Firewood Calculator

Estimate how much firewood you need for winter, or measure an existing stack and convert it to full cords and face cords.

Winter Firewood Estimator

Estimate the number of cords needed based on climate, insulation, appliance efficiency, wood type, and how much of your heat will come from wood.

Winter Estimate

Estimated Seasonal Heat Needed
Usable Heat Per Cord
Estimated Cords Needed
Suggested Order With 10% Reserve
Estimated Seasonal Cost

This is a planning estimate, not a professional heating-load analysis. Actual use depends on weather, home construction, thermostat setting, wood moisture, stove operation, chimney draft, and heating schedule.

Stack and Cord Calculator

Measure an existing firewood stack, delivery, rack, or truckload.

Measure tightly stacked firewood. A full cord contains 128 cubic feet. Face-cord volume depends on log length.

Optional Stack Pricing

Stack Results

Cubic Feet
Full Cords
Face Cords
Cubic Meters
Percent of a Full Cord
Estimated Value or Cost

Results assume the wood is neatly stacked. Loose-thrown firewood occupies more space and should not be measured with stacked-cord dimensions.

What Is a Full Cord of Firewood?

A full cord is a stack containing 128 cubic feet of firewood and air space. Traditional dimensions are 8 feet long, 4 feet high, and 4 feet deep.

Full Cords = Stack Length × Height × Depth ÷ 128

What Is a Face Cord?

A face cord is normally 8 feet long and 4 feet high, but only one log deep. Because log length varies, a face cord is not a fixed volume. A face cord made with 16-inch logs contains about 42.67 cubic feet, so three equal face cords make one full cord.

How the Winter Estimate Works

The winter estimator approximates seasonal heating demand and adjusts it for climate, insulation, and the percentage of heat supplied by wood. It then divides the required heat by the usable heat delivered from each cord.

Cords Needed = Seasonal Wood Heat ÷ Usable Heat Per Cord

Heat output varies by wood species, moisture content, seasoning, stacking, and appliance efficiency. Use the result for planning and compare it with your historical use whenever possible.

What Is a Rick of Firewood?

“Rick” is a regional term commonly used for a face cord, but its meaning can vary. Confirm the actual stack dimensions and log length when comparing prices.