Estimated weight of a cord by species
The estimate multiplies the solid wood in a cord (80 cubic feet) by the green weight per cubic foot of the species. Seasoned weight is taken as 55 to 70% of green, since air-dried wood is typically 30 to 45% lighter. The solid wood in a real cord ranges from 65 to 90 cubic feet, so each figure can be off by 20% or more.
| Species | Green lb per cu ft | Green, per cord | In tons | Seasoned, per cord (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red oak | 63 lb | 5,040 lb | 2.5 tons | 2,772 to 3,528 lb |
| White oak | 62 lb | 4,960 lb | 2.5 tons | 2,728 to 3,472 lb |
| Hickory | 63 lb | 5,040 lb | 2.5 tons | 2,772 to 3,528 lb |
| Sugar maple | 56 lb | 4,480 lb | 2.2 tons | 2,464 to 3,136 lb |
| Yellow birch | 57 lb | 4,560 lb | 2.3 tons | 2,508 to 3,192 lb |
| Red maple | 50 lb | 4,000 lb | 2.0 tons | 2,200 to 2,800 lb |
| Southern yellow pine | 50 lb | 4,000 lb | 2.0 tons | 2,200 to 2,800 lb |
| White ash | 48 lb | 3,840 lb | 1.9 tons | 2,112 to 2,688 lb |
| Black cherry | 45 lb | 3,600 lb | 1.8 tons | 1,980 to 2,520 lb |
| Douglas fir | 38 lb | 3,040 lb | 1.5 tons | 1,672 to 2,128 lb |
| Yellow poplar | 38 lb | 3,040 lb | 1.5 tons | 1,672 to 2,128 lb |
| Eastern white pine | 36 lb | 2,880 lb | 1.4 tons | 1,584 to 2,016 lb |
Why weight matters
- Trailers and trucks. A half-ton pickup carries about 1,000 to 1,500 pounds in the bed, so a cord of green oak is several loads. Check your truck's payload before you load it.
- Heat. Weight is a rough guide to heat. Dense species such as oak and hickory give more heat per cord than light softwood.
- Price by weight. If a dealer sells by the ton or pound, divide the weight by the cord weight of your species to find the cord equivalent. Sales of 100 lb or more must state a cord equivalent in some states.
Green versus seasoned
Newly cut wood is heavy with water. As it dries over six months to a year, it loses weight and burns hotter, and the stack shrinks a little. Seasoned oak weighs about 2,772 to 3,528 pounds per cord against 5,040 green.
The weights per cubic foot come from the same table the log weight calculator uses, which is based on USDA Forest Products Laboratory data. For one log, use that calculator. To check a stack, use the firewood cord calculator. See also how many pieces are in a cord.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cord of oak weigh?
About 5,040 pounds green, around 2.5 tons, and roughly 2,772 to 3,528 pounds seasoned.
How much does a cord of pine weigh?
About 2,880 pounds green for eastern white pine, which is far lighter than hardwood.
How many pounds are in a cord of wood?
From about 2,000 pounds for dry softwood to 5,000 pounds for green hardwood.
Sources
- University of Maryland Extension: Buying and Storing Firewood (FS-937)
- New Mexico State University Extension: Firewood (G-102)