Whether you are preparing for a long winter or selling firewood, knowing exactly how much wood you have is essential. Use our professional cord of wood calculator to determine the exact volume of your stack and compare it to standard measurements.
Total Volume: 0 cu. ft.
What is a Cord of Wood?
A cord of wood is a standard unit of measurement for firewood volume in the United States and Canada. By definition, a standard full cord occupies a total volume of 128 cubic feet (3.62 m³). This volume includes the wood, bark, and the air spaces between the logs when they are ranked and well-stowed.
The traditional dimensions of a cord are 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long (4' x 4' x 8'). However, any combination of dimensions that results in 128 cubic feet is considered a full cord.
The Cord of Wood Formula
To calculate the number of cords in a stack of wood, you first need to find the total cubic volume and then divide it by the constant for a full cord (128).
If you are measuring in inches, you must first convert the measurements to feet by dividing each dimension by 12, or divide the final cubic inch total by 221,184 (the number of cubic inches in a cord).
Practical Examples
Example 1: The Standard Stack
Suppose you have a stack of wood that is 16 feet long, 4 feet high, and 2 feet wide (common for face cords).
Volume = 16 × 4 × 2 = 128 cu. ft.
Cords = 128 / 128 = 1.0 Full Cord.
Example 2: A Small Pickup Truck Bed
A standard 6.5-foot truck bed filled to the rails is roughly 6.5' long, 4.5' wide, and 1.5' deep.
Volume = 6.5 × 4.5 × 1.5 = 43.87 cu. ft.
Cords = 43.87 / 128 ≈ 0.34 Cords (roughly 1/3 of a cord).
How to Use the Calculator Step-by-Step
- Measure the Length: Use a tape measure to find the total length of your wood stack from end to end.
- Measure the Height: Measure from the ground to the top of the stack. If the height varies, take an average of three points.
- Measure the Width: This is the depth of the logs (usually 16 to 24 inches). Ensure you convert this to feet (e.g., 16 inches = 1.33 feet).
- Input Data: Enter these values into the calculator fields above.
- Select Wood Type: Optional, but helps estimate the weight and energy potential of your wood.
- Calculate: Click the button to see your total cords and a visual representation of the volume.
Key Factors Influencing Wood Volume
| Factor | Impact on Cord Measurement |
|---|---|
| Stacking Density | Loose stacking creates more air gaps, meaning you get less actual wood per cord. |
| Log Diameter | Larger logs generally leave fewer air gaps than many small, crooked branches. |
| Moisture Content | Green wood is heavier and slightly more voluminous; wood shrinks as it seasons. |
| Bark Thickness | Species with thick bark (like Locust) take up more "cord space" with non-combustible material. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a "Face Cord" vs. a "Full Cord"?
A face cord is a stack 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but only one log deep (usually 16 inches). It is typically 1/3 of a full cord.
2. How many face cords are in a full cord?
Usually, there are 3 face cords in a full cord, assuming the logs are cut to 16-inch lengths.
3. How much does a cord of wood weigh?
It varies by species. A cord of dry Oak weighs about 3,700 lbs, while a cord of dry Pine weighs about 2,300 lbs.
4. Will a cord of wood fit in my pickup truck?
A standard 1/2-ton pickup truck can usually only hold 1/2 of a cord by weight and volume without exceeding bed rails.
5. What is a "Bush Cord"?
This is another term for a full cord (128 cubic feet), commonly used in some regions of Canada.
6. Does the calculator account for air gaps?
The 128 cu. ft. standard assumes a "well-stacked" pile. If your wood is thrown loosely in a pile, it will occupy roughly 180 cu. ft. per cord.
7. How long does it take to season a cord of wood?
Most hardwoods require 6-12 months of seasoning (drying) to reach optimal burn moisture (under 20%).
8. Why is my wood stack shrinking?
As wood loses moisture, the cells contract. A stack of green wood can shrink by 5-8% in volume as it seasons.
Related Firewood Tools
- BTU Comparison Chart - Compare the heat output of different wood species.
- Moisture Meter Guide - Learn how to check if your wood is ready to burn.
- Firewood Splitting Cost Estimator - Calculate the ROI of buying a log splitter.
- Chimney Sweep Scheduler - Safety tools for wood burners.