Stacks do not have to be that shape: any length × height × depth totalling 128 ft³ is a cord.
Cords, face cords and other measures
Firewood is sold by volume, and the standard unit in North America is the cord: wood stacked neatly so that the pile is 4 feet high, 4 feet deep and 8 feet long, which is 128 cubic feet or about 3.62 cubic metres. Because most stoves take pieces around 16 inches long, many sellers offer a face cord, also called a rick or stove cord: a stack 4 feet high and 8 feet long but only one piece deep. With 16 inch pieces a face cord is a third of a full cord; with 12 inch pieces it is a quarter, and with 24 inch pieces it is half. In Europe wood is usually sold by the stacked cubic metre (stère) or by the loose cubic metre, which contains roughly 30–40% less wood. CordCalc converts any stack you measure into all of these.
Measuring a delivery
Stack the wood tightly, with pieces parallel, and measure the length and height of the stack and the average length of the pieces. Multiply length × height × depth to get the volume. If the top is uneven, measure the height in a few places and use the average. Thrown-in loads in a truck are hard to judge; ask the seller to stack the wood or to state the volume in cords in writing, and check it before paying. Some states and provinces require firewood to be sold only by the cord or fraction of a cord.
How much firewood you need
The amount you burn depends on the size and insulation of your home, your climate, how much of your heat comes from wood, the type of wood and the efficiency of your stove. The estimator uses typical seasonal heat demands of 20,000 to 70,000 BTU per square foot for mild to very cold climates and published heat values for seasoned wood. An EPA-certified stove turns about 70% of that energy into useful heat; an open fireplace may manage 15% or less. Many households that heat mainly with wood in a cold climate burn four to eight cords a winter, while occasional fires need one cord or less.
Buying and storing tips
Buy early in the year when wood is cheaper, and season it under cover with open sides for six to twelve months until it reads under 20% on a moisture meter. Keep stacks off the ground and away from the house walls to deter insects. Burn local wood to avoid spreading pests. Your measurements stay in this browser.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a half cord?
4 × 4 × 4 ft, or 4 ft high × 8 ft long × 2 ft deep.
How much does a cord weigh?
About 2,000–4,000 lb seasoned, depending on species.
Will a cord fit in my pickup?
A full-size 8 ft bed holds roughly half a cord stacked.
Is CordCalc free?
Yes, with no sign-up or ads.
Are my numbers saved?
Yes, in this browser only.