Order firewood too little and you're freezing in February with an empty wood rack. Order too much and you're paying for wood that sits outside rotting.
The answer depends on three things: your climate zone, the size of your home, and how often you burn. Here's a data-driven guide to help you order the right amount — and a free calculator to do the math for you.
Quick Answer: How Many Cords?
| Home Size | Mild Climate | Moderate Climate | Cold Climate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1,000 sq ft | 1 – 2 cords | 2 – 3 cords | 3 – 4 cords |
| 1,000 – 2,000 sq ft | 2 – 3 cords | 3 – 4 cords | 4 – 6 cords |
| 2,000 – 3,000 sq ft | 3 – 4 cords | 4 – 5 cords | 6 – 8 cords |
| 3,000+ sq ft | 4 – 5 cords | 5 – 7 cords | 8 – 10+ cords |
Understanding Cord Measurements
Firewood is sold by the cord. Here's what the terms mean:
| Measurement | Dimensions | Cubic Feet | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full cord | 4 ft × 4 ft × 8 ft | 128 cubic feet | Standard unit |
| Face cord | 4 ft × 8 ft × (length of logs) | Varies | Usually 1/3 of a cord |
| Half cord | 4 ft × 4 ft × 4 ft | 64 cubic feet | 1/2 of a cord |
| Rick | Varies by region | Varies | Ask your supplier |
A face cord is the most common consumer purchase. If logs are cut to 16 inches, a face cord = 4 ft × 8 ft × 16 inches = ~42.7 cubic feet, or about 1/3 of a full cord.
What Affects How Much You Burn?
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Climate zone | Cold climates (Zone 3-4) use 2× more than mild (Zone 6-7) |
| Home insulation | Well-insulated homes use 30–50% less wood |
| Home size | Larger homes = more volume to heat = more wood |
| Burn frequency | Every day vs weekends only = 2–3× difference |
| Wood species | Oak burns longer than pine (50% more heat per cord) |
| Moisture content | Wet wood produces 30% less heat and more creosote |
| Stove efficiency | New EPA stoves: 70-80% efficient. Old: 30-40% |
By Climate Zone
The US has 8 climate zones. Here's what to expect:
| Zone | States | Heating Degree Days | Cords per 1,000 sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 (Cold) | MN, WI, MT, ND | 8,000 – 10,000 | 3 – 4 cords |
| Zone 4 (Cool) | NY, PA, MI, OR | 6,000 – 8,000 | 2 – 3 cords |
| Zone 5 (Mixed) | OH, IN, IL, CO | 5,000 – 6,000 | 2 – 2.5 cords |
| Zone 6 (Moderate) | NJ, VA, TN, MO | 3,500 – 5,000 | 1.5 – 2 cords |
| Zone 7 (Mild) | NC, GA, TX, CA | 2,000 – 3,500 | 1 – 1.5 cords |
These estimates assume firewood is your primary heat source for a 6-month heating season.
Use Our Free Firewood Cord Calculator
Enter your stack dimensions and get an instant conversion to cords and face cords.
Firewood Cord CalculatorHow to Stack Firewood Properly
Proper stacking saves space and helps wood dry faster.
Place your woodpile where it gets sun and airflow. Avoid stacking against your house (pests and moisture).
Keep wood off the ground to prevent rot. A pallet or 2 inches of gravel works well.
Build solid end columns, then fill in the middle. Criss-cross the ends for stability.
Use a tarp or metal roofing on top, but leave the sides open for airflow. Full wrapping traps moisture.
Wood Species: What Burns Best?
| Species | Heat Output (BTU/cord) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Oak (red/white) | 24 – 30 million | All-night burns, primary heat |
| Hickory | 25 – 28 million | Hot fires, long burn times |
| Maple (sugar) | 22 – 25 million | Good all-around firewood |
| Birch | 20 – 22 million | Easy to split, quick heat |
| Pine | 12 – 16 million | Kindling, short fires, campfires |
| Poplar | 10 – 14 million | Quick heat, not for overnight |
A cord of oak produces twice the heat of a cord of pine. If your supplier offers mixed hardwood, that's usually the best value.
Firewood Cost
| Type | Price per Cord | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seasoned hardwood | $200 – $350 | Best value. Dry, ready to burn. |
| Green hardwood | $150 – $250 | Cheaper but needs 6-12 months drying |
| Softwood (pine) | $150 – $250 | Good for kindling and campfires |
| Kiln-dried | $300 – $450 | Ready to burn immediately, very dry |
| Delivered (per cord) | $50 – $150 extra | Depends on distance |
For a moderate climate with a 1,500 sq ft home, budget $400–$700 per season for 2 cords of seasoned hardwood delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many face cords equal a full cord?
Three face cords (assuming 16-inch logs) equal one full cord. If logs are cut to 18 inches, it's about 2.7 face cords per cord.
How much firewood do I need for a wood stove?
For a wood stove as your primary heat in a moderate climate, expect 2–4 cords per 1,000 sq ft per season. Newer EPA stoves are more efficient and use less.
Can I burn wet or green wood?
You can, but shouldn't. Wet wood produces less heat, more smoke, and creosote buildup in your chimney. Season wood for at least 6 months before burning.
How long should firewood dry before burning?
6–12 months for hardwood, 3–6 months for softwood. Split wood dries faster than rounds. Moisture content below 20% is ideal.
What's the cheapest way to get firewood?
Buy green (unseasoned) wood in spring when prices are lowest. Split it yourself and let it dry over summer. You'll save 30–40% vs buying seasoned wood.
How do I measure firewood before buying?
Ask the supplier for a cord measurement. A full cord should fill a space 4 ft wide × 4 ft high × 8 ft long. Measure the stack yourself if possible.