Firewood Calculator
Calculate how many cords of firewood you need for heating season. Factor in home size, insulation, climate zone, and wood type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much firewood do I need for a winter?
The answer depends heavily on your climate, home size, insulation quality, and whether wood is your primary or supplemental heat source. A rough starting point is 3 to 5 cords of hardwood for a 2,000 square-foot home in a cold climate using wood as the primary heat source. Homes with good insulation or in moderate climates may need as little as 1 to 2 cords.
What is a cord of firewood?
A cord is the standard unit of measurement for firewood. It measures 4 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet of stacked wood. A face cord (also called a rick) is only one row deep (typically 16 inches) and holds about one-third of a full cord. Always confirm whether a seller is quoting a full cord or a face cord, as the difference is significant.
Which types of wood burn the best?
Dense hardwoods like oak, hickory, maple, and ash produce the most heat per cord and burn longer with less creosote buildup. Softwoods like pine and spruce ignite easily and work well as kindling but burn faster and produce more creosote, which increases chimney fire risk. For primary heating, hardwoods are the better investment. A mix of both works well when hardwood handles the heavy heating and softwood is used for starting fires.
How far in advance should I buy or harvest firewood?
Plan at least 6 months ahead for softwoods and 12 to 18 months ahead for hardwoods. Freshly cut “green” wood has a moisture content of 40% to 60% and burns poorly, producing excessive smoke and creosote. Properly seasoned wood should have a moisture content below 20%. A moisture meter is a worthwhile investment to verify your wood is ready to burn.
How should I stack and store firewood?
Stack wood in a single row with the bark side up to shed rain. Elevate your stack off the ground using pallets or pressure-treated lumber rails to prevent ground moisture from wicking into the wood. Leave at least 20 feet between your woodpile and your home to reduce fire risk and discourage pests from entering your house. Cover the top with a tarp or woodshed roof but leave the sides open for air circulation, which is essential for proper seasoning.