Firewood Cord Calculator
Measure your stack to determine how many cords of wood you have.
Results:
How to Use the Firewood Cord Calculator
Buying or selling firewood can be confusing due to different regional terms and stacking methods. Our calculator uses the industry standard mathematical formula to help you determine exactly how much wood you have. To get an accurate measurement, stack your wood tightly and neatly before measuring.
The Math Behind Firewood Measurement
The standard unit of measurement for firewood is the Cord. By definition, a cord of wood is a neatly stacked pile that measures 128 cubic feet. The calculation used by our tool is:
(Length x Height x Width) / 128 = Total Cords
Full Cord vs. Face Cord: What's the Difference?
This is where most homeowners get confused. It is vital to know which one you are paying for:
- Full Cord: A stack measuring 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 4 feet deep (128 cubic feet).
- Face Cord: A stack measuring 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but the width is only as deep as a single log (usually 16 inches or 1.33 feet). A face cord is typically 1/3 of a full cord.
- Rick of Wood: This is a regional term often used interchangeably with "Face Cord," though it can vary by supplier.
Realistic Example Calculation
Imagine you have a stack of wood against your fence that is 12 feet long and 4 feet high. The logs are cut to 16 inches (1.33 feet) long.
- Step 1: Multiply 12 (length) x 4 (height) x 1.33 (width) = 63.84 cubic feet.
- Step 2: Divide 63.84 by 128.
- Result: 0.49 Cords (roughly half a full cord, or 1.5 face cords).
Pro-Tips for Accurate Measurement
For the most accurate result from the firewood cord calculator, follow these stacking rules:
- Stack it tight: Large gaps between logs will result in a lower "actual" wood volume, meaning you are paying for air.
- Level the top: Try to keep the height consistent across the entire length of the stack.
- Measure the logs: If your log lengths vary, take an average measurement for the "Width" field in the calculator.
- Account for "Tossed" Wood: A loose pile of wood (not stacked) takes up about 180 cubic feet to equal one 128-cubic-foot cord because of the air pockets.