Estimated Cost: The total purchase price based on how many cords you need and the price per cord in your area. Cord prices typically range from $150–$500 depending on wood species and region.
Face Cord Equivalent: A face cord is one-third of a full cord (4 × 8 ft, but only one log deep). This tells you how many face-cord stacks you're buying.
Estimated Logs: Roughly 1,000 split logs per cord. Actual count varies widely with split size — smaller splits mean more pieces.
Weight: About 2.7 tons per cord for mixed hardwood at 20% moisture. Green wood or softwood will differ significantly.
Burn Time: Approximately 18 hours per cord at a moderate burn rate. Hardwoods like oak burn slower; softwoods like pine burn faster.
How This Calculator Works
You enter the number of cords you need and the local price per cord. The tool multiplies cords by standard conversion factors: roughly 1,000 logs, 2.7 tons, and 18 hours of burn time per cord. It assumes mixed seasoned hardwood at moderate moisture. It does not account for wood species, split size, or stove efficiency differences.
Quick Questions
What is the difference between a cord and a face cord?
A full cord measures 4 × 4 × 8 feet (128 cubic feet). A face cord is the same height and width but only one row of logs deep, typically about one-third of a full cord.
How much firewood do I need for a winter?
Most homes using a wood stove as a primary heat source burn 3–5 cords per winter in cold climates. Occasional fireplace use might only need 1–2 cords per season.
Does wood species affect burn time?
Yes, significantly. Dense hardwoods like oak and hickory burn much longer per cord than softwoods like pine or spruce. The calculator uses an average for mixed seasoned hardwood.
How long should firewood be seasoned?
Most firewood should be seasoned (air-dried) for 6–12 months to reach about 20% moisture content. Burning green wood produces more smoke, less heat, and more creosote buildup.