How many cords does a tri-axle load of logs typically yield?

A standard tri-axle load of logs typically yields 6–8 cords of split firewood, with 7 being a common midpoint estimate used by extension forestry services. The exact yield depends on log diameter, wood type, and how tightly you stack the finished product.

Firewood Business Cost Per Cord & Profit Calculator

How to Use This Calculator

Enter every cost category that applies to your operation. Don't leave out "invisible" costs like equipment depreciation, fuel, or the value of your own labor — these are what turn apparent profit into a break-even or loss for many small firewood operations.

Wood source: Enter what you pay for a load of logs and how many finished cords that load typically yields.
Labor: Set your hourly rate (your own time has value). Enter hours spent cutting, splitting, stacking, and other tasks per cord.
Equipment & fuel: Include per-cord fuel/oil and realistic depreciation. Pre-filled defaults come from UMD Extension data.
Delivery: Enter your typical delivery trip cost and how many cords you deliver per trip to allocate delivery cost per cord.
Season & pricing: Enter your planned cord volume, current sell price, and target margin to see break-even and profit.

What Counts as a "True" Cost Per Cord?

Many small firewood producers underestimate their costs by omitting their own labor or skipping equipment depreciation. A chainsaw costing $800 that processes 500 cords over its life adds $1.60 per cord. A hydraulic splitter costing $2,000 over 500 cords adds $4.00 per cord. These small per-cord figures add up quickly at scale.

The University of Maryland Extension enterprise budget (EBR-43), adapted from Cornell Cooperative Extension data, breaks out blocking labor, splitting labor, delivery labor, fuel, repairs, and depreciation separately — this calculator mirrors that structure so you can track where your money actually goes.

Cord Measurement Quick Reference

A full cord is a stacked pile measuring 4 ft × 4 ft × 8 ft = 128 cubic feet (approximately 3.62 m³ or 3.62 steres). A face cord (or rick) is typically one-third of a full cord — common piece length of 16 inches creates three rows in a full cord. Always clarify which measure you're buying or selling; most U.S. states define "cord" legally as 128 cubic feet of stacked wood.

Labor Time Benchmarks

These figures come from arborist and forestry forums and represent ranges for experienced operators:

Cutting to length (chainsaw): 1–2 hours per cord solo
Splitting (hydraulic splitter, solo): 2–3 hours per cord
Splitting (processor with conveyor): ~1 cord per hour
Stacking: 0.5–1 hour per cord solo; faster with a helper
Delivery (drive + unload): 1–2 hours per trip depending on distance

These are starting points. Your actual pace depends on wood species, log diameter, equipment, and terrain.

Setting a Sell Price That Actually Makes Money

Once you know your fully-loaded cost per cord, add your target margin to get the minimum profitable sell price. Compare that to your local market rate. If the market won't support your cost plus a fair margin, look for ways to reduce wood sourcing cost (arborist drops, storm cleanup wood) or increase processing efficiency before increasing volume.

FAQ

How do I calculate the true cost to produce a cord of firewood?

Add up every cost allocated per cord: raw wood cost (purchase price ÷ cords per load), cutting labor (hours × rate), splitting labor (hours × rate), fuel and bar oil, equipment depreciation (chainsaw, splitter, truck), and your per-cord share of delivery cost. The calculator above does this automatically from your inputs.

What is a realistic labor time to process one cord of firewood?

For a one- or two-person operation with a chainsaw and hydraulic splitter, cutting a cord to length typically takes 1–2 hours and splitting takes 2–3 hours. Solo operators using a dedicated processor with conveyor can reach about 1 cord per hour. Hand-splitting alone can take 3+ hours per cord. Your production rate depends heavily on log size, species, and equipment power.

How much equipment depreciation should I include per cord?

A University of Maryland Extension enterprise budget uses approximately $1.20 per cord for chainsaw and protective gear depreciation and $4.00 per cord for a hydraulic splitter. For a delivery truck, divide estimated annual depreciation by annual cords delivered. The calculator lets you set your own figures for each equipment category.

What do firewood dealers typically charge per cord?

Prices vary enormously by region and species. Hardwood commonly sells for $150–$500 per cord in most of the U.S.; premium species or markets with high demand (parts of California) can reach $400–$900 per cord. Your sell price needs to exceed your fully-loaded cost per cord — use this calculator to know that number before setting your price.

How many cords does a tri-axle load of logs yield?

A standard tri-axle load of logs typically yields 6–8 cords of split firewood, with 7 being a common midpoint used by extension forestry services. The exact yield depends on log diameter, species density, and how tightly you stack and count the finished product. Large-diameter logs yield more usable wood per load.

Should I charge per cord or per hour for firewood processing?

Per-cord rates are more predictable for customers. Per-hour rates protect you on difficult wood (knotty, large-diameter, or gnarly grain). Many operators charge $40–$75 per cord for a splitting service using their own equipment, or $25–$45 per hour. Use this calculator to know your floor — the price at which you just break even — before quoting anyone.