Firewood Calculator
Calculate how many cords of firewood you need for the heating season. Compare wood vs gas vs electric heating costs, and factor in wood species BTU values and moisture content.
sq ft
Cords Needed per Season
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Face Cords (equivalent) —
Estimated Cost —
Extended More scenarios, charts & detailed breakdown ▾
Cords Needed
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Storage Space Needed —
Professional Full parameters & maximum detail ▾
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Wood Needed
Cords Needed —
Effective BTU/cord (moisture adjusted) —
Storage Space —
Maintenance & Cost
Chimney Cleanings per Year —
Annual Wood Budget —
Cost per Heating Day —
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your heating area in square feet.
- Select winter severity for your region.
- Choose whether wood is your primary or supplemental heat source.
- Results show cords needed, face cords, and estimated cost.
- Use By Stove BTU tab for precise calculation based on your stove output and wood species.
- Use Cost Comparison to see if wood saves money vs gas or electric heat.
Formula
Cords = (Sq Ft ÷ 1000) × Severity Factor × Source Factor
Severity: Mild = 0.8, Moderate = 1.5, Severe = 2.5 cords per 1,000 sq ft
Example
Example: 1,500 sq ft home, moderate winter, primary heat = (1.5 × 1.5 × 1.0) = 2.25 cords. At $300/cord = $675 for the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- A typical 1,500 sq ft home in a moderate climate needs 3–5 cords per heating season as a primary heat source. Milder climates or supplemental use may need only 1–2 cords.
- A full cord is 128 cubic feet of stacked wood, typically 4 ft × 4 ft × 8 ft. A face cord (also called a rick) is 1/3 of a full cord — the same 4×8 face but only 16 inches deep.
- Hardwoods like oak (24M BTU/cord), ash (22M), and maple (21M) burn hottest and longest. Softwoods like pine (17M BTU) ignite easily but burn faster and produce more creosote.
- Firewood should be seasoned to 20% moisture or less. Green wood (40–60% moisture) produces much less heat, smokes heavily, and creates dangerous creosote buildup in chimneys.
- Clean your chimney at least once a year. If you burn more than 2 cords per season, consider cleaning twice a year. Burning wet or soft wood accelerates creosote buildup.