Firewood Calculator
Work out how many cords a stack of firewood holds, based on its length, height and depth. Add your own price per cord for a cost estimate.
How this calculator works
cords = ( length × height × depth, summed across every stack ) ÷ 128
128 cubic feet is the volume of a standard full cord — a stack measuring 4 ft high, 4 ft deep and 8 ft long. This includes the air gaps between split, stacked pieces, not just solid wood.
Worked example
A single stack, 8 ft long × 4 ft high × 4 ft deep — the textbook definition of one cord:
- Volume: 8 × 4 × 4 = 128 cu ft.
- Cords: 128 ÷ 128 = 1.00 cord.
A shorter or shallower stack scales proportionally — an 8 ft long, 4 ft high stack that's only 2 ft deep holds exactly half a cord.
Full cord vs face cord
| Term | Dimensions | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Full cord | 4 ft × 4 ft × 8 ft | 128 cu ft |
| Face cord (16" logs) | 4 ft × 8 ft × 16" | ~43 cu ft (⅓ cord) |
| Face cord (12" logs) | 4 ft × 8 ft × 12" | ~32 cu ft (¼ cord) |
A "face cord" isn't a fixed fraction of a full cord — it depends entirely on how long the individual logs are cut, since the depth of the stack equals the log length rather than a standard 4 ft. Always confirm which measurement a seller means before buying.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a cord of firewood?
A cord is a stack measuring 4 feet high, 4 feet deep and 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet including the air gaps between split pieces. It's a standardized unit of measurement, not a count of logs, since log size and stacking tightness both vary.
What is the difference between a face cord and a full cord?
A full cord is the standard 4×4×8 ft stack. A face cord (or rick) is only 4 ft high by 8 ft long, with depth equal to the log length — often 12 to 16 inches rather than a full 4 ft. A face cord is only a fraction of a full cord, and the exact fraction depends on log length, which is a common source of confusion when buying wood.
Roughly how many cords of wood do I need for a winter?
For a home using wood as a primary heat source through a full cold-climate winter, 3 to 5 cords is a common range, while occasional supplemental burning might use well under a cord. Actual usage depends heavily on climate, insulation, and how many hours per day the wood heat runs.
Does it matter if firewood is seasoned or green?
Yes — green, freshly cut wood contains significantly more moisture and burns less efficiently, with more smoke and creosote buildup, and is harder to start than seasoned wood. Seasoning typically takes 6 months to a year or more depending on species and storage, so wood cut now is often for next season rather than immediate use.