Firewood Cord Calculator
Calculate the number of cords and cubic feet in your firewood stack.
Use decimals when needed. This estimate updates live and is safe to tweak before you buy materials.
Firewood Cord Buying Guide
This guide helps you turn your firewood cord calculator result into a cleaner purchase plan. Use it when you want fewer return trips, better waste assumptions, and a more realistic cart.
Step 1: Know the math of a true cord
A full, legal cord of wood is a neatly stacked pile measuring 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long (128 cubic feet in total).
Step 2: Beware the 'face cord'
A 'face cord' or 'rick' is only 1/3 of a full cord. It is 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but only one log deep (about 16 inches). Know what you are paying for.
Step 3: Verify the seasoning
Freshly cut 'green' wood contains up to 50% water and will barely burn. Seasoned wood has been split and air-dried for at least six months and burns hot and clean.
Recommended for this job
Commonly paired tools and accessories
These are the practical extras people often forget until the last minute, especially when turning a rough estimate into a real purchase list.
Wood moisture meterWhy this helps: Common add-on that reduces last-minute store runs once the estimate is final.
Log splitterWhy this helps: Common add-on that reduces last-minute store runs once the estimate is final.
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Firewood cost planning rule of thumb
Hardwoods (oak, maple, hickory) cost more but burn longer and produce more heat. Softwoods (pine) are cheaper but burn fast and create more creosote.
Understanding the Math
Formula: The basic formula for Firewood Cord Calculator typically involves calculating the total area or volume (Length × Width × Depth) and dividing by the coverage of a single unit or package, then adding a waste factor (usually 10%).
Example: For example, if you have a 10x10 area and your material covers 10 square feet per unit, you need 10 units. With a 10% waste factor, you should purchase 11 units to ensure you don't run short.
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Firewood Cord Calculator FAQ
What is a full cord of wood?
A full cord is defined as 128 cubic feet of tightly stacked wood, typically measuring 4 ft deep, 4 ft high, and 8 ft long.
What is a face cord?
A face cord is 4 ft high and 8 ft long, but the depth is only the length of one piece of firewood (usually 16 inches), roughly 1/3 of a full cord.