Cord of Wood Calculator
Estimate the volume of a wood pile in cords based on its dimensions.
What Is a Cord of Wood?
A cord is a standard unit of measure for stacked firewood. One full cord measures 128 cubic feet, typically arranged in a stack 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long. This calculator estimates the total cord volume of a wood pile based on its length, height, and depth, helping you verify deliveries or plan your firewood storage.
How the Calculation Works
The calculator uses the standard cord formula:
Cords = (Length × Height × Depth) ÷ 128
All dimensions must be entered in feet. The result represents the total cubic volume of the stack divided by 128, giving you the number of full cords. The calculation assumes a tightly stacked pile with minimal air gaps.
How to Use the Calculator
- Measure the length of your wood pile in feet.
- Measure the height of the stack in feet.
- Measure the depth (front to back) in feet.
- Enter all three values into the corresponding fields.
- Click calculate to see the estimated cord count.
For irregularly shaped piles, take average measurements across the stack for the most accurate estimate.
Understanding Your Results
The result shows the number of full cords and may include a decimal for partial cords. A result of 1.5 means one and a half cords of wood. Keep in mind that actual usable wood volume can vary based on how tightly the wood is stacked, the size and shape of individual logs, and the amount of bark and air space within the pile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing units: Always use feet. Entering inches or centimeters will produce incorrect results.
- Measuring loosely stacked piles: Loose piles contain more air space, which can overestimate the actual wood volume. For best accuracy, measure after the wood has been stacked tightly.
- Ignoring irregular shapes: If your pile is not a perfect rectangle, take multiple measurements and use the average dimensions.
Practical Use Cases
- Verifying firewood deliveries: Check if the amount you received matches what you paid for.
- Planning storage space: Determine if your shed or wood rack can accommodate a full cord before purchasing.
- Comparing supplier quotes: Standardize different pricing structures into cost per cord for fair comparison.
- Splitting and stacking: Estimate how much space you need after processing logs into firewood.
Limitations
This calculator provides a volume estimate based on external stack dimensions. It does not account for wood species density, moisture content, or the actual burnable wood volume after accounting for bark and air gaps. For precise heating value calculations, additional factors like wood type and seasoning should be considered separately.
FAQ
What is a face cord vs. a full cord?
A face cord is typically one-third of a full cord. It measures 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but only 16 inches deep (the length of a standard log). A full cord is 4 feet deep. Always confirm the depth when buying firewood, as face cord sizes can vary by region.
How many pieces of wood are in a cord?
There is no standard count because log sizes vary. A full cord of split firewood typically contains between 600 and 800 pieces, depending on how the wood is split and stacked. The calculator measures volume, not piece count.
Can I use inches instead of feet?
No. The calculator requires all dimensions in feet. If you measure in inches, divide each measurement by 12 to convert to feet before entering the values.
Does the calculator account for air gaps?
No. The calculation assumes a solid rectangular volume. Tightly stacked wood with minimal gaps will give the most accurate estimate. Loosely piled wood will show a higher cord count than the actual usable wood volume.
What if my wood pile is not rectangular?
Take multiple measurements across the pile and use the average length, height, and depth. For conical or irregular piles, consider stacking the wood into a rectangular shape first for a more accurate measurement.