Firewood BTU Calculator
Compare firewood species by heat output, propane equivalent, and cost per million BTU — so you know what your wood is really worth.
Firewood BTU & Value Calculator
Not all firewood is equal. A cord of osage orange or hickory holds more than twice the heat of soft pine. Compare species by heat output, propane equivalent, and cost per million BTU so you know what your wood is really worth.
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Firewood Heat Chart by Species
Approximate heat content of seasoned firewood (below 20% moisture) in millions of BTU per full cord, with the equivalent gallons of propane. Higher-density hardwoods deliver more heat, longer burns, and better coals.
| Species | Million BTU / Cord | ≈ Gallons Propane | Heat Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osage Orange (hedge) | 32.9 | 360 | Excellent |
| Shagbark Hickory | 27.7 | 303 | Excellent |
| Black Locust | 27.9 | 305 | Excellent |
| White Oak | 26.4 | 289 | Excellent |
| Red Oak | 24.6 | 269 | Good |
| Sugar Maple | 24.0 | 262 | Good |
| Beech | 24.0 | 262 | Good |
| White Ash | 23.6 | 258 | Good |
| Yellow Birch | 21.8 | 238 | Good |
| Douglas Fir | 20.7 | 226 | Good |
| Cherry | 20.4 | 223 | Good |
| American Elm | 20.0 | 219 | Good |
| Red Maple (soft) | 18.1 | 198 | Fair |
| Ponderosa Pine | 16.2 | 177 | Fair |
| White Pine | 15.9 | 174 | Low |
| Eastern White Cedar | 12.2 | 133 | Low |
Values are typical published figures for seasoned wood and vary with moisture, density, and region. Wet wood delivers far less usable heat because energy is wasted boiling off water.
Get Accurate Heat From Your Wood
These BTU numbers only hold if your wood is dry. A cheap moisture meter is the single best tool for getting full heat and a clean chimney — and a stovetop thermometer keeps you burning in the efficient zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What firewood burns the hottest and longest?
The highest-BTU firewoods are osage orange (hedge), hickory, black locust, and oak — all packing 26-33 million BTU per cord with long, hot burns and excellent coals. These dense hardwoods burn nearly twice as hot per cord as soft pine, making them the best choice for overnight heat.
How many BTUs are in a cord of firewood?
A cord of seasoned hardwood holds roughly 20-33 million BTU depending on species — oak is about 24-26 million, hickory 27-28 million. Softwoods like pine and cedar hold 12-16 million BTU per cord. For comparison, that top-end cord roughly equals 300+ gallons of propane in heat content.
Is it OK to burn pine and softwood?
Yes. The myth that pine causes chimney fires comes from burning it green. Well-seasoned softwood burns clean and lights easily, making it great kindling and shoulder-season wood. It just holds less heat per cord, so you'll burn more volume than with hardwood.
Why does wet firewood produce less heat?
Green wood is 40-60% water. Before the wood can release heat, the fire has to boil off that moisture, which absorbs energy and lowers the usable heat. Wet wood also smolders and coats the chimney with creosote. Seasoned wood below 20% moisture delivers its full rated BTU.
How does firewood compare to propane or heating oil?
A cord of good hardwood (about 24 million BTU) roughly equals 260 gallons of propane or 175 gallons of heating oil in raw heat content. Real-world efficiency varies with your stove and wood moisture, but wood is usually the cheapest heat if you cut your own or buy locally.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for general informational and planning purposes only. Results are estimates based on published averages and typical conditions, and your actual results will vary. This is researched general guidance, not professional advice. Always follow manufacturer instructions, have heating appliances and chimneys professionally inspected, use carbon monoxide detectors, and comply with local fire codes.
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