Calculate A Cord Of Wood

Easily calculate a cord of wood by entering the dimensions of your wood pile. This tool helps you determine the volume of your firewood and how many cords you have.

Calculate a Cord of Wood

Understanding Firewood Measurements

Common firewood measurement units and their typical volumes.

Unit	Typical Dimensions (L x W x H)	Volume (cubic feet)	Notes
Full Cord	8ft x 4ft x 4ft	128	Standard measure, tightly stacked.
Half Cord	4ft x 4ft x 4ft	64	Half the volume of a full cord.
Face Cord (Rick)	8ft x (12″, 16″, or 24″) x 4ft	42.7 (16″ deep)	Volume varies based on log length (width).
Stere	1m x 1m x 1m	35.3	Metric unit, roughly 1/3.6 of a cord.

What is a Cord of Wood?

A cord of wood is a standard unit of volume for measuring firewood and pulpwood in the United States and Canada. When tightly stacked, a full cord of wood occupies a volume of 128 cubic feet. This is typically visualized as a stack of wood 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 4 feet deep (4ft x 8ft x 4ft = 128 cu ft).

The term “cord” likely comes from the old practice of measuring a stack of wood with a cord or string wrapped around it.

Anyone buying or selling firewood, or someone estimating their winter heating needs, should understand how to calculate a cord of wood. It ensures fair transactions and proper planning. Using a cord of wood calculator simplifies this process.

Common misconceptions include confusing a “face cord” or “rick” with a full cord. A face cord has the same height and length as a full cord (4ft x 8ft) but its depth is only the length of the individual pieces of wood (e.g., 16 inches), making it significantly less volume than a full cord. Always clarify if you are buying a full cord or a face cord.

Cord of Wood Formula and Mathematical Explanation

To calculate a cord of wood, you first need to determine the total volume of your wood pile in cubic feet. The formula for the volume of a rectangular stack of wood is:

Volume = Length × Width × Height

Where:

• Length is the length of the wood pile.
• Width (or Depth) is the width of the wood pile (often the length of the individual logs).
• Height is the height of the wood pile.

All dimensions should be measured in the same unit, typically feet.

Once you have the total volume in cubic feet, you can find the number of cords by dividing the total volume by 128 (since one cord is 128 cubic feet):

Number of Cords = Total Volume / 128

Our cord of wood calculator uses these exact formulas.

Variables used to calculate a cord of wood.

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Length (L)	Length of the wood stack	Feet	2 – 50 ft
Width (W)	Width/Depth of the wood stack (log length)	Feet	1 – 8 ft (1.33 for 16″ logs)
Height (H)	Height of the wood stack	Feet	1 – 8 ft
Volume	Total cubic volume of the stack	Cubic Feet	10 – 1000+ cu ft
Cords	Number of cords	Cords	0.1 – 10+

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Let’s see how to calculate a cord of wood with some examples:

Example 1: Standard Stack

You have a neatly stacked pile of firewood that measures 8 feet long, 4 feet deep, and 4 feet high.

• Length = 8 ft
• Width = 4 ft
• Height = 4 ft

Volume = 8 ft × 4 ft × 4 ft = 128 cubic feet

Number of Cords = 128 / 128 = 1 cord

This perfectly matches the volume of one full cord.

Example 2: Irregular Pile (Averaging)

You have a pile of wood that is roughly 10 feet long. The depth varies, but averages about 3.5 feet, and the height is around 4 feet.

• Length = 10 ft
• Width = 3.5 ft
• Height = 4 ft

Volume = 10 ft × 3.5 ft × 4 ft = 140 cubic feet

Number of Cords = 140 / 128 = 1.09375 cords

So, you have just over one cord of wood. Using a cord of wood calculator is handy here.

Example 3: Buying a “Face Cord”

Someone is selling a “face cord” or “rick” of wood. The pile is 8 feet long, 4 feet high, and the logs are 16 inches (1.33 feet) long.

• Length = 8 ft
• Width = 1.33 ft
• Height = 4 ft

Volume = 8 ft × 1.33 ft × 4 ft = 42.56 cubic feet

Number of Cords = 42.56 / 128 = 0.33 cords (or 1/3 of a cord)

This shows a face cord with 16-inch logs is only about one-third of a full cord. It’s important to calculate a cord of wood based on all three dimensions.

How to Use This Calculate a Cord of Wood Calculator

Using our cord of wood calculator is straightforward:

1. Measure Your Pile: Carefully measure the length, width (depth), and height of your stacked firewood pile in feet. For irregular piles, try to get average measurements.
2. Enter Dimensions: Input the measured Length, Width, and Height into the respective fields in the calculator.
3. View Results: The calculator will instantly show you the total volume of your wood pile in cubic feet and the equivalent number of cords.
4. Interpret Results: The “Number of Cords” tells you how much wood you have compared to the standard 128 cubic feet cord.

The results help you verify if you received the amount of wood you paid for or how much firewood you have available. When buying, always measure before paying if possible, or right after delivery. Understanding how to calculate a cord of wood empowers you as a consumer. See our guide on buying firewood for more tips.

Key Factors That Affect Cord Measurement Results

Several factors can influence the actual amount of wood you get when you calculate a cord of wood:

1. Stacking Tightness: A tightly stacked pile will contain more wood in the same volume than a loosely thrown pile. The 128 cubic feet standard assumes fairly tight stacking with minimal air gaps. Our calculator measures the total volume occupied, so tight stacking is crucial. Learn how to stack wood efficiently.
2. Log Length and Straightness: Shorter, straighter logs stack more tightly, reducing air space and increasing the solid wood content within the 128 cubic feet. Crooked or very long logs create more gaps.
3. Wood Type: While the volume is 128 cubic feet, the energy content (BTU) varies greatly between wood types (e.g., oak vs. pine). A cord of hardwood contains more energy than a cord of softwood. Check our firewood BTU chart.
4. Splitting: Split wood generally stacks tighter than round logs, reducing air space.
5. Settling: A pile of wood can settle over time, reducing its height and overall volume slightly.
6. Measurement Accuracy: Inaccurate measurements of length, width, or height will directly affect the calculated volume and the number of cords. Measure carefully!
7. Air Space: The 128 cubic feet includes wood and the air space between the pieces. Tighter stacking minimizes air, maximizing wood.

When you calculate a cord of wood, remember it’s a volume measurement, and the actual solid wood fiber is less than 128 cubic feet due to air gaps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How much is a cord of wood?

A1: A cord of wood is a volume measurement equal to 128 cubic feet when stacked. Common dimensions are 4ft high x 4ft deep x 8ft long.

Q2: What is the difference between a cord and a face cord (rick)?

A2: A full cord is 4ft x 4ft x 8ft (128 cu ft). A face cord is also 4ft high x 8ft long, but its depth is only the length of the firewood pieces (e.g., 16 inches or 1.33 ft), so it contains much less wood than a full cord.

Q3: How much does a cord of wood weigh?

A3: The weight varies greatly depending on the wood species (density) and moisture content (seasoning). A cord of green hardwood can weigh over 5000 lbs, while a cord of dry softwood might be 2000-3000 lbs. Our wood volume and weight guide has more details.

Q4: How do I measure a pile of wood that isn’t perfectly rectangular?

A4: Take average measurements. Measure the length, width, and height in several places and use the average of each dimension to calculate a cord of wood with the calculator.

Q5: Does the type of wood affect the volume of a cord?

A5: No, a cord is always 128 cubic feet of stacked wood regardless of type. However, the energy content (BTU) and weight will vary significantly between wood types. Consider the different types of firewood for heating value.

Q6: How long will a cord of wood last?

A6: This depends on your heating needs, stove efficiency, wood type, and climate. For someone using wood as a primary heat source in a cold climate, a cord might last 1-2 months, while for occasional fires, it could last a whole season or more.

Q7: How much space do I need to store a cord of wood?

A7: You need a space roughly 4 feet deep, 8 feet long, and 4 feet high to store one cord. Ensure good airflow for seasoning wood.

Q8: Is it better to buy wood by the cord or by weight?

A8: Buying by the cord (volume) is more common for firewood because weight is heavily influenced by moisture content. If buying by weight, ensure it’s dry wood.