Cord of Wood Calculator
Measure firewood volume using length, height, width, or total volume. Calculate full cords, face cords, percentages, and estimated cost
Enter any three values and click Calculate to get all other values.
A full cord is defined as 128 cubic feet of neatly stacked firewood. Traditionally, this equals a stack measuring 8 feet long × 4 feet high × 4 feet deep, but stacks can take many shapes. As long as the total volume equals 128 cubic feet, it qualifies as one full cord.
Because stacks are rarely perfect rectangles in practice, calculating volume manually often leads to errors. This tool ensures accurate results regardless of the stack’s shape or size.
What Firewood Calculator Does
You can:
- Enter length, height, and width to calculate total volume
- Enter volume plus two dimensions to find the missing measurement
- Convert instantly between cubic feet, cubic yards, cubic meters, and cords
- See results displayed as full cords, face cords, and percentages
- Estimate total cost based on local price per cord.
Firewood Measurement Terms
Full Cord
A full cord contains 128 cubic feet of stacked wood, including air gaps between logs. This is the legal standard used for firewood sales in many states and provinces.
Face Cord
A face cord (sometimes called a “rick”) is not a standardized measurement. It usually refers to a stack 8 feet long and 4 feet high, with depth determined by log length commonly 16 inches.
A typical face cord equals about one-third of a full cord, but this can change if log length differs.
This calculator uses a 16-inch log assumption for face cord conversions, which is the most common residential standard.
Cord Percentage
Cord percentage shows how close your stack is to a full cord.
For example:
- 50% = half a cord
- 25% = quarter cord
This is useful when splitting deliveries or comparing partial stacks.
Why Measuring by Dimensions Beats Guessing
Firewood is often sold by truckload, trailer load, or pile size. These descriptions are not consistent and can vary widely depending on how the wood is stacked.
Measuring the stack:
- Stack the wood as evenly as possible
- Measure length, height, and depth
- Enter the values into the calculator.
Unit Flexibility for Real-World Use
Firewood isn’t measured the same way everywhere. This calculator supports:
- Imperial units (feet, inches, yards)
- Metric units (meters, centimeters)
- Volume units (cubic feet, cubic meters, cords)
Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid
- Measuring loose piles instead of stacked wood
- Including empty space outside the actual stack
- Assuming face cords are universal
- Estimating by truck size alone.
Who This Calculator Is For
- Homeowners buying firewood for winter heating
- Firewood sellers pricing cords accurately
- Landscapers and property managers
- Anyone comparing firewood deliveries
- Users working with metric or imperial systems.
Sources: Omni Calculator, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, Shasta County Department of Agriculture, Boston Firewood, Woodman Firewood, Firewood Hoarders Club, Versa Calculator.