Which contains more wood a cord of split wood or a cord of rounds?

Answer 1

In general, the cord of split wood will have a greater actual volume of wood than the rounds, provided the rounds are good sized. Look at the cord from the end and you'll see the split wood "packs more tightly" than the rounds. That's a math thing, but it is straight up valid in the real world. Start looking at stuff like that and it will prove out.

I disagree. I have bought round firewood cut to 16" lengths and then split it and ended up with a lot more than a cord when it was repiled. One can pile round cut wood tighter than split firewood. I also used to sell cut firewood and wood never sell round wood [other than in 8' lengths] as too much is lost and there is a lower profit margin.

Answer 2

A cord of split wood contains more wood than a cord of rounds because split wood is more densely packed due to its smaller pieces, while rounds take up more space due to their larger size and irregular shapes. Split wood is also easier to stack and store, making it more efficient to transport and use.