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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lycanthrope" data-source="post: 462800" data-attributes="member: 562">Heres Grok 4 answer:A standard cord of firewood is defined as a stack measuring 4 feet high by 4 feet deep by 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet. However, this volume includes air space between the pieces when the wood is split and stacked. The actual solid wood content in a cord typically ranges from 80 to 90 cubic feet, depending on factors like the wood species, how finely it's split, the piece sizes, stacking tightness, and moisture content (drier wood may settle more). A common consensus from forestry resources is around 85 cubic feet of solid wood per cord, meaning about 33% air space. <img src="https://t3.gstatic.com/faviconV2?client=SOCIAL&type=FAVICON&fallback_opts=TYPE,SIZE,URL&url=https%3A%2F%2Fnorthernwoodlands.org%2Fknots_and_bolts%2Fsolid-cord-wood&size=256" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> Your forum poster's suggestion of 90 cubic feet aligns closely with the upper end of this range and accounts for less air space in well-stacked, larger-split wood.For unsplit logs, the key is to calculate the solid volume of the log first (since it's essentially 100% wood with no air gaps yet), then divide by the solid wood volume per cord to estimate how many cords it would yield once split and stacked. This approach deducts the eventual air space implicitly.Step-by-Step Calculation for Your Log (1 Foot Diameter by 9 Feet Long)Assuming the log is cylindrical (as it's "pretty much the same from one end to the other") and the "1 foot" refers to the diameter:<ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Convert dimensions: Diameter = 1 foot (12 inches), so radius = 0.5 feet. Length = 9 feet.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Calculate solid volume: Use the cylinder volume formula, V=πr2hV = \pi r^2 hV = \pi r^2 h , where ( r ) is the radius and ( h ) is the length. V=π×(0.5)2×9=π×0.25×9=2.25π≈7.07V = \pi \times (0.5)^2 \times 9 = \pi \times 0.25 \times 9 = 2.25\pi \approx 7.07V = \pi \times (0.5)^2 \times 9 = \pi \times 0.25 \times 9 = 2.25\pi \approx 7.07 cubic feet. (If the ends differ slightly, measure diameters at both ends, average the cross-sectional areas, then multiply by length for a more precise volume.)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Estimate equivalent cords: Divide the log's solid volume by the solid wood per cord.  <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Using 90 cubic feet solid per cord (per your forum example): 7.07/90≈0.0797.07 / 90 \approx 0.0797.07 / 90 \approx 0.079 cords (about 1/13 of a cord).  </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Using 85 cubic feet solid per cord (common consensus): 7.07/85≈0.0837.07 / 85 \approx 0.0837.07 / 85 \approx 0.083 cords (about 1/12 of a cord).</li> </ul></li> </ol>This is the easier solution you're seeking: Measure the log's solid volume, then adjust for the air space by dividing by 80–90 instead of 128. If you have a pile of multiple logs, sum their individual volumes first, then divide similarly. For more accuracy:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Account for bark or taper if significant (subtract ~10-15% for thick bark).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use a log volume app or table (e.g., International 1/4-inch rule for firewood estimates, though it's more for lumber).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Test-split a sample log and measure the stacked volume to calibrate your solid-per-cord figure for your specific wood and splitting style.</li> </ul>If your log dimensions are different (e.g., if "1 foot by 9 feet" means something else like height/width for a non-round log), or if you provide details on the wood type/multiple logs, I can refine the calculation!</blockquote>

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