Use this Cord of Wood Calculator to estimate stacked firewood volume, full cords, reference face cords, and optional cost from the length, height, and depth of a wood stack.

Cord of Wood Calculation Method

Stack volume = length × height × depth

A standard full cord contains:

1 cord = 128 cubic feet

Therefore:

Full cords = stack volume ÷ 128

The calculator also uses a reference face cord based on a stack measuring 8 ft × 4 ft × 16 in deep:

Reference face cord ≈ 42.67 ft³

If a price per full cord is entered:

Estimated cost = full cords × price per cord

Example

Suppose a stacked pile measures 8 ft long, 4 ft high, and 4 ft deep.

Volume = 8 × 4 × 4 = 128 ft³

Full cords = 128 ÷ 128 = 1 cord

The stack therefore contains approximately 1 full cord of firewood.

Important Notes

• Measure firewood after it has been stacked compactly with pieces generally parallel and with minimal gaps.
• Stacked firewood volume includes air spaces between pieces; it is not solid wood volume.
• A face cord is not a fixed volume unless the log depth is specified.
• Terms such as face cord, rick, rack, pile, or truckload may have different meanings depending on the seller or location.
• Wood species, moisture content, seasoning, and log size affect heating value but do not change the cord-volume calculation.
• For purchases, follow your local weights-and-measures rules and verify the seller’s stated quantity.

Sources

• California Department of Food and Agriculture — Firewood Measurement
• Texas Department of Agriculture — Firewood and Cord Measurement