Chainsaw Bar & Chain Cost Per Cord Calculator
Cutting your own firewood saves money, but chainsaws have real running costs beyond just gas. This calculator adds up fuel, bar oil, and chain sharpening/replacement wear to show your actual cost per cord cut — useful for deciding whether cutting your own wood is really cheaper than buying it split and delivered.
About this calculator
Estimate the wear-and-tear cost of chainsaw fuel, bar oil, and chain sharpening/replacement for every cord of wood you cut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this include the chainsaw purchase price?
No, this focuses on ongoing operating costs (fuel, oil, chain wear, sharpening) rather than the upfront saw purchase, since that's typically a one-time investment amortized over many years of use.
How often should I sharpen my chain?
A good rule of thumb is to touch up the chain every tank of fuel or whenever cutting noticeably slows, roughly 1-2 times per cord depending on wood hardness and dirt contact.
Is cutting your own firewood actually cheaper?
Usually yes — even with saw operating costs, self-cut wood is typically far cheaper per cord than delivered seasoned wood, especially if you already own land or have access to fallen trees.