Firewood Units Explained: Stere, Cubic Metres, Loose Cubic Metres and Kilograms

One stacked cubic metre of logs (1 stere) holds about 0.7 m³ of solid wood and about 1.4 loose cubic metres. Firewood is sold in four different units across Europe, and the same price can mean very different amounts of heat. This guide shows how to convert them and compare offers on one basis: the price per kWh.

The four units

• Stere (stacked cubic metre, also called Raummeter or prostorový metr). Logs stacked neatly in a 1 × 1 × 1 m frame. The gaps between logs count as part of the volume.
• Loose cubic metre (Schüttraummeter). Logs tipped into a 1 m³ container or onto a trailer without stacking. More air between the logs, so less wood.
• Solid cubic metre (Festmeter). Pure wood volume without gaps. Foresters use it, sellers of split logs rarely do.
• Kilogram or tonne. Weight of the logs. The only unit that does not depend on how you pile the wood, but it changes with moisture.

Conversion table

Values are typical for logs cut to 33 cm. Shorter logs pack tighter, longer logs leave more air.

Unit	Solid wood	Stacked (stere)	Loose m³
1 stacked m³ (stere), 1 m log	0.70 m³	1.00	about 1.4
1 loose m³, 33 cm logs	0.50 m³	about 0.7	1.00
1 solid m³	1.00 m³	about 1.4	about 2.0

How much does a cubic metre weigh and burn?

Weight depends on species and moisture. At about 15 to 20% moisture, one solid cubic metre of beech, oak or hornbeam weighs roughly 700 to 750 kg. Pine and spruce weigh about 450 to 500 kg. Dry firewood gives about 4.2 kWh per kilogram.

Beech or oak, 33 cm, dry	Weight	Heat
1 solid m³	about 720 kg	about 3,000 kWh
1 stacked m³ (stere)	about 500 kg	about 2,100 kWh
1 loose m³	about 360 kg	about 1,500 kWh

Softwood gives about one third less heat per cubic metre than hardwood. Our firewood chart shows the difference by species.

Worked price comparison

The prices below are examples to show the method, not our price list. Two sellers offer dry beech:

• Seller A: €95 per loose cubic metre. 360 kg × 4.2 = 1,512 kWh. Price: €0.063 per kWh.
• Seller B: €130 per stacked cubic metre. 500 kg × 4.2 = 2,100 kWh. Price: €0.062 per kWh.

The offers look 37% apart. They are almost identical once you convert. Always ask which unit the price refers to, the log length and the moisture content.

Moisture changes everything.

Wet logs at 40% moisture weigh up to 40% more than dry logs and burn badly because the fire spends energy evaporating water. A tonne of wet wood can deliver about 2,700 to 2,900 kWh against 4,200 kWh for a tonne of dry wood. Selling by weight rewards sellers who deliver wet logs. See our guide to moisture content and ask for a moisture reading below 20%.

Which unit should you buy?

• Pallets or crates: check the net weight or stacked volume printed on the label.
• Small loads for a stove: loose cubic metres are common, but verify the log length.
• Large orders: weight with a moisture guarantee is the cleanest basis.

Browse our beech firewood, dried firewood and mixed firewood. We deliver across Europe.

FAQ

How many sticks of firewood do I need per winter?

A house with a wood stove as its main heating burns about 6 to 10 stero. Divide your annual heat demand in kWh by 2,100 for beech or oak and add 10%.

Is a ‘stere’ the same as a ‘cubic metre’?

A store is a stacked cubic metre. A plain cubic metre of loose logs contains less wood.

Is 1 tonne of firewood more than 1 stere?

Yes. A stere of dry hardwood weighs about 500 kg, so 1 tonne is about 2 stere.