Firewood Calculator
Calculate cords of firewood from stack dimensions or heating needs. Compare BTU output, weight, and splitting ease across 10 wood species.
BTU Comparison by Species
| Species | BTU/Cord | Weight (lbs/cord) | Split Ease | Total BTU (1.00 cords) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Oak | 29,100,000 | 4,200 | moderate | 29.1M |
| Red Oak | 27,300,000 | 3,900 | easy | 27.3M |
| Sugar Maple | 29,000,000 | 4,100 | moderate | 29.0M |
| Black Locust | 29,300,000 | 4,100 | hard | 29.3M |
| Hickory | 30,600,000 | 4,300 | hard | 30.6M |
| Ash | 24,000,000 | 3,500 | easy | 24.0M |
| Birch | 23,400,000 | 3,400 | easy | 23.4M |
| Cherry | 20,400,000 | 3,100 | easy | 20.4M |
| Pine (White) | 15,900,000 | 2,500 | easy | 15.9M |
| Douglas Fir | 26,500,000 | 3,300 | easy | 26.5M |
How It Works
Stack Dimensions mode: Enter the length, width, and height of your woodpile in feet. Cords = L x W x H / 128. A standard cord is 4x4x8 feet.
Heating Needs mode: Enter your home's square footage, insulation quality, and climate zone. The calculator estimates seasonal BTU demand and converts to cords at 70% heating efficiency with an average hardwood BTU rating.
Select a wood species to see weight, total BTU output, and cost estimates. The comparison table ranks all 10 species by BTU per cord so you can pick the best value for your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a cord of firewood?
A cord of firewood measures 4 feet wide x 4 feet high x 8 feet long (128 cubic feet). Prices typically range from $250 to $400 per cord depending on wood species, seasoning, and your region. Hardwoods like oak and hickory cost more but produce significantly more heat per cord.
How many cords of firewood do I need for winter?
A 2,000 sq ft home with average insulation in a moderate climate (5 months of heating) needs roughly 3–5 cords for a full season if wood is the primary heat source. Well-insulated homes in mild climates may need only 1–2 cords. Use the Heating Needs mode for a personalized estimate.
What is the difference between a cord and a face cord?
A full cord is 4x4x8 feet (128 cu ft). A face cord (also called a rick) is typically 4x8 feet but only 16 inches deep — one-third of a full cord. There are 3 face cords in a full cord. Always confirm dimensions when buying, as 'face cord' measurements can vary by seller.
What is the best firewood for heating?
Hickory (30.6M BTU/cord), black locust (29.3M BTU/cord), and white oak (29.1M BTU/cord) are the top heat producers. They burn long and hot but are harder to split. Ash and red oak offer a good balance of heat output (24–27M BTU) and easy splitting. Avoid softwoods like pine for primary heating — they burn fast and create more creosote.