Firewood calculator
Measure the stack’s length, height and the length of the logs. Use it to check a delivery or to work out how much you’re buying.
Full cords
0.67 cords
- Face cords (4 × 8 ft rows)
- 2
- Cubic feet
- 85.3 cu ft
- Value at your price
- $200.00
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How it works
A full cord is a stack 4 feet high, 4 feet deep and 8 feet long: 128 cubic feet of neatly stacked wood, air gaps included. The calculator multiplies your stack’s length × height × depth (log length ÷ 12 to get feet) and divides by 128.
A face cord, also called a rick, is a single row 4 feet high and 8 feet long, as deep as one log. With 16-inch logs that’s a third of a full cord, which is why it’s cheaper, and why it pays to check which one a seller means.
Example
With stack length 16 ft, stack height 4 ft, log length (stack depth) 16 in, the answer is 0.67 cords.
Tips before you buy
- Ask whether a price is for a full cord or a face cord. With 16-inch logs, a face cord is only a third as much wood.
- Loosely thrown wood takes up more room than stacked wood. Stack a delivery before you measure it.
- Burn wood that’s been seasoned at least 6 months, ideally a year. A moisture meter should read under 20%.
- Stack firewood off the ground and away from the house, with the top covered and the sides open to the air.
Common questions
How big is a cord of wood?
4 feet high, 4 feet deep and 8 feet long, or 128 cubic feet of stacked wood.
How many face cords are in a full cord?
Three when the logs are 16 inches long. With 24-inch logs, two.
How much firewood do I need for the winter?
It depends on your climate, your stove and how much you rely on it. Occasional fires might use a cord or less. Heating a home all winter in a cold climate can take several cords.