Cord of Wood Calculator
Accurately measure your firewood stack in cords, cubic feet, or cubic meters.
Enter the total length of your wood pile.
Enter the width (or depth) of the pile.
Enter the average height of the stack.
Select the unit for the dimensions you entered above.
Volume vs. Full Cord (128 ft³)
What is a Cord of Wood?
A cord of wood is the official, legally defined unit for measuring firewood in the United States and Canada. To be precise, a cord is the amount of wood that, when stacked neatly, fills a volume of 128 cubic feet. This standard measurement helps ensure fairness and consistency when buying or selling firewood. The most common dimensions for a cord are a stack that is 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long (4′ x 4′ x 8′ = 128 ft³). Any combination of measurements that results in the same total volume is also a valid cord. The name “cord” likely originated from the use of a string or cord to measure the stack’s dimensions.
It’s crucial to distinguish a “full cord” from unofficial and often misleading terms like “face cord,” “rick,” or “fireplace cord.” These smaller amounts are not legally defined and can cause confusion, often leading a buyer to receive less wood than expected. This calculator helps you to calculate cord of wood volume accurately, ensuring you know exactly what you have.
Cord of Wood Formula and Explanation
The calculation to determine the number of cords in a stack of wood is a straightforward volume calculation. The formula is based on the dimensions of the stack in feet.
Primary Formula:
Cords = (Length in feet × Width in feet × Height in feet) / 128
The divisor, 128, represents the total cubic feet in one standard cord. Our calculator performs this essential step for you, converting your inputs into a final cord measurement. If your measurements are in other units like inches or meters, the calculator first converts them to feet before applying the formula.
| Variable | Meaning | Unit (Standard) | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | The longest dimension of the wood stack. | Feet (ft) | 4 – 50 ft |
| Width | The depth of the stack (often the length of the logs). | Feet (ft) | 1.3 – 4 ft (16″ to 48″) |
| Height | The vertical measurement of the stack. | Feet (ft) | 2 – 8 ft |
| Volume | The total cubic space occupied by the stack. | Cubic Feet (ft³) | N/A |
Practical Examples
Example 1: The Perfect Standard Stack
A buyer purchases a load of firewood and stacks it perfectly to the standard dimensions of a cord.
- Inputs: Length = 8 ft, Width = 4 ft, Height = 4 ft
- Units: Feet
- Calculation: (8 × 4 × 4) / 128 = 128 / 128 = 1
- Result: 1.00 Cord of wood.
Example 2: An Irregular, Large Stack Measured in Inches
Someone has a large, long pile of wood stacked against a fence and wants to calculate the cord volume. They measure it in inches for more precision.
- Inputs: Length = 240 inches, Width = 36 inches, Height = 54 inches
- Units: Inches
- Conversion to Feet: Length = 20 ft, Width = 3 ft, Height = 4.5 ft
- Calculation: (20 × 3 × 4.5) / 128 = 270 / 128 = 2.11
- Result: 2.11 Cords of wood.
How to Use This Cord of Wood Calculator
Using this calculator is simple. Follow these steps to accurately determine your firewood volume:
- Measure Your Stack: Use a tape measure to get the length, width (depth), and average height of your firewood pile. For uneven stacks, it’s a good idea to take measurements from a few different points and use the average.
- Enter Dimensions: Input your averaged measurements into the “Stack Length,” “Stack Width,” and “Stack Height” fields.
- Select Units: Choose the unit of measurement you used (Feet, Inches, or Meters) from the dropdown menu. The calculator will handle all conversions automatically.
- Interpret Results: The calculator instantly displays the total volume in cords as the primary result. It also shows the intermediate values of total cubic feet and cubic meters for your reference. The visual chart helps you see how your stack compares to a full 128 cubic foot cord.
For more information on different firewood types, check out our guide on the BTU of different wood types.
Key Factors That Affect a Cord of Wood
Several factors can influence the actual amount of solid wood you get in a cord, even if the total volume is 128 cubic feet. When you calculate cord of wood, remember that you are measuring wood and air pockets.
- Stacking Method: Tightly stacked wood with minimal gaps will contain more solid wood than a loosely thrown pile. Criss-crossing or “crib” stacking the ends can create larger air gaps.
- Wood Shape and Size: Straight, uniform logs will pack together more efficiently than crooked, knotty, or round pieces.
- Log Length: Shorter pieces tend to fit together more snugly, reducing air space. Stacking pieces of varying lengths together can create significant gaps.
- Splitting: Split wood generally stacks tighter than round logs because the flat sides can be placed against each other.
- Settling: Over time, a stack of green wood will shrink and settle as it dries, reducing its total volume.
- Measurement Accuracy: Measuring on a slope or failing to average the height of an uneven stack can lead to inaccurate calculations.
Learning how to stack firewood correctly is essential for accurate measurement and proper drying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A full cord is a legally defined volume of 128 cubic feet. A “face cord” (or rick) is a stack that is 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but its width is only the length of one piece of firewood (e.g., 16 inches). A 16-inch face cord is therefore only 1/3 of a full cord.
The weight of a cord varies dramatically depending on the wood species and moisture content. A cord of green (wet) oak can weigh over 5,000 lbs, while a cord of dry pine might weigh 2,500 lbs. There is no standard weight for a cord.
This depends entirely on your heating needs, stove efficiency, climate, and how cold the winter is. For someone heating their home exclusively with wood in a cold climate, a cord might last 4-8 weeks. For occasional fireplace use, it could last the entire season.
No, this calculator is designed for stacked wood. A loose pile contains significantly more air. A pile of thrown wood that would stack into a 128 cubic foot cord might take up 180 cubic feet or more when loose.
No. While 4’x4’x8′ is the classic example, any stack dimensions that multiply to 128 cubic feet constitute a full cord. For instance, a stack that is 4 feet high, 2 feet deep, and 16 feet long is also a cord (4 x 2 x 16 = 128).
There is no exact answer, as it depends on the size of each piece. However, a rough estimate for a full cord of standard split firewood is between 600 and 800 pieces.
Freshly cut “green” wood contains a high percentage of water. As the wood dries or “seasons,” it loses this water, causing the wood fibers to shrink and the stack to settle and become smaller.
For the most accurate result, use the smallest practical unit (like inches or meters) if your stack isn’t a perfect number of feet. This reduces rounding errors. However, feet are the standard and work well for most situations.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Explore our other calculators and guides to get the most out of your firewood.
- Firewood BTU & Heat Value Chart – Compare the heat output of different wood species.
- Guide to Stacking Firewood – Learn the best techniques for seasoning and storage.
- Wood Weight Calculator – Estimate the weight of your firewood based on species and moisture.
- Log Volume Calculator – Calculate the volume of individual logs before they are split.
- Chainsaw Chain Guide – Find the right chain for your cutting needs.
- Wood Stove Efficiency Guide – Maximize your stove’s heat output and minimize wood consumption.