Courtesy Wisconsin Energy Statistics-2002
Definitions/ Measurement of Energy Supplies
Wood
Wood is usually measured in either tons or cords. A cord is an amount of stacked wood measuring 8 feet by 4 feet by 4 feet. The weight of a cord of wood varies according to the type of wood and its moisture content, but is estimated at 1.5 to 2 tons. A face cord is the 8 feet by 4 feet face of a stacked cord but of shorter width. Common usage is three face cords to a full cord.Petroleum
Petroleum products are measured either gallons or barrels. A barrel contains 42 gallons. Petroleum is refined from crude oil into various products such as kerosene, diesel fuel, home heating (No.1 and No.2 oils), and other heating oils (No.3-No.6), gasoline and liquified petorleum gas (propane). The energy content of each product in listed in the conversion table.
Natural Gas
Natural Gas is measured in either Mcf (1,000 cubic feet) or in therms. One Mcf contains approximately ten therms or one million Btu.
Coal
Coal is measured in tons. The three broad classifications of coal, in order of greatest energy content, are bituminous, sub-bituminous and lignite.
© Annie Jones. 2003.