Dealers in wood frequently wish to convert cord measure into cubic measure, and vice versa. The converting factor used depends primarily on the form of the wood. If the wood is split, there is more solid contents in a stacked cord than if the wood is in round sticks. There is more wood in a given stack if the sticks are smooth and straight than if they are rough and crooked. The converting factor depends, further, on the character of the stacking. If the wood is skillfully stacked there is more solid contents than when the work is poorly done. It has been found in Europe through a series of careful measurements that a stack of wood may be reduced to solid cubic measure by multiplying the number of cubic feet by the following factors:

For split firewood.............0.7

For small round firewood.......6

Thus, a cord of split firewood is equivalent to 128 cubic feet multiplied by 0.7, which equals 89.6 cubic feet. To convert a given number of cords into solid cubic feet, multiply by 128 and then multiply the product by 0.7 or 0.6, according as the wood is split or consists of small round sticks; or multiply directly by 89.6.

To convert a given number of solid cubic feet into cords, divide by 128 and then divide the result by 0.7 or 0.6, according to the form of the wood; or divide directly by 89.6. If the stacking is very poor or if the wood is rough and crooked, the figures must be modified.

No rule can be given for converting cord measure into board measure. Lumbermen assign to a cord of wood values varying from 500 to 1,000 board feet. So much depends upon the quality of the wood, the purpose for which it is to be used, the method of piling, etc., that no constant converting factor can be given.

Bark is piled in stacks and measured in the same way as firewood.