Cord Wood Calculator
Find full cords and face cords in your firewood stack. Enter length width and height in feet to get volume cord count and value at your local price per cord.
About This Calculator
This cord wood calculator helps you determine exactly how much firewood you have stacked in your yard using the standard US and Canadian unit — the cord. Simply measure the length, width, and height of your wood stack in feet, enter the dimensions, and get instant results showing total volume in cubic feet, number of full cords, and face cords. If you know the local price per cord, the calculator will also estimate the total monetary value of your firewood stack.
The formula is straightforward: multiply the length, width, and height (all in feet) to get the total volume, then divide by 128 cubic feet (the volume of one full cord, which is 8 ft x 4 ft x 4 ft). A full cord is the legally standardized unit for firewood measurement across most US states and Canadian provinces. A face cord uses a fixed width of 16 inches (the standard log length) and is calculated as one-third the volume of a full cord at 42.67 cubic feet.
For the most accurate measurement, stack your firewood neatly with minimal gaps between logs. We recommend measuring at multiple points along the stack and using the average. This tool is ideal for homeowners buying or selling firewood, wood stove users estimating seasonal needs, and forestry professionals conducting inventory. Two interactive charts are provided: a bar chart comparing full cords versus face cords, and a doughnut chart showing what fraction of a full cord your stack represents.
Regional Notes
United States & Canada: The cord (128 ft3) is the legal standard for firewood sales in most states and provinces. Prices for a seasoned hardwood cord typically range from $250 to $400 in the US and CAD 300 to CAD 500 in Canada.
United Kingdom: Firewood is commonly sold by the cubic metre or "tonne bag." A full cord equals approximately 3.62 m3. Prices for kiln-dried hardwood range from £100 to £180 per cubic metre.
India: Firewood is typically sold by weight (kg or quintal) rather than by cord. A full cord of dense hardwood like mango or teak weighs approximately 2,000-3,000 kg. Local prices vary by region from ₹5 to ₹15 per kg depending on wood species and seasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cord of wood and how big is it?
A full cord of wood is a stack measuring 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 4 feet high, giving a total volume of 128 cubic feet (3.62 m³). It is the standard unit for measuring firewood and pulpwood in the United States and Canada. The name cord comes from the piece of cord or string historically used to measure the stack.
What is the difference between a full cord and a face cord?
A face cord is one-third the volume of a full cord. It has the same length (8 ft) and height (4 ft) as a full cord but is only 16 inches (1.33 ft) deep, compared to the full cord's 4-foot depth. A face cord of wood therefore contains about 42.67 cubic feet of wood. This is the amount you typically see stacked against the front wall of a log cabin or shed.
How do you calculate how many cords are in a stack of wood?
To calculate the number of cords, multiply the length, width, and height of your stack (all in feet) to get the total volume in cubic feet, then divide by 128. For example, a stack measuring 16 ft long, 4 ft wide, and 4 ft high has a volume of 256 ft³ and contains 256/128 = 2 full cords. Use our calculator above for instant results.
How much does a cord of wood cost?
The price of a cord of wood varies significantly by region and wood type. In the United States, a cord of seasoned hardwood costs between $250 and $400. In Canada, prices range from CAD 300 to CAD 500. In the UK, a cubic meter of seasoned firewood costs around £100-£180. Prices also depend on whether the wood is green, seasoned, or kiln-dried.
How much does a cord of wood weigh?
A cord of wood typically weighs between 2,000 and 5,000 pounds (900 to 2,270 kg), depending on the wood species and moisture content. Green (freshly cut) wood can weigh significantly more than seasoned wood, sometimes adding up to 1,000 extra pounds due to water content. Oak and hickory are among the heaviest, while pine and cedar are lighter.
Is a cord the same as a rick or a face cord?
No. A rick is an informal term that usually means the same as a face cord (one-third of a full cord). However, the term rick is not standardized and can vary by region. A full cord is always 128 ft³ and is the only legally standardized measurement for firewood in most US states and Canadian provinces. Always confirm the exact dimensions when buying firewood.
How do I measure a stack of wood for cords?
Use a tape measure to find the length, width, and height of your neatly stacked firewood in feet. For the most accurate measurement, stack the wood with minimal gaps and measure at multiple points, averaging the results. Enter the three dimensions into this cord wood calculator, and it will instantly tell you how many full cords and face cords you have.
Is this cord wood calculator free to use?
Yes, this cord wood calculator is completely free to use with no limits or registration required. You can calculate unlimited stacks, save and share your results via URL, and view interactive charts comparing full cords and face cords.