Firewood Volume Calculator

This calculator estimates how many cords of firewood a stand of standing trees will yield, working from three field-measurable inputs: Diameter at Breast Height (DBH, measured 4.5 feet above ground), merchantable height (the usable trunk length before the first major limb or defect), and the number of trees being processed. It computes a gross cubic-foot volume per tree using a simplified volume approximation (0.003 x DBH-squared x height) -- this is a rough, form-factor-style estimate meant for quick field planning, not a substitute for a professional cruise using a full volume table. That per-tree volume is multiplied by tree count to get total solid wood volume, which is then converted to cords by dividing by 80 cubic feet -- a standard cord stacks to 128 cubic feet (4' x 4' x 8'), but roughly a third of that stack is air gaps between split and round pieces, so 80 solid cubic feet per cord is the conventional rule-of-thumb divisor.

Face cords (a third of a full cord, stacked 4' x 8' at typical 16" log lengths) are derived directly from the cord figure. The calculator also estimates green and seasoned weight using typical hardwood/softwood averages, heating value assuming roughly 20 million BTU per cord of seasoned hardwood, and a market value range from a typical delivered-cord price band. Because the volume formula is a simplified approximation and the weight, BTU, and price figures are broad averages rather than species-specific data, treat every output here as a planning estimate -- actual yield varies with species, form, taper, and local firewood pricing.