Cord of Wood Weight Calculator

Effortlessly estimate the weight of a cord of wood based on species and moisture content.

Wood Weight Calculator

Wood Species	Green Density (lbs/cu ft)	Dry Density (lbs/cu ft)	Typical Moisture Content (%)	Approx. Weight per Standard Cord (lbs)
Oak	51	41	20	5382
Maple	47	38	20	5000
Pine	33	26	15	3150
Birch	43	34	18	4536
Fir	32	25	15	3000
Hardwood Mix	48	39	20	5192
Softwood Mix	32.5	25.5	15	3075

Understanding the cord of wood weight is crucial for anyone involved in logging, firewood sales, transportation, or even just managing a woodpile. A cord of wood is a traditional unit of volume for firewood, defined as a stack measuring 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 4 feet deep, totaling 128 cubic feet of space. However, the actual wood volume within that stack is less due to air gaps. The weight of this cord can vary dramatically based on several factors, making a precise calculation essential for accurate planning and costing. This calculator helps demystify the weight associated with a cord of wood.

Who should use this calculator?

• Firewood Suppliers: To accurately price, quote, and plan deliveries. Knowing the weight helps in selecting appropriate transport vehicles and understanding fuel costs.
• Loggers and Foresters: For estimating harvest yields, planning transport logistics from the forest, and understanding the physical handling requirements.
• Homeowners purchasing firewood: To verify quantities, understand delivery truck load capacities, and compare prices per pound when volume is the primary sales unit.
• DIYers building with wood: For structural planning or material estimates where wood weight is a consideration.

Common Misconceptions:

• All cords weigh the same: This is the biggest misconception. A cord of green oak weighs significantly more than a cord of seasoned pine.
• Air gaps don't matter: While a cord is a measure of stacked volume (including air), the *wood volume* determines the mass. Different stacking methods and wood shapes affect the air-to-wood ratio.
• Weight is purely about species: While species is a primary driver, moisture content is equally, if not more, important, especially for recently felled wood.

{primary_keyword} Formula and Mathematical Explanation

Calculating the cord of wood weight involves understanding wood density and the volume of the cord. The fundamental formula is:

Total Weight = Density × Volume

However, density itself is not a single fixed number. It's influenced by moisture content and the wood's species. We need to account for these variables.

Step-by-Step Derivation

1. Determine Cord Volume: A standard cord is 128 cubic feet (4 ft x 4 ft x 8 ft). Face cords have a different wood-to-air ratio.
2. Find Base Wood Density: Wood density is typically provided for "green" (freshly cut, high moisture) and "oven-dry" (completely dehydrated) states. Green density is higher due to water.
3. Calculate Density at Specific Moisture Content: The weight of wood is largely due to its solid components and the water it holds. As wood dries, it loses weight. The formula to estimate density at a given moisture content (MC) is complex, but a simplified approximation is often used for practical purposes. A common approach involves interpolating between green and dry densities.

A more accurate approach: Density_MC = Density_Dry + (Density_Green – Density_Dry) × (MC / 100) for MC up to fiber saturation point (around 25-30%), and then it becomes more complex. However, for simplicity and typical usage, especially when green density is available, we can use an adjusted density factor. A practical approximation: Density_Adjusted = Green Density × (1 + (Moisture Content / 100) × Moisture Impact Factor). The Moisture Impact Factor typically ranges from 0.4 to 0.6, meaning 100% increase in moisture content might add 40-60% to the dry weight.

For this calculator, we'll use a simplified model that considers Green Density and adjusts based on moisture content, acknowledging that typically, moisture adds weight. A simpler practical approach: Effective Density = Green Density – (Green Density – Dry Density) * (1 – (Moisture Content / 100)). This formula essentially calculates the proportion of water weight and adds it to the dry wood weight. For simplicity in the calculator's display, we might show Green and Seasoned densities and use an intermediate calculation.

Simplified Calculation Used: We'll take the selected Green Density and then apply a moisture adjustment. As moisture content increases from a seasoned state (e.g., 20%), the weight increases. A common empirical observation is that water can constitute up to 50% of the weight of green wood. So, we can estimate: Density at MC = (Dry Density * (1 + MC/100)) + (Green Density – Dry Density) * (1 – (MC/100)). This is still complex. A more accessible approach for a calculator is to use the Green Density and apply a factor that increases weight for higher moisture content. Let's assume that Green Density already accounts for ~40-50% moisture, and Dry Density ~0%. For 20% moisture, the density is closer to seasoned. We can interpolate: Effective Density = Dry Density + (Green Density – Dry Density) * (MC / 100) (this is still a simplification). Let's use a direct multiplier for simplicity in explanation: Weight = (Density based on species and typical 'green' state) * (1 + 0.5 * (Moisture Content % / 100)) * Volume. This implies moisture adds up to 50% of the green wood's weight.

A widely accepted rule of thumb: Green wood weighs roughly twice as much as dry wood. So, if Dry Density is D_dry, and Green Density is D_green (approx 2*D_dry). At 20% MC, density is about midway. Let's use the provided Green and Dry densities and interpolate linearly for the calculator's logic:

Estimated Density = Dry Density + (Green Density – Dry Density) * (Moisture Content / 100). This is incorrect as MC typically goes much higher. Let's re-approach:

Corrected Logic: 1. Get Green Density (D_g) and Dry Density (D_d) for species. 2. Calculate weight of wood fiber: W_fiber = D_d (since dry density IS the weight of fiber per cu ft). 3. Calculate weight of water: W_water = W_fiber * (MC / 100). This is only if MC is relative to OVEN-DRY weight. Wood moisture content is often expressed as a percentage of the oven-dry weight. 4. Total Weight per cu ft = W_fiber + W_water = D_d * (1 + MC/100). 5. Total Cord Weight = D_d * (1 + MC/100) * Cord Volume. *This assumes MC is % of dry weight*. A common practical measure is that green wood is 50% water by weight. So if Wood Fiber weight is X, Water weight is X. Total Green Weight is 2X. If MC is 20% (of dry weight), Wood Fiber is X, Water is 0.2X. Total weight = 1.2X. This aligns with D_d * (1 + MC/100). Let's use this: Weight = Dry Density × (1 + Moisture Content / 100) × Cord Volume. This means Dry Density is fundamental.

To make it simpler and align with provided Green Density values:

Density_Effective = Dry Density + (Green Density – Dry Density) * ((Moisture Content / 100) / Max_Typical_Moisture_Ratio). If Max typical moisture is 50% (for green wood), and MC input is 20%, then (20/100) / (50/100) = 0.4. So it's like 40% of the way from Dry to Green density. This seems more intuitive.

Let's use the direct formula in the calculator's JavaScript for clarity and accuracy based on typical values:

Effective Density = (Dry Density * (1 + Moisture Content/100)) THIS IS THE MOST STANDARD FORMULA assuming MC is % of dry weight.

If the calculator uses Green Density as a base: Effective Density = Green Density – (Green Density – Dry Density) * ( (100 – Moisture Content) / 100 ). This is also a valid approach assuming Green density is at ~50% MC.

Final Formula Used in Calculator: Let's use the Green Density provided and adjust it. The difference between Green and Dry density represents the water content. We assume Green density is around 40-50% moisture. If the user enters 20% moisture, it's drier than green. If they enter 60%, it's wetter. A practical approximation: Weight = Density_at_MC * Volume where Density_at_MC = Dry_Density + (Green_Density - Dry_Density) * (Moisture_Content / 100). This assumes MC varies from 0% to 100% and affects density linearly. Let's refine this based on common understanding: Green wood has roughly 50% moisture content (by weight relative to dry). Dry wood has near 0%. So, let's say: Green Density (D_g) is density at ~50% MC. Dry Density (D_d) is density at ~0% MC. Volume (V) is cord volume in cubic feet. Moisture Content (MC) is user input in %. We can estimate density at MC: Density_at_MC = D_d + (D_g - D_d) * (MC / 50), assuming MC input is capped at 50% for 'wetness'. This is still not quite right. Let's use the most common approach: Density is a function of the wood solids PLUS the water content. Weight per cu ft = (Dry Density) * (1 + MC/100) where MC is the percentage of moisture relative to the dry weight of the wood. This is the most scientifically sound approach. We will use the Dry Density from our table and the user's MC input. The Green Density shown will be an informational value, perhaps calculated as Dry Density * 1.5 (approx 50% MC). Formula Implemented: Volume = selected_cord_volume Dry_Density = get_dry_density_for_species() Effective_Density = Dry_Density * (1 + (Moisture_Content / 100)) Total_Weight = Effective_Density * Volume The displayed Green Density will be an approximate value. The displayed Seasoned Density (at 20% MC) will be Dry_Density * (1 + 20/100).

Variable Explanations

Here's a breakdown of the variables used in our calculation:

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Wood Species	The type of tree the wood comes from. Affects inherent density.	N/A	Oak, Maple, Pine, Birch, Fir, Mixes
Moisture Content (MC)	The percentage of water in the wood, relative to its dry weight.	%	0% (oven-dry) to 60%+ (green/freshly cut)
Green Density	The weight of wood per unit volume when freshly cut and saturated with water.	lbs/cu ft	25 – 55 lbs/cu ft
Dry Density	The weight of wood per unit volume when completely dried (oven-dry).	lbs/cu ft	20 – 45 lbs/cu ft
Cord Volume	The total volume of the stacked wood.	cubic feet (cu ft)	128 cu ft (standard cord), or custom
Effective Density	The calculated density of the wood at the user-specified moisture content.	lbs/cu ft	Varies based on inputs
Estimated Cord Weight	The final calculated weight of the entire cord of wood.	lbs	1500 – 6000+ lbs

Practical Examples

Let's look at some real-world scenarios to illustrate how the cord of wood weight calculator works:

Example 1: Seasoned Oak Firewood Delivery

A homeowner is buying firewood for the winter. They order a standard cord (128 cu ft) of seasoned oak. The supplier states the oak has a moisture content of 18%. They want to know the estimated weight for delivery planning.

• Inputs:
• Wood Species: Oak
• Moisture Content: 18%
• Cord Type: Standard Cord (128 cu ft)
• Calculation:
• Oak Dry Density: 41 lbs/cu ft
• Oak Green Density (approx): 51 lbs/cu ft
• Cord Volume: 128 cu ft
• Effective Density = 41 * (1 + 18/100) = 41 * 1.18 = 48.38 lbs/cu ft
• Estimated Cord Weight = 48.38 lbs/cu ft * 128 cu ft = 6193 lbs
• Result Interpretation: The cord of seasoned oak weighs approximately 6,193 lbs. This is a substantial weight, equivalent to over 3 tons, meaning a standard pickup truck might struggle to haul it legally or safely. This weight aligns with expectations for dense, seasoned hardwood.

Example 2: Freshly Cut Pine for a Logging Operation

A small logging operation has just felled a section of pine trees and wants to estimate the weight of wood they'll need to transport. They estimate they have a volume equivalent to a standard cord (128 cu ft) of wood with a high moisture content of 50% (typical for green wood).

• Inputs:
• Wood Species: Pine
• Moisture Content: 50%
• Cord Type: Standard Cord (128 cu ft)
• Calculation:
• Pine Dry Density: 26 lbs/cu ft
• Pine Green Density (approx): 33 lbs/cu ft
• Cord Volume: 128 cu ft
• Effective Density = 26 * (1 + 50/100) = 26 * 1.5 = 39 lbs/cu ft
• Estimated Cord Weight = 39 lbs/cu ft * 128 cu ft = 4992 lbs
• Result Interpretation: The cord of green pine weighs approximately 4,992 lbs. This is significantly heavier than seasoned pine due to the high water content. This weight is useful for planning truck capacity and understanding the physical effort required for handling the logs.

How to Use This Cord of Wood Weight Calculator

Our cord of wood weight calculator is designed for simplicity and accuracy. Follow these steps to get your estimated weight:

1. Select Wood Species: Choose the type of wood from the dropdown menu. Different species have vastly different densities.
2. Enter Moisture Content: Input the moisture percentage of the wood. For seasoned firewood, this is typically between 15-25%. Green or freshly cut wood can be 50% or higher.
3. Choose Cord Type: Select "Standard Cord" for the traditional 128 cu ft measurement. Other options like "Face Cord" have different wood-to-air ratios, and "Long Cord" allows for custom dimensions. If you choose a custom cord type, you may need to input specific dimensions or total volume.
4. Input Custom Volume (If Applicable): If you selected a custom cord type or need to specify exact dimensions, enter the total volume in cubic feet.
5. Click 'Calculate Weight': The calculator will instantly process your inputs.

How to Read Results:

• Estimated Cord Weight: This is your primary result – the total estimated weight of the cord in pounds.
• Wood Density (Green & Seasoned): These provide context on the species' natural density in different states.
• Cord Volume: Confirms the volume being calculated.
• Formula Explanation: Understand the basic principle behind the calculation.

Decision-Making Guidance:

Use the estimated weight to:

• Plan Transportation: Determine if your vehicle can handle the load and estimate fuel consumption.
• Price Firewood: If you sell by volume, knowing the weight helps in cost assessment or offering weight-based pricing.
• Compare Suppliers: Understand if you are receiving the expected amount of wood, especially if weight is mentioned in sales agreements.
• Physical Handling: Estimate the manpower or equipment needed to move the wood.

Key Factors That Affect Cord of Wood Weight Results

While our calculator provides a robust estimate, several real-world factors can influence the actual cord of wood weight:

1. Species Density Variation: Even within a species (e.g., Red Oak vs. White Oak), there can be slight variations in density. Our calculator uses typical averages.
2. Moisture Content Precision: Measuring moisture content accurately can be challenging. A moisture meter provides the best results, but visual cues (cracks, dull sound when hit) can give general indications. Fluctuations in humidity during storage also affect MC.
3. Seasoning Level and Method: How the wood is seasoned (air-dried vs. kiln-dried) and for how long impacts its final moisture content and weight. Prolonged seasoning reduces weight significantly.
4. Wood Condition (Rot/Decay): Decayed wood is less dense and therefore lighter than healthy wood of the same species and moisture content. This calculator assumes healthy wood.
5. Bark Presence: Bark adds some weight, although its density is generally lower than the wood itself. Our calculations typically assume wood with bark unless specified otherwise.
6. Wood Defects and Splits: While a cord is a measure of volume, the presence of significant cracks or voids within logs can slightly alter the density calculation and total wood mass.
7. Compaction within the Stack: How tightly the wood is stacked affects the air-to-wood ratio. A loosely stacked cord will contain less actual wood volume than a tightly packed one, even if both occupy 128 cubic feet of space. Our calculator assumes a standard stacking density.
8. Temperature Effects: While minor, wood density can slightly change with temperature, though this is usually negligible compared to moisture content variations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the standard weight of a cord of wood?

There isn't one standard weight because it depends heavily on the wood species and its moisture content. However, a typical seasoned hardwood cord (like oak or maple) might weigh between 4,000 to 5,500 lbs, while a seasoned softwood cord (like pine or fir) might weigh between 2,500 to 3,500 lbs.

Q2: Does the type of wood significantly affect its weight?

Yes, significantly. Denser hardwoods like oak weigh much more per cord than less dense softwoods like pine, assuming similar moisture content and volume.

Q3: How does moisture content impact the weight of a cord of wood?

Moisture content is a major factor. Green wood (freshly cut) can contain 50% or more water by weight, making it much heavier than seasoned wood (dried to 15-20% moisture). For example, green oak can weigh nearly twice as much as oven-dry oak.

Q4: What is the difference between a standard cord and a face cord?

A standard cord is 128 cubic feet (4 ft x 8 ft x 4 ft). A face cord is typically 4 ft high x 8 ft long x the length of the firewood (often 16 inches or 1.33 ft), resulting in approximately 42.67 cubic feet of wood volume. Thus, a face cord is about one-third the volume (and often weight) of a standard cord.

Q5: Can I use this calculator for firewood I plan to burn?

Absolutely. Knowing the weight helps you understand the amount of wood you're storing and burning. Seasoned wood is preferred for burning as it's lighter, burns more efficiently, and produces less creosote.

Q6: How accurate are the density figures?

The density figures used are typical averages for each species. Actual density can vary based on growing conditions, part of the tree, and specific subspecies. Our calculator provides a strong estimate for practical purposes.

Q7: What if my wood is neither green nor fully seasoned?

The calculator allows you to input any moisture content percentage. If your wood is partially seasoned, enter an estimated moisture level between the green and seasoned ranges (e.g., 30-40%) for a more accurate weight calculation.

Q8: Does the calculator account for bark?

Yes, the standard density figures typically include bark. Bark adds a small percentage to the overall weight but is usually less dense than the wood itself.

Q9: Can I use this for wood chips or sawdust?

This calculator is designed for stacked firewood logs. The density and moisture content calculations for wood chips or sawdust would differ due to their significantly increased surface area and different packing characteristics.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

Explore More Tools and Information

• Cord of Wood Weight Calculator: Our main tool for estimating wood weight.
• Firewood Yield Calculator: Estimate how much firewood you can get from a standing tree.
• Wood Drying Time Calculator: Estimate how long it takes for wood to season.
• Log Volume Calculator: Calculate the board feet or cubic volume of individual logs.
• Fuel Efficiency Calculator: If transporting wood, estimate your fuel costs.
• Guide to Burning Firewood: Learn best practices for efficient and safe wood burning.