Cord of Wood Calculator

How the Cord of Wood Calculator Works

The Cord of Wood Calculator is a practical tool for estimating the amount of stacked firewood in precise volume units. It calculates the total in cubic feet and meters, then converts that to full cords and face cords. Ideal for suppliers, homeowners, and rural landowners, this tool simplifies firewood planning and cost estimation.

Whether you're buying, selling, or storing firewood, this calculator ensures you understand exactly how much wood you’re dealing with—avoiding overpaying or receiving less than you expected.

Formula Used for Cord Calculation

The calculator uses standard volume measurements and wood stacking definitions:

Volume = Length × Width × Height

Then it converts that volume into cords:

• 1 full cord = 128 cubic feet

• 1 face cord = 42.67 cubic feet

These conversions allow you to quickly compare your stacked wood against standard commercial volumes.

Example: Measuring a Firewood Stack of 30 ft × 50 ft × 15 ft

Let’s break down this example:

• Stack Dimensions: 30 ft long × 50 ft wide × 15 ft high

• Volume = 30 × 50 × 15 = 22,500 cubic feet

Cord Calculations:

• Full cords = 22,500 ÷ 128 ≈ 175.78

• Cord percentage = 78.13% (relative to a common delivery size)

• Face cords = 22,500 ÷ 42.67 ≈ 527.30

• Face cord percentage = 30.26%

This is a very large stack of firewood, likely covering an industrial or community-sized need.

What is a full cord of wood?

A full cord is a stack of firewood measuring:

8 ft long × 4 ft high × 4 ft deep = 128 cubic feet

It is the industry standard in the U.S. and Canada. This stack must be neatly arranged (not thrown or loosely piled) to qualify as a proper cord.

A face cord has the same height and length but only 16 inches deep, totaling 42.67 cubic feet.

How much does a cord of wood weigh?

Weight depends on:

• Wood type (oak is heavier than pine)

• Moisture content (wet wood is heavier)

Typical range:

• 2,000 – 5,000 lbs per cord

In our example:

• Estimated weight = 175.78 cords × 2,000–5,000 lbs = 351,562 – 878,906 lbs

Always account for these ranges when planning transportation or storage.

Can I calculate wood in metric units?

Yes, the calculator automatically converts to metric:

• Total Volume: 637.13 m³ (from 22,500 ft³)

• 1 m³ = 35.315 ft³

This is especially useful for international users or metric-only jurisdictions like Canada or Europe.

How do I verify if I’m getting a full cord?

Here are key tips:

• Ask for stacked dimensions (8×4×4)

• Measure before accepting delivery

• Stack the wood neatly to check volume

• Use the calculator to compare the delivered size

Avoid accepting loose piles without volume documentation.

Does firewood shrink as it dries?

Yes. As firewood dries, it shrinks in size and weight. Fresh wood can lose:

• Up to 20% of its size

• Up to 50% of its weight

Split and stack firewood early and allow at least 6–12 months to dry before burning for best efficiency.

Estimating Cost per Cord

If you enter the price per cord, the calculator can also estimate total cost.

Example:

• Price per cord: $200

• Total cords: 175.78

• Estimated cost = 175.78 × 200 = $35,156

This is useful for bulk buyers or rural heating budgeting.