Home Improvement

Firewood Calculator

Calculate how many cords of firewood are in a stack.

Enter your firewood stack's length, width (depth of the stack), and height to calculate how many cords it contains.

Enter a valid length.
Typically the length of each log, e.g. 4 ft
Enter a valid height.

Firewood Volume

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How to Use This Tool

  1. Enter your stack's length (how far the row of wood extends).
  2. Enter the depth (typically the log length, commonly 4 ft) and height of the stack.
  3. Click Calculate for the volume in cords.

What Is a Cord of Firewood?

A standard (full) cord is a stack of wood measuring 4 ft × 4 ft × 8 ft, equal to 128 cubic feet. This is the standard unit firewood is bought and sold by in the US.

Cords = (Length × Depth × Height) ÷ 128

Common Firewood Measurement Terms

Why This Matters When Buying

Firewood sellers sometimes use ambiguous terms like "truckload" or "face cord" that aren't standardized units. Always ask for the exact stack dimensions and calculate the actual cord volume yourself to ensure you're getting a fair price and comparing sellers accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a cord and a face cord?

A full cord is a standardized 128 cubic feet (4×4×8 ft). A "face cord" is a non-standardized term usually referring to a stack 4 ft high by 8 ft long but only as deep as the log length (often 16-18 inches) — typically a third to a half of a full cord.

How much firewood do I need for a winter?

This varies enormously by climate, home size, insulation, and how much you rely on wood heat versus other sources — many households in cold climates use 3-5 full cords per winter for supplemental heating, more if wood is the primary heat source.

This calculator is provided for general informational and estimation purposes only. Results should not be treated as professional financial, tax, legal, medical, or engineering advice. Always verify critical calculations with a qualified professional or official source before making decisions.