Cord of Wood Calculator
Convert a stack into full cords and face cords, with the cut length shown in the estimate.
Formula and sources updated · Data sources · 1View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
Estimate stacked volume, full cords and face cords using the log-cut length you enter. A 16-inch cut makes a face cord about one-third of a full cord. Solid wood volume is only a rough estimate based on air gaps; wood weight and heat vary by species and moisture.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Stack length 8 ft · Stack height 4 ft · Stack depth 4 ft · Log length 16 in · Price per full cord 350 $ · Air space in the stack 25 % Stacked volume 128.0 cu ft · Full cords 1.000 cords · Face cords 3.00 face cords · Solid wood volume 96.0 cu ft · Value of the stack 350.00 $
Method and assumptions
Cords = L×H×D ÷ 128; Face cords = L×H×D ÷ (32×log length in ft) A full cord is 128 stacked ft³. Face cord volume uses a standard 8 ft × 4 ft face and the entered log cut length in inches; local face-cord definitions vary. Solid volume is estimated from the entered air-gap share. Weight and heat outputs are omitted because wood species and moisture strongly change them. Estimate stacked volume, full cords and face cords using the log-cut length you enter. A 16-inch cut makes a face cord about one-third of a full cord. Solid wood volume is only a rough estimate based on air gaps; wood weight and heat vary by species and moisture. The references explain definitions and methods; any extra preset must be checked against the assumptions on this page.
Data sources
The references explain definitions and methods; any extra preset must be checked against the assumptions on this page.
Disclaimer
These calculators provide planning estimates only. Building codes, wiring regulations and safety requirements differ by country and change over time, and nothing here replaces a licensed professional or a permit. For structural, electrical or gas work, follow local code and have the installation inspected.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
Cords = L×H×D ÷ 128; Face cords = L×H×D ÷ (32×log length in ft)
- L
- stack length in ft
- H
- stack height in ft
- D
- stack depth in ft
- a
- air gaps in %
- Cords
- full cords
- V_solid
- solid wood volume in ft³
- logLength
- log length entered in inches
A full cord is 128 stacked ft³. Face cord volume uses a standard 8 ft × 4 ft face and the entered log cut length in inches; local face-cord definitions vary. Solid volume is estimated from the entered air-gap share. Weight and heat outputs are omitted because wood species and moisture strongly change them.
Frequently asked questions
How is a face cord calculated?
A face cord is modeled as an 8 ft × 4 ft stack with the entered log-cut length as its depth. At the default 16-inch cut, one face cord is 42.7 stacked cubic feet, so a 128 cubic-foot full cord is about three face cords. “Face cord” sizes vary in local use; confirm the seller’s dimensions. Solid-wood volume is only an estimate from your air-gap input.
Which inputs and limits apply to Cord of Wood Calculator?
Use the units shown beside each field. These are form limits, not recommended settings. Stack length: 0.1–200 ft; Stack height: 0.1–30 ft; Stack depth: 0.1–30 ft; Log length: 6–48 in; Price per full cord: 0–10,000 $; Air space in the stack: 0–60 % Cords = L×H×D ÷ 128; Face cords = L×H×D ÷ (32×log length in ft) A full cord is 128 stacked ft³. Face cord volume uses a standard 8 ft × 4 ft face and the entered log cut length in inches; local face-cord definitions vary. Solid volume is estimated from the entered air-gap share. Weight and heat outputs are omitted because wood species and moisture strongly change them. Estimate stacked volume, full cords and face cords using the log-cut length you enter. A 16-inch cut makes a face cord about one-third of a full cord. Solid wood volume is only a rough estimate based on air gaps; wood weight and heat vary by species and moisture. The references explain definitions and methods; any extra preset must be checked against the assumptions on this page.
What is a complete worked example for Stack length = 8 ft; Stack height = 4 ft?
Inputs: Stack length = 8 ft; Stack height = 4 ft; Stack depth = 4 ft; Log length = 16 in; Price per full cord = 350 $; Air space in the stack = 25 %. Calculation: Cords = L×H×D ÷ 128; Face cords = L×H×D ÷ (32×log length in ft). Results: Stacked volume = 128.0 cu ft; Full cords = 1.000 cords; Face cords = 3.00 face cords; Solid wood volume = 96.0 cu ft; Value of the stack = 350.00 $.