Firewood BTU & Cost Comparison Calculator
Not all firewood is created equal — a cord of oak can produce nearly twice the heat of a cord of pine. This calculator factors in wood species BTU rating, price per cord, and seasoning quality to show you the true cost per million BTU delivered, so you can shop smarter this heating season.
About this calculator
Compare firewood species by heat output (BTU per cord) and cost per delivered cord to find the best value per million BTU for heating your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does seasoning quality matter so much?
Green (unseasoned) wood can waste 30-50% of its potential heat energy boiling off trapped moisture instead of warming your home. Fully seasoned wood (under 20% moisture) burns much more efficiently.
What's a typical BTU rating for common firewood?
Hardwoods like oak and hickory average 24-28 million BTU per cord, while softwoods like pine average 14-17 million BTU per cord.
Is cheaper wood always a worse deal?
Not necessarily — a low upfront price can still be the best value if the species has a high BTU rating and is well-seasoned. This calculator normalizes for that.