Firewood Calculator
Enter the length, height, and depth of a stacked woodpile to calculate how many cords it contains — the standard unit firewood is measured and sold by.
How the Firewood formula works
A standard cord is defined as a stack measuring 4×4×8 feet, or 128 cubic feet:
Volume (ft³) = Length × Height × Depth Cords = Volume / 128
Step-by-step calculation
- Multiply the stack's length, height, and depth (in feet) to get total cubic feet.
- Divide by 128 (the cubic footage of one standard cord).
Worked example
A stack measuring 8 ft long, 4 ft high, and 2 ft deep: Volume = 8 × 4 × 2 = 64 ft³. Cords = 64/128 = 0.5 cords, or half a cord.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a full cord and a face cord?
A full cord is 4×4×8 feet (128 ft³). A 'face cord' (sometimes called a rick) is a less standardized term, typically referring to a stack 4 feet high, 8 feet long, but only as deep as a single piece of firewood is long — usually much less than a full cord's total volume.
How many cords does a typical household use per winter?
It varies enormously based on climate, home size, insulation, and how much a fireplace or wood stove is relied on for heat — anywhere from a fraction of a cord for occasional use to several cords for primary heating in a cold climate.