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Firewood Calculator
Estimate how much firewood is in a stack before buying, hauling, or planning winter heat. The calculator converts stack length, height, depth, and stack count into cubic feet, full cords, and face cord estimates.
Updated May 2026No signup requiredBuilt for mobile
How to use this calculator
- Measure the stacked firewood length, height, and depth in feet.
- Enter the number of similar stacks.
- Use full cords for standard volume comparisons and face cords or ricks only when log depth is known.
- Compare the result to the seller's price per cord or face cord before buying.
Formula
Cubic feet = stack length x stack height x stack depth x number of stacks
Full cords = cubic feet / 128
Face cords are often estimated against a 4 ft x 8 ft face with shorter log depth.
Cost = cords x price per cord
A full cord is 128 cubic feet of stacked wood, commonly described as 4 ft x 4 ft x 8 ft. A face cord or rick is not always standardized because the depth depends on log length.
Worked examples
Stacked wood example
A stack that is 8 ft long, 4 ft high, and 4 ft deep equals 128 cubic feet, or 1 full cord.
Cost per cord example
If the calculator shows 1.5 cords and the seller charges $240 per cord, the estimated wood cost is about $360 before delivery.
Practical planning tips
- Ask whether the seller means full cord, face cord, rick, truckload, or loose thrown wood.
- Seasoned wood usually burns better than green wood, but species and moisture matter.
- Stack wood off the ground with airflow so it dries instead of rotting.
- Do not compare prices unless the stack depth and total volume are clear.
Safety and disclaimer note
Firewood terms vary by region. Confirm local rules and seller measurements before buying by the cord, face cord, rick, or truckload.
FAQ
Firewood Calculator questions
What is a full cord of firewood?
A full cord is 128 cubic feet of stacked firewood, commonly 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long.
What is a face cord?
A face cord is usually a 4 ft by 8 ft face of stacked wood with a shorter depth, often based on 16-inch logs. The volume changes with log length.
Is a rick the same as a face cord?
In many areas people use rick and face cord similarly, but the exact amount varies. Always ask for dimensions.
How do I estimate firewood cost?
Multiply the estimated cords by the seller's price per cord, then add delivery or stacking fees if they apply.
Why does loose firewood look bigger?
Thrown or loose firewood has more air space than tightly stacked wood, so it can appear like more volume than it is.
How much firewood do I need for winter?
That depends on climate, home size, stove efficiency, wood species, insulation, and whether wood is the primary heat source.
How to use this estimate
The firewood calculator estimates cords, face cords, stacked volume, and purchase quantities from pile dimensions. It helps compare a seller's stack, plan heating-season supply, and check whether the delivered amount matches the advertised volume.
Inputs that matter most
- Stack length, height, and depth measured in the same units.
- Whether the seller is describing a full cord, face cord, rick, or loose load.
- Expected heating use, seasoning time, species, moisture, and storage space.
- Reserve for cold weather, inefficient stoves, or extra outdoor use.
Formula and method
Stacked volume = length x height x depth. A full cord is 128 cubic feet when stacked. The calculator compares measured stack volume with cord units, then you can adjust for loose stacking, irregular pieces, and practical reserve.
Firewood results are strongest when the pile is neatly stacked and measured after delivery. Loose tossed loads contain more air, and fresh-cut wood may shrink or burn poorly until seasoned.
Worked example
Example: a stack 16 feet long, 4 feet high, and 16 inches deep has about 85 cubic feet of stacked wood because 16 inches is 1.33 feet. Dividing by 128 gives about 0.66 cords. If a seller calls that one full cord, the buyer should ask for clarification before paying.
Common planning mistakes
- Treating a face cord as a full cord without checking depth.
- Measuring loose dumped wood as if it were tightly stacked.
- Ignoring moisture content, species, seasoning time, and stove efficiency.
- Stacking wood against a house or in a way that traps moisture or pests.
Safety and disclaimer note
Firewood estimates are planning aids, not safety or heating advice. Follow local burn rules, chimney and stove manufacturer guidance, carbon monoxide detector recommendations, fire safety practices, and qualified professional advice for wood stoves, chimneys, indoor storage, and heating systems.
FAQ
Practical questions
What is a full cord of firewood?
A full cord is 128 cubic feet of stacked wood, commonly described as 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet.
What is a face cord?
A face cord usually has the face dimensions of a cord but a shorter depth. The exact volume depends on piece length.
Should I measure after delivery?
Yes. Stack and measure the wood when possible so you can compare the actual volume with the seller's claim.
Does wood species matter?
Yes. Dense hardwoods often provide more heat per cord than softer woods, but seasoning and moisture are still critical.
Can wet wood affect safety?
Wet wood burns poorly, creates more smoke, and can contribute to creosote buildup. Follow stove and chimney safety guidance.