Firewood Calculator
Convert a firewood stack into cords and face cords using the legal 128 cu ft cord definition.
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What this tool does
The Firewood Calculator measures a stacked pile and converts it to cords — the legal unit of firewood sale in most US states, defined as 128 cubic feet of stacked wood including air gaps.
How to use the Firewood Calculator
- Measure the stack length and height in feet.
- Enter the log length (stack depth) in inches — 16 in is standard.
- Read the cords in what you have, or size a stack to reach a full cord.
Formula
Stack cu ft = L × H × (log length ÷ 12); Cords = cu ft ÷ 128; Face cord = a 4 × 8 ft face of 16 in logs = 42.7 cu ft
- 128 cu ft
- The defined volume of one cord (a 4 × 4 × 8 ft stack)
Worked example
The classic 8 ft long, 4 ft high stack of 16 in logs: 42.7 cu ft = exactly one face cord, one third of a full cord.
Inputs
- Stack length8 ft
- Stack height4 ft
- Log length / stack depth16 in
Result
- Cords0.333 cords
- Face cords (16 in logs)1 face cords
- Stack volume42.67 cu ft
- Full cords to order1
Cord reference
| Unit | Stacked volume | Typical stack |
|---|---|---|
| Full cord | 128 cu ft | 4 × 4 × 8 ft |
| Face cord (16 in) | 42.7 cu ft | 4 × 8 ft face |
| Half cord | 64 cu ft | 4 × 4 × 4 ft |
Results explained
- Cords
- Exact cord fraction of the stack.
- Face cords
- How many 16 in face cords the stack equals.
- Stack volume
- Gross stacked cubic feet including air.
Frequently asked questions
128 cubic feet of stacked wood — conventionally a pile 4 ft high × 4 ft deep × 8 ft long with 48 in logs. Solid wood is only about 70–90 cu ft of that; the rest is air between logs.
A face cord is one stack face 4 × 8 ft with 16 in logs — one third of a full cord. Sellers also use 'rick' and 'stove cord' loosely, so always convert the actual dimensions before comparing prices.
Three, when the logs are 16 in. With 24 in logs a face cord is half a cord; with 12 in logs it's a quarter. Log length is everything.
A typical household heating mainly with wood burns 3–5 cords a winter; occasional fireplace users may use half a cord. Species matter — a cord of oak carries far more heat than a cord of pine.
No. A full-size pickup bed loosely thrown holds roughly ⅓–½ cord; neatly stacked to the cab it can approach ½–⅔. Measure the stack, not the truck.