any log length (with 16 in logs, 1/3 of a cord).
Tips from the pros
- Stack wood bark side up, off the ground, and cover only the top so air can dry it.
- Seasoned firewood has less than 20% moisture; split logs dry faster.
- Ask sellers to confirm what they mean by "cord": terms like rick and face cord vary by region.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying the full-cord price for a face cord.
- Measuring a loose, thrown pile: loose wood takes up about 30% more space than stacked wood.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a cord and a face cord?
A cord is 128 cubic feet. A face cord is one row 4 ft high and 8 ft long; with 16 in logs it is one third of a cord.
How much firewood do I need for winter?
It varies widely: from 1–2 cords for occasional fires to 4–6 cords for heating a home with wood.
How much does a cord of wood weigh?
Roughly 2,500 lb for dry softwood to 5,000 lb for dense, dry hardwood like oak; green wood weighs much more.
How long does a cord of wood last?
Burning daily for heat, a cord lasts about 6–12 weeks; occasional fires can stretch it through a whole winter.