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 converts price per cord and BTU rating into a standardized cost per million BTU, so you can compare firewood species on a true value basis.
About this calculator
Compare firewood species by heat output and price to find the true cost per million BTU, helping you choose the most economical wood for heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does moisture content matter so much?
Unseasoned or wet firewood wastes a large portion of its energy content evaporating water instead of producing usable heat, which is why well-seasoned wood (below 20% moisture) burns far more efficiently.
How does stove efficiency affect the comparison?
An open fireplace might only capture 40-50% of the heat produced, while an EPA-certified stove can exceed 70-80%, which changes how much of the wood's raw BTU rating actually heats your space.
Which firewood species has the highest BTU rating?
Dense hardwoods like oak, hickory, and black locust have the highest BTU per cord, while softwoods like pine and spruce burn faster with lower heat output per cord.