Understanding Cord Measurements
A cord of wood is a precisely defined volume unit: 8 feet long × 4 feet high × 4 feet deep, totaling 128 cubic feet (3.62 m³). This standardized measurement emerged when cord or rope was literally used to measure firewood stacks, ensuring consistency across the timber trade.
The full cord represents the complete volume, but real-world stacking never achieves perfect packing—logs are cylindrical and leave air gaps. Vendors and consumers must account for this roughly 20–30% void space when evaluating actual usable wood content.
Regional variations exist: some areas recognize different stack depths or log lengths as standard, but the 128 cubic foot full cord remains the North American baseline for pricing and delivery agreements.
Face Cords and Partial Measures
A face cord (also called a rick or stack) refers to wood arranged one log-length deep. Using the standard 16-inch log length, a face cord measures 8 feet long × 4 feet high × 16 inches deep, yielding approximately one-third the volume of a full cord.
Face cords suit homeowners with modest heating needs or those purchasing firewood for display stacking against buildings. The visual
Cord Volume Calculations
Convert your stack dimensions into cords using these formulas. Both imperial and metric versions are provided below.
Cords = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 128 ft³
Cords = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 3.6246 m³
Face Cords = Total Cords ÷ 1.208
Total Cost = Price per Cord × Number of Cords
Length— Measured dimension along the stack's longest side (feet or metres)Width— Measured dimension across the stack's width, perpendicular to length (feet or metres)Height— Vertical measurement from ground to top of stack (feet or metres)Price per Cord— Local market cost for a single full cord of firewood
Practical Considerations for Firewood Stacking
Account for these factors when measuring or purchasing firewood:
- Account for Air Gaps — Cylindrical logs inevitably leave 20–30% air space in any stack. Seasoned firewood with varied diameters creates even larger voids. Always measure outer dimensions rather than assuming solid volume.
- Moisture Content Affects Weight — Green (freshly cut) firewood weighs 40–50% more than seasoned wood due to moisture. A cord of green oak may exceed 5,000 pounds, while kiln-dried wood drops below 3,000 pounds. Drying typically takes 6–12 months outdoors.
- Verify Vendor Measurements — Commercial firewood suppliers may claim 'cords' inconsistently. Request dimensions in writing or measure delivered stacks yourself. A 4×4×8 stack at the property gate is the clearest proof of what you've purchased.
- Species and Density Matter — Hardwoods like oak and maple pack 25–40% more BTU per cord than softwoods like pine. Denser wood also weighs substantially more—plan storage carefully and account for structural load if stacking on decks or roofs.
Common Fractional Cords and Storage Planning
Many homeowners purchase partial cords for seasonal heating or testing new suppliers. A half cord (64 cubic feet) fits neatly into pickup truck beds or modest yard spaces. A quarter cord (32 cubic feet)—typically measured 4 feet high × 6 feet long × 16 inches deep—suits apartment dwellers with wood stoves or small cabins.
Stack your firewood away from building walls, elevated on pallets or posts to allow air circulation underneath. Covering the top protects from rain while leaving sides open for natural seasoning. Proper storage reduces rot, mold, and pest problems while improving drying efficiency by 10–20%.