Wood Stack Calculator
Example Data Table
| Stack Length | Height | Depth | Stack Volume | Standard Cords |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ft | 4 ft | 4 ft | 128 ft³ | 1.000 |
| 8 ft | 4 ft | 16 in | 42.67 ft³ | 0.333 |
| 16 ft | 4 ft | 4 ft | 256 ft³ | 2.000 |
Formula Used
Stack volume: Length × Height × Depth × Number of stacks.
Standard cords: Usable stacked cubic feet ÷ 128.
Face cords: Usable stacked cubic feet ÷ (4 × 8 × log length in feet).
Solid wood estimate: Usable stacked cubic feet × (1 − air space percent ÷ 100).
Cost per cord: Total cost ÷ standard cords.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the length, height, and depth of your firewood stack.
Select the unit used for your measurements.
Add the number of stacks if your delivery has many piles.
Choose stacked wood or loose thrown wood.
Enter the average log length for face cord estimates.
Add air space, waste, price, and delivery values.
Press the calculate button to see results above the form.
Understanding Cord of Wood Measurement
What Is a Standard Cord?
A cord is a common firewood volume measure. It describes a stacked pile that contains 128 cubic feet. The usual example is eight feet long, four feet high, and four feet deep. This calculator follows that standard. It also helps with smaller piles, face cords, ricks, and loose loads.
Why Stack Shape Matters
Firewood is rarely stacked perfectly. Logs have curves. Gaps appear between pieces. Ends may be uneven. A tall narrow pile may look large, but the depth decides much of the volume. For this reason, the tool asks for length, height, and depth. It then converts each value into feet before calculating volume.
Face Cords and Log Length
A face cord is often one row of stacked wood. Its length and height may match a full cord face. The depth usually equals the log length. A row of sixteen inch logs is about one third of a full cord when stacked eight feet by four feet. Longer logs increase the face cord volume. Shorter logs reduce it.
Loose Loads and Practical Adjustments
Loose firewood takes more space than stacked wood. Pieces fall at random angles. The calculator uses a stack factor to estimate the stacked equivalent. You can also enter a waste percentage. This covers crooked ends, bark loss, unusable pieces, or measurement errors.
Cost and Weight Planning
The cost fields help compare sellers. A cheaper pile may cost more per cord after delivery. The weight estimate helps with trailers, storage areas, and handling plans. Actual weight changes by species and moisture. Dry hardwood can be much lighter than green hardwood. Use the result as a planning estimate, not a certified scale weight.
FAQs
What is one cord of wood?
One cord is 128 cubic feet of stacked firewood. A common stack size is 8 feet long, 4 feet high, and 4 feet deep.
What is a face cord?
A face cord is usually one row of stacked wood. Its depth equals the log length, often 16 inches.
How do I measure an uneven stack?
Measure several points. Use the average height and depth. This gives a fairer estimate for uneven rows.
Does loose firewood equal stacked firewood?
No. Loose firewood has more air space. Use the loose load option to estimate stacked equivalent volume.
Why is 128 cubic feet used?
It is the standard full cord volume. The classic pile is 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet.
Can I calculate cost per cord?
Yes. Enter wood price and delivery fee. The calculator divides total cost by standard cords.
Does moisture affect cord measurement?
Moisture does not change stacked volume much. It greatly changes weight, burning value, and handling effort.
Is this calculator suitable for buying wood?
Yes. It helps compare loads. Still verify local selling rules and measure the delivered stack carefully.