Wood Cord Calculator
Easily determine the volume of your firewood stack in cords.
Select the unit for all dimensions.
The total length of the firewood pile.
The average height of the pile.
The average length of the individual logs, which determines the pile’s depth.
What is a Wood Cord Calculator?
A wood cord calculator is a digital tool designed to determine the volume of a stack of firewood. The standard unit of measurement for firewood in the United States and Canada is the “cord”. Understanding this measurement is crucial for anyone buying, selling, or using firewood to ensure they receive a fair amount. A proper wood cord calculator takes the dimensions of your woodpile—length, height, and depth (log length)—and computes the total volume in cords.
This tool is invaluable for homeowners heating with wood, commercial firewood sellers, and even casual fireplace users. It eliminates guesswork and helps verify that the amount of wood you have corresponds to the amount you paid for. Without a calculator, it can be difficult to visualize or measure the volume, leading to common misunderstandings about terms like “face cord” or “rick.” You might find our firewood volume calculator a helpful related tool.
The Wood Cord Formula and Explanation
The calculation for determining the number of cords in a stack is based on a simple volume formula. A standard, or “full,” cord of wood is a legally defined volume of 128 cubic feet. This is typically visualized as a neatly stacked pile measuring 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long (4′ x 4′ x 8′ = 128 ft³).
The formula used by the wood cord calculator is:
Cords = (Stack Length (ft) × Stack Height (ft) × Log Length (ft)) / 128
To use this formula, all your measurements must be in feet. If you measure in inches, you must first convert them by dividing by 12. Our calculator handles these unit conversions for you automatically. For a deeper dive into stacking methods, see our guide on wood stacking tips.
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stack Length | The horizontal length of the woodpile. | Feet / Meters | 4 – 50 ft |
| Stack Height | The vertical height of the woodpile. | Feet / Meters | 2 – 8 ft |
| Log Length (Depth) | The average length of a single piece of wood, which forms the depth of the pile. | Inches / Feet | 16 – 24 in (1.33 – 2 ft) |
| 128 | The constant representing the cubic feet in one standard full cord. | Cubic Feet | N/A |
Practical Examples
Example 1: A Standard Full Cord
Imagine you have a perfectly stacked pile of wood that you want to measure.
- Inputs:
- Stack Length: 8 feet
- Stack Height: 4 feet
- Log Length (Depth): 4 feet
- Calculation:
- Volume (ft³) = 8 × 4 × 4 = 128 ft³
- Cords = 128 / 128
- Result: Exactly 1.0 Cord of wood.
Example 2: A Common “Face Cord”
Many sellers offer a “face cord,” which can be confusing. A face cord has the same face dimensions (8 ft long by 4 ft high) but the depth is only the length of one log, often 16 inches.
- Inputs:
- Stack Length: 8 feet
- Stack Height: 4 feet
- Log Length (Depth): 16 inches (which is 1.333 feet)
- Calculation:
- Volume (ft³) = 8 × 4 × 1.333 = 42.66 ft³
- Cords = 42.66 / 128
- Result: Approximately 0.33 Cords. This shows that a face cord is typically one-third of a full cord. Considering a face cord calculator might be useful if you frequently buy wood this way.
How to Use This Wood Cord Calculator
Using this calculator is straightforward. Follow these steps to get an accurate measurement of your firewood:
- Select Units: First, choose the unit of measurement you used for your dimensions (Feet, Inches, or Meters) from the dropdown menu. The calculator will automatically convert everything to feet for the calculation.
- Enter Stack Length: Measure the total horizontal length of your woodpile and enter it into the “Stack Length” field.
- Enter Stack Height: Measure the average height from the bottom to the top of the stack and enter it into the “Stack Height” field. For uneven piles, take measurements in a few places and average them.
- Enter Log Length (Depth): Measure the length of a few individual logs to find the average. This is the depth of your pile. Enter this value into the “Wood/Log Length” field.
- Review Results: The calculator will instantly update, showing you the total cords, total cubic feet, the equivalent number of face cords, and the volume in cubic meters. The chart will also visually compare your stack to a full cord.
For efficient heating, also check the energy output of your wood with our BTU of different woods guide.
Key Factors That Affect Wood Cord Measurement
Several factors can influence the actual amount of solid wood in a cord, even if the measured volume is 128 cubic feet.
- Stacking Method: A loosely stacked pile with large air gaps contains less wood than a tightly packed one. A true cord should be “racked and well stowed”.
- Log Shape: Crooked, knotty, or round logs create more air space than straight, split logs. You get more solid wood with split pieces.
- Log Length Consistency: If log lengths vary significantly, the pile’s depth will be uneven, making an accurate average depth measurement critical.
- Shrinkage: Green (freshly cut) wood contains a lot of water and will shrink as it dries or “seasons”. A cord of green wood will occupy a smaller volume once it is fully seasoned.
- Measuring an Unlevel Pile: Stacking on uneven ground can make height measurements inaccurate. Always try to measure from the average ground level to the average top level.
- Criss-Cross Stacking: Some people criss-cross the ends of a pile for stability. This technique introduces large air pockets and should not be included in the primary length measurement. Measure only the main, parallel-stacked portion of the pile. Learn more about how to season firewood for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between a full cord and a face cord?
A full cord is a legally defined volume of 128 cubic feet (e.g., 4’x4’x8′). A face cord has the same face dimensions (typically 4′ high by 8′ long), but its depth is only the length of a single log (e.g., 16 inches). A 16-inch face cord is one-third of a full cord.
2. What is a “rick” of wood?
“Rick” is often used interchangeably with “face cord.” It is not a legally defined unit, so its volume can vary by seller and region. Always clarify the dimensions when someone uses the term “rick.”
3. How many logs are in a cord?
There is no exact number, as it depends on the size and shape of the logs. However, a full cord typically contains between 600 and 800 pieces of wood.
4. How should I account for air space when measuring?
The standard 128 cubic foot measurement for a cord already accounts for a reasonable amount of air space in a well-stacked pile. The goal is not to find the volume of solid wood, but the volume the stacked pile occupies.
5. Can I use this calculator for a loose pile of wood?
No, this calculator is only for stacked wood. A loose “thrown” pile occupies much more volume (e.g., 180 cubic feet) for the same amount of wood due to the excessive air space. The wood must be stacked to be measured accurately.
6. Does the type of wood affect the cord measurement?
No, the volume measurement (cord) is the same regardless of wood species. However, the weight and energy content (BTU) of a cord will vary significantly between hardwoods (like Oak) and softwoods (like Pine).
7. How do I measure a cylindrical wood pile (Holz Hausen)?
This calculator is for rectangular piles. A cylindrical stack requires a different formula: Volume = π × radius² × height. You would then divide the resulting cubic feet by 128 to estimate the cords.
8. What if my stack isn’t a perfect rectangle?
For irregular piles, break them down into smaller, roughly rectangular sections. Calculate the cords for each section using the wood cord calculator and then add the results together for your total. For safety information related to wood burning, visit our page on fireplace safety.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Explore other calculators and guides to make the most of your firewood.
- Firewood Volume Calculator: A general tool for calculating wood volume in various units.
- Face Cord Calculator: Specifically designed to handle calculations involving face cords and ricks.
- Wood Stove Efficiency Calculator: Understand how much heat you’re getting from your stove.
- BTU of Different Woods: Compare the energy content of various wood species.
- How to Season Firewood: A complete guide to properly drying your wood for a better burn.
- Wood Stacking Tips: Learn the best techniques for stable and efficient woodpiles.