UseCalcPro
Home
MathFinanceHealthConstructionAutoPetsGardenCraftsFood & BrewingTools
Blog
  1. Home
  2. Construction

Firewood Calculator

Calculate firewood needs for the heating season

Firewood Needed

3 cords

Face Cords

9

Weight

10,500 lbs

Est. Cost

$893-$1208

Units
1 month5 months7 months

Face Cords

9

Cubic Feet

384

Weight (lbs)

10,500

Split Logs

2,100

Estimated Cost
$893 - $1,208

Est. Burn Time

699 hours

Total season (Hardwood (Oak, Maple, Hickory))

Example Calculations

1Primary Heating in Moderate Climate

Inputs

Home Size2,000 sq ft
Climate ZoneModerate (30-40°F avg)
UsagePrimary Heat Source
Wood TypeHardwood (Oak, Maple, Hickory)
Heating Months5

Result

Firewood Needed3 cords
Face Cords9
Cubic Feet384
Weight10,500 lbs
Split Logs2,100
Estimated Cost$893 - $1,208
Burn Time699 hours

Cords = 3 × (2,000 / 2,000) × 1.0 × (5 / 5) = 3.0 cords. Face cords = 3 × 3 = 9. Cubic feet = 3 × 128 = 384. Weight = 3 × 3,500 = 10,500 lbs. Cost = 3 × $350 = $1,050, range $893-$1,208.

2Supplemental Heating in Cold Climate

Inputs

Home Size1,500 sq ft
Climate ZoneCold (20-30°F avg)
UsageSecondary/Supplemental
Wood TypeMixed Wood
Heating Months6

Result

Firewood Needed2.3 cords
Face Cords6.9
Cubic Feet294
Weight6,900 lbs
Split Logs1,610
Estimated Cost$538 - $727
Burn Time536 hours

Cords = 5 × (1,500 / 2,000) × 0.5 × (6 / 5) = 2.25, rounded up to 2.3 cords. Face cords = 2.3 × 3 = 6.9. Cubic feet = 2.3 × 128 = 294. Weight = 2.3 × 3,000 = 6,900 lbs. Cost = 2.3 × $275 = $633, range $538-$727.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How much firewood do I need for winter?

It depends on your home size, climate, and usage. A 2,000 sq ft home in a moderate climate typically needs 3-4 cords for a full heating season. Cold climates may require 5-7 cords, while mild climates need only 1-2 cords.

  • Mild climate (avg 40–50°F): 1–2 cords for a 2,000 sq ft home over 3–4 heating months
  • Moderate climate (avg 30–40°F): 3–4 cords for a 5-month season
  • Cold climate (avg 20–30°F): 5–7 cords for a 6–7 month season
  • Well-insulated homes can reduce firewood needs by 25–30% compared to drafty older homes
  • Supplemental use (wood stove + furnace) typically cuts firewood needs in half
Q

What is a cord of firewood?

A cord is a stack of firewood measuring 4 feet high × 4 feet wide × 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet. A "face cord" or "rick" is typically 1/3 of a full cord (4 ft × 8 ft × 16 inches).

  • Full cord: 4 ft × 4 ft × 8 ft = 128 cubic feet, about 3,500 lbs of hardwood
  • Face cord (rick): 4 ft × 8 ft × 16 in = about 42.7 cubic feet (1/3 of a full cord)
  • A full cord contains approximately 700 split logs cut to 16-inch lengths
  • Stacked cord has about 70–90 cubic feet of actual wood (rest is airspace between logs)
  • Be wary of sellers using vague terms like "truckload" or "pile" – always ask for cord measurements
Q

How much does a cord of firewood cost?

Prices vary by region and wood type. Hardwoods (oak, maple) cost $300-$400 per cord. Mixed wood runs $250-$300. Softwoods (pine) are cheapest at $150-$250. Prices are higher in areas with limited supply.

  • Hardwood (oak, maple, hickory): $300–$400/cord, burns longest and hottest
  • Mixed wood: $250–$300/cord, good balance of burn time and value
  • Softwood (pine, spruce, fir): $150–$250/cord, lights easily but burns faster
  • Buy in spring/summer for 20–30% savings over fall/winter rush pricing
  • Cutting and splitting your own (with a permit) costs $50–$100/cord in gas and equipment wear
Wood TypeCost/CordBTU/Cord (millions)
Oak$300–$40024–27
Maple$300–$37520–24
Hickory$350–$40025–28
Mixed Hardwood$250–$30018–22
Pine$150–$25014–18
Q

What is the best type of firewood?

Hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory burn longer and produce more heat (20-24 million BTU per cord). They're ideal for heating. Softwoods like pine ignite easily but burn faster, making them good for kindling.

  • Oak: 24–27 million BTU/cord, slow-burning coals, needs 12–24 months seasoning
  • Hickory: 25–28 million BTU/cord, produces the most heat of common firewoods
  • Maple: 20–24 million BTU/cord, easy to split, pleasant light aroma when burning
  • Birch: 18–20 million BTU/cord, burns fast but lights easily – great for kindling
  • Avoid burning: treated/painted wood (toxic fumes), green wood (excess creosote), and driftwood (salt corrosion)
Q

How long does a cord of firewood last?

With a wood stove as primary heat, a cord lasts about 6-8 weeks in cold weather. For supplemental heating, a cord can last 2-3 months. Occasional fireplace use might stretch a cord through an entire season.

  • Primary wood stove heating: 1 cord lasts 6–8 weeks, burning 4–6 hours daily
  • Supplemental heating: 1 cord lasts 2–3 months, burning 2–3 hours on cold evenings
  • Occasional fireplace use (weekends only): 1 cord can last an entire 5-month season
  • Efficient EPA-certified wood stoves use 30–50% less wood than open fireplaces
  • Properly seasoned hardwood (moisture below 20%) lasts 20–30% longer per log than green wood

Related Calculators

Mulch Calculator

Calculate mulch needed

Gravel Calculator

Calculate gravel amounts

Concrete Calculator

Calculate concrete volume

Insulation Calculator

Calculate insulation needs

Fence Calculator

Estimate fence posts, rails, panels, gates, and total project cost for wood or vinyl fences. Enter fence length and spacing to get a full material list.

Siding Calculator

Estimate square footage, panel count, and material costs for vinyl, wood, or fiber cement siding. Subtracts windows and doors and adds waste allowance.

Related Resources

How Much Roofing Material Do I Need? Shingles, Bundles & Cost Guide

Read our guide

How Much Concrete Do I Need? Concrete Calculator for Slabs & Footings

Read our guide

Flooring Calculator: How Much Hardwood, Laminate, or LVP Do You Need?

Read our guide

Concrete Calculator

Calculate concrete needed

Paint Calculator

Calculate paint needed

Flooring Calculator

Calculate flooring materials

More Construction Calculators

Calculate materials for all your projects

View All

Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

UseCalcPro
FinanceHealthMath

© 2026 UseCalcPro