Cords by Log Diameter
How Many Cords to Expect Based on Log Diameter
A standard cord is 128 cubic feet of stacked wood (a 4x4x8-foot stack). But a stack includes air space — the actual solid wood in a cord runs about 65–90 cubic feet, averaging around 80. That means the number of logs per cord depends heavily on log diameter: bigger logs, fewer air gaps, more wood.
Cords per 8-Foot Log by Diameter (approximate)
Log Diameter | Solid Wood per Log | Cords per Log | 8-Ft Logs per Cord |
|---|---|---|---|
8" | 2.8 cu ft | 0.035 | ~29 |
12" | 6.3 cu ft | 0.08 | ~13 |
16" | 11.2 cu ft | 0.14 | ~7 |
20" | 17.5 cu ft | 0.22 | ~5 |
24" | 25.1 cu ft | 0.31 | ~3 |
So a single 24-inch log holds roughly nine times the firewood of an 8-inch log. When you're buying or cutting logs, diameter matters more than length.
Weight per Cord: Oak, Maple, and Poplar
Weight depends on species and moisture — green wood can weigh nearly twice as much as seasoned:
Species | Green (per cord) | Seasoned (per cord) |
|---|---|---|
Oak | ~5,000–5,500 lbs | ~3,600–4,000 lbs |
Maple (sugar) | ~4,500–5,100 lbs | ~3,000–4,000 lbs |
Poplar | ~3,800 lbs | ~2,100–2,500 lbs |
To put it in perspective: one seasoned 16-inch oak log (about 0.14 cord) weighs roughly 500+ lbs — which is exactly why a hydraulic log lift isn't a luxury.
Why This Matters
Knowing your log diameter tells you how much wood you're actually getting — and how much work it is to move. Larger logs mean fewer pieces to handle but heavier individual lifts, which is where the right equipment pays for itself: a firewood processor for straight, mid-size wood, a box wedge splitter for big rounds, or a vertical splitter with a hydraulic lift when the logs are too heavy to muscle around.
Call or text (336) 486-0313 or visit premiumfirewoodsupplyllc.com.
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