Firewood Cord Calculator: Stack Volume, Cords and Cost

Firewood Cord Calculator

Enter the outside dimensions of one or more equal, tightly stacked piles. The calculator converts the stacked volume to full cords, standard 16-inch face-cord equivalents and cost.








Use any currency; the result keeps the same currency.


Your firewood estimate

Stacked volume——
Full cords——
16-inch face-cord equivalent—Based on a 4 ft × 8 ft face and 16 in depth
Estimated stack cost—Using your price per full cord

Cord measurements use stacked volume, including normal air spaces. Do not apply a “solid wood” or density factor when buying or selling by the cord.

How the firewood cord calculation works

A full cord is a tightly stacked pile with a total outside volume of 128 cubic feet. A traditional example is 8 ft long × 4 ft high × 4 ft deep. Measure the outside of the stack and use:

Stacked volume = length × height × depth × number of stacks

Full cords = stacked cubic feet ÷ 128

For metric measurements, the calculator first finds cubic metres and converts them using 1 m³ = 35.3147 ft³. One full cord is about 3.6246 m³ of stacked wood.

Worked examples

  • 8 ft × 4 ft × 16 in: 42.67 ft³ = 0.3333 cord = one 16-inch face-cord equivalent.
  • 8 ft × 4 ft × 24 in: 64 ft³ = 0.5 cord.
  • 8 ft × 4 ft × 32 in: 85.33 ft³ = 0.6667 cord.
  • 8 ft × 4 ft × 48 in: 128 ft³ = 1 full cord.
  • Two stacks at 8 ft × 4 ft × 16 in: 85.33 ft³ = 0.6667 cord.
  • 2.4384 m × 1.2192 m × 0.4064 m: about 1.2082 m³ = 0.3333 cord.

Full cord vs. face cord

“Face cord” is not a fixed volume unless the log length is stated. This calculator reports a clearly defined 16-inch face-cord equivalent: a 4 ft × 8 ft face stacked 16 inches deep. Three of those equal the stacked volume of one full cord. Local terminology and sales rules can vary, so confirm the dimensions on the seller’s invoice.

Measurement tips and limits

  • Measure a neatly stacked pile, not loose-thrown firewood.
  • For uneven stacks, use average height and depth or divide the pile into smaller rectangular sections.
  • The estimate measures stacked volume, not weight, heat output or solid-wood volume. Those depend on species, moisture and how tightly the pieces are stacked.
  • Cost is proportional to the entered price per full cord and does not include delivery, stacking fees or taxes.

Related calculators

Use the Board Foot Calculator for rectangular lumber volume or the Linear Feet Calculator for lengths and commercial pieces. A board foot is a lumber measure and should not be used to price stacked firewood.