categories.everyday-life
Instant, private, and free
Cord Wood Volume Calculator.
Calculate stacked and solid cord equivalents from measured stack dimensions and an explicit cord volume.
Set your values
Results update as you type.
Results update automatically as you type. Every quantity that affects the result is an explicit input; no regional chart, product preset, or vehicle speed is assumed.
FAQs
What does the cord wood volume calculator assume?
Calculate stacked and solid cord equivalents from measured stack dimensions and an explicit cord volume. Every quantity that affects the result is entered explicitly; no regional chart, product preset, or vehicle-specific default is selected.
Use Cases
Estimate firewood for heating
Determine how many cords of wood you have or need for the season by measuring your stack and calculating its volume.
Example: A stack 4 ft high, 4 ft wide, and 8 ft long equals 1 full cord.
Compare wood purchases
Verify that the wood you are buying matches the advertised cord volume by measuring the delivered stack.
Example: Check if a 'face cord' (8 ft x 4 ft x 16 in) is equivalent to 1/3 cord.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a cord of wood?
- A standard cord is a stack of wood measuring 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet. However, the actual solid wood volume is less due to air spaces between logs.
- How do I measure my wood stack?
- Measure the height, width, and length of your stack in feet (or inches) and enter these dimensions into the calculator. Also, specify the cord volume you are using (e.g., 128 cubic feet for a full cord).
- What is the difference between stacked and solid cord?
- Stacked cord refers to the total volume of the stack including air spaces. Solid cord is the actual wood volume, which is less. The calculator uses a conversion factor to estimate solid volume from stacked dimensions.
Tips & Common Mistakes
Tips
- Measure the stack in feet for direct cord calculations; if using inches, convert to feet first.
- For irregular stacks, take multiple measurements and average them for accuracy.
- Remember that the solid wood volume is typically 70-90% of the stacked volume, depending on log size and stacking method.
- Use the calculator to compare different stack sizes to ensure you get the expected amount of wood.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to account for air spaces when estimating solid wood volume.
- Using the same cord volume for all wood types; actual solid volume varies with log diameter and stacking.
- Measuring only the length and height, ignoring the width, which leads to underestimating the volume.
Last updated: August 13, 2026