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A “cord” is a precise volume — 128 cubic feet stacked — but most firewood is sold as face cords, ricks or truckloads that vary wildly. Enter your stack size to convert it to full cords, then compare species to see how much heat you are really buying.
A cord is 128 cubic feet
1 full cord = 4 × 4 × 8 ft = 128 cu ft stacked (about 85 cu ft of solid wood once you subtract air gaps). A face cord is 4 × 8 ft by one log length — a 16 in face cord is about one-third of a full cord. Loosely thrown wood takes about 180 cu ft to equal one stacked cord.
BTU per cord by species
| Species | Million BTU per cord | Burn character |
|---|---|---|
| Oak (white/red) | 24–29 | Long, hot burn; the benchmark hardwood |
| Hickory | 27–28 | Very hot; great for stoves, short supply in some areas |
| Sugar maple, beech | 24–25 | Steady heat, easy to split when green |
| Red maple, cherry | 19–21 | Medium heat; cherry smells pleasant |
| Birch, ash | 20–24 | Good all-round; ash splits easily and burns well green |
| Pine, fir, spruce | 14–17 | Lights fast, burns fast; best for kindling and shoulder season |
Values are approximate for seasoned wood at ~20% moisture; green wood delivers far less usable heat.
FAQ
How much firewood do I need for winter?
A stove-heated home in a cold climate typically burns 3–6 full cords per winter; occasional fireplace use is often under one cord. Start from last year’s usage if you have it.
How do I know the wood is seasoned?
Check with a moisture meter on a fresh split face — 20% or less burns well. Seasoned wood has cracked ends, loose bark and a hollow ring when knocked together.
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