Firewood Cord Calculator — How Much Wood Do You Need?
Enter your home details to estimate how many cords of firewood you need per heating season.
Estimated Cords Needed
15.7
cords of Red Oak per heating season
Estimated Cost
$3,919.86
Total BTU Need
270.0M BTU
Propane equivalent: This heating need equals approximately 3,278.7 gallons of propane.
How We Calculated This
- 1,800 sq ft × 25,000 BTU/sq ft/month
- × 6 month heating season
- × 1 insulation factor
- × 100% (primary heat)
- ÷ 24,600,000 BTU/cord × 70% efficiency
What is a Cord?
A cord of firewood measures 4 feet wide × 4 feet tall × 8 feet long (128 cubic feet). A "face cord" or "rick" is typically 1/3 of a full cord.
Tips for Measuring and Buying Firewood
Standard cord: 4 feet wide × 4 feet tall × 8 feet long = 128 cubic feet. This is the only legally recognized firewood measurement in most states.
Face cord / Rick: Typically 4' tall × 8' long but only 16" deep (one-third of a full cord). Prices per face cord should be roughly one-third of a full cord price.
Buy early: Purchase firewood in spring or early summer. Prices are lower and you get more seasoning time. Well-seasoned wood burns hotter and cleaner.
Check moisture: Seasoned firewood should have a moisture content below 20%. Look for cracked ends, gray color, and lightweight feel. A moisture meter ($20-30) is a worthwhile investment.
Last updated: December 2024