1. What is a Cord of Wood?

A cord is a unit of measure for dry volume used to measure firewood and pulpwood in the United States and Canada. A cord is the amount of wood that, when "racked and well stowed" (arranged so pieces are aligned, parallel, touching and compact), occupies a volume of 128 cubic feet.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cord calculation formula:

Where:

• \( r \) — Radius of the log in inches
• \( L \) — Length of the log in inches
• 128 — Cubic feet in a cord
• 1728 — Cubic inches in a cubic foot
• \( \pi \) — Mathematical constant Pi (approximately 3.1416)

Explanation: This formula calculates what portion of a full cord a single log represents based on its dimensions.

3. Importance of Cord Calculation

Details: Accurate cord calculation is essential for fair trade in firewood, proper inventory management for lumber operations, and estimating heating needs for residential wood burning.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the radius and length of your log in inches. For best accuracy, measure the average radius if the log tapers. All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered a full cord?
A: A full cord is 128 cubic feet of wood, typically stacked in a 4' x 4' x 8' arrangement.

Q2: How does this differ from a face cord?
A: A face cord is 1/3 of a full cord, typically 4' high x 8' long x 16" deep.

Q3: Should I measure radius or diameter?
A: This calculator uses radius. If you have diameter measurements, divide by 2 to get the radius.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This calculation assumes perfectly cylindrical logs. Actual cord measurements may vary based on how tightly the wood is stacked and the irregularity of log shapes.

Q5: How accurate is this for estimating firewood needs?
A: This provides a mathematical estimation. Actual heating value can vary based on wood species, moisture content, and burning efficiency.