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Firewood BTU Calculator
Compare Heat Output by Species

Calculate firewood heat output, estimate cords needed for winter, and compare costs against propane, oil, and gas. Data sourced from USDA forestry extension research.

BTU Calculator

Calculate heat output by species and compare fuel equivalents.

Cord Calculator

Estimate how many cords you need for your home and climate.

Cost Comparison

Compare firewood vs propane, oil, gas, and electricity costs.

Species Guide

Browse 40+ wood species with BTU ratings and burn quality.

40+

Wood Species

3

Calculators

USDA

Data Source

Top 10 Firewood Species by BTU

Ranked by heat output per cord. Click any species for details.

#SpeciesBTU/CordCoaling
1EucalyptusEucalyptus globulus34,500,000excellent
2Osage OrangeMaclura pomifera32,900,000excellent
3MadroneArbutus menziesii30,000,000excellent
4MesquiteProsopis glandulosa28,000,000excellent
5Black LocustRobinia pseudoacacia27,900,000excellent
6Shagbark HickoryCarya ovata27,700,000excellent
7Honey LocustGleditsia triacanthos26,700,000excellent
8AppleMalus domestica26,500,000excellent
9PecanCarya illinoinensis26,300,000excellent
10MulberryMorus rubra25,800,000excellent

View all 41 species →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many BTU does a cord of firewood produce?▼
It depends on the species. A cord of hardwood like Red Oak produces about 24.6 million BTU, while softwoods like Eastern White Pine produce about 14.3 million BTU. Use our BTU calculator for exact values.
What is the best firewood for heating?▼
Osage Orange (32.9M BTU/cord), Black Locust (27.9M BTU/cord), and Hickory (27.7M BTU/cord) are the top heat-producing species. They also have excellent coaling properties for overnight burns.
How much firewood do I need for winter?▼
For a 2,000 sq ft home in a cold climate using a wood stove as the primary heat source, you'll need approximately 4-6 cords of hardwood per season. Our cord calculator gives a personalized estimate.
Is firewood cheaper than propane?▼
In most cases, yes. At typical prices, firewood costs $10-15 per million BTU, while propane costs $25-30 per million BTU. Use our cost comparison tool with your local prices for an accurate comparison.
How long does firewood need to season?▼
Most hardwoods need 6-12 months of seasoning to reach the ideal 20% moisture content. Softwoods season faster (3-6 months). Oak and elm can take 12-24 months for optimal drying.
What is a cord of firewood?▼
A cord is a standard unit measuring 4 feet wide x 4 feet tall x 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet of stacked wood. A "face cord" or "rick" is typically 1/3 of a full cord.

Learn More About Firewood

Best Firewood for Heat: Complete BTU Rankings

Ranked list of top 15 species by heat output with comparison data.

Firewood vs Propane: Which Is Cheaper?

Real cost scenarios and break-even analysis for different regions.

How Much Firewood Do I Need for Winter?

Rules of thumb by climate zone and home size.

How to Season Firewood: Complete Guide

Timeline by species, storage tips, and moisture content.