Calculate the volume of your woodpile in cords and face cords with our Cord of Wood Calculator
When it comes to buying or selling firewood, accuracy matters. Whether you're a homeowner stocking up for winter or a supplier managing inventory, understanding cord measurements is crucial. Our cord of wood calculator helps in measuring firewood stacks, therefore providing precise calculations for both standard cords and face cords. This firewood calculator helps you determine exactly how much wood you have and what it's worth.
Calculate the volume of your woodpile in cords and face cords with our cord wood calculator. Get instant measurements and cost estimates.
Calculate exact cord and face cord volumes
Estimate total cost based on price per cord
Support for feet, inches, meters, and centimeters
AI-powered explanations and insights
This cord wood calculator is perfect for homeowners, suppliers, and anyone dealing with firewood. Use this calculator to get accurate measurements instantly!
A cord of wood is the standard measurement for firewood in the United States and Canada. It represents a neatly stacked pile of wood measuring 4 feet high × 4 feet wide × 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet. This standardized measurement helps ensure fair trading and consistent pricing in the firewood industry.
The term "cord" originated from the cord or string used to measure and bind wood bundles. Today, it remains the official measurement standard for firewood transactions.
A full cord of wood contains approximately:
Calculating the volume of a cord of firewood is straightforward using basic geometric formulas. First, measure your woodpile's dimensions, then use these formulas to determine both the total volume and number of cords.
Volume in Cubic Feet = Length × Width × Height
Number of Cords = Volume in Cubic Feet ÷ 128
A face cord (also known as a rick) is a stack of wood that measures:
A face cord is approximately one-third of a full cord since the depth is typically one-third of a full cord's 4-foot depth. The cord calculator automatically converts your measurements to both full cords and face cords.
A face cord is a common unit for measuring and selling firewood, especially for residential use. Unlike a full cord, which can be overwhelming for casual wood burners, a face cord represents a more manageable amount of wood. It's particularly useful for homeowners who use firewood occasionally for ambiance or supplemental heating, rather than as a primary heat source. Understanding how to calculate face cords helps ensure you're getting the right amount of wood for your needs and budget.
Face Cord Volume = Length × Height × 16 inches
Number of Face Cords = Volume in Cubic Feet ÷ 42.67
For example: 42.67 cubic feet is the standard volume of a face cord (4' × 8' × 16")
Measure your woodpile's length, width, and height
Select the appropriate measurement units (feet, inches, meters, etc.)
Optionally enter the price per cord for cost calculation
Click 'Calculate' to get your results in cords and face cords
Use AI explanation for detailed insights about your measurements
Accurate cord measurement is crucial for several reasons:
Different wood types offer varying heat output and burning characteristics:
1. Oak: Among the most popular hardwoods, oak produces high heat output and burns for extended periods, making it excellent for overnight burning and maintaining consistent temperatures.
2. Maple: Known for its clean burn characteristics, maple provides good heat output while producing minimal smoke, making it ideal for indoor fireplaces and wood stoves.
3. Hickory: One of the densest hardwoods available, hickory generates intense heat and burns longer than most other woods, perfect for cold winter nights.
4. Beech: With its exceptional heat output, beech is a premium firewood choice that burns hot and steady, providing reliable warmth throughout the burning cycle.
1. Pine: As a fast-burning wood with high resin content, pine makes excellent kindling and is particularly useful for starting fires quickly on cold mornings.
2. Cedar: Notable for its pleasant aroma when burning, cedar is excellent for fire starting and creates an enjoyable atmosphere with its distinctive scent.
3. Spruce: This softwood ignites easily and burns with moderate heat, making it suitable for mild weather or when quick warmth is needed without long-lasting heat.
4. Fir: Easily split and quick to catch fire, fir serves as an excellent starter wood and works well in combination with slower-burning hardwoods.
| Measurement | Dimensions | Volume | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Cord | 4' × 4' × 8' | 128 cubic feet | Standard measurement for bulk firewood sales |
| Face Cord | 4' × 8' × 16-18" | 42.67 cubic feet | Common for residential firewood purchases |
| Rick | 4' × 8' × 16" | 42.67 cubic feet | Regional term, same as face cord |
Green wood refers to freshly cut timber with a high moisture content exceeding 50%. Due to its high water content, green wood is significantly heavier and more challenging to burn effectively. When used in fireplaces or stoves, it tends to produce excessive smoke and delivers lower heat output compared to properly dried wood. Additionally, burning green wood can lead to dangerous creosote buildup in chimneys, posing potential fire hazards. While it's typically available at a lower purchase price, its inefficiency and potential risks make it less desirable for immediate use.
Seasoned wood has been properly dried for 6-12 months, reducing its moisture content to less than 20%. This drying process transforms the wood into an efficient fuel source that's lighter and ignites easily. When burned, seasoned wood produces minimal smoke while delivering superior heat output, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. It's significantly safer for your chimney system as it minimizes creosote accumulation. Though seasoned wood commands a higher price in the market, its enhanced efficiency and safety features make it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
Calculate cord measurements using feet, inches, meters, or centimeters
Built-in price calculator to estimate total cost of your woodpile
Automatic conversion between full cords and face cords
Get detailed explanations and insights about your measurements
Real-time calculations as you input your measurements
Simple and intuitive design for easy measurements
Q1. What is a cord of wood?
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A cord of wood is a standardized unit of measurement for firewood. It refers to a neatly stacked pile of wood that measures 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long — totaling 128 cubic feet of tightly packed wood (excluding air space).
Q2. How many cubic feet are in a cord of wood?
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There are 128 cubic feet of wood in a full cord, based on the standard dimensions of 4 ft high × 4 ft deep × 8 ft long.
Q3. What are the typical dimensions of a standard cord of wood?
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A standard cord of wood measures 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long, which equals 128 cubic feet of stacked firewood.
Q4. How do I calculate the number of cords in a stack of wood?
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To calculate the number of cords, multiply the length, height, and depth (in feet) of your firewood stack and divide by 128. Formula: Cords = (Length × Height × Depth) ÷ 128.
Q5. What is a face cord of wood?
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A face cord, also known as a rick, is a stack of firewood that's 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but with a variable depth depending on the log length. It's not a full cord — for example, 16-inch logs make a face cord roughly 1/3 of a full cord.
Q6. How does a face cord compare to a full cord?
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A face cord is only a portion of a full cord. While it shares the same height (4 ft) and length (8 ft), its depth depends on the length of the logs. For instance, 16-inch logs result in about 1/3 of a full cord.
Q7. What is a rick of wood, and how does it relate to a cord?
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A rick is another term for a face cord — typically 4 feet high by 8 feet long. The actual volume varies based on log length, and it's not a legally defined measurement like a full cord.
Q8. Are there other terms used for firewood measurements?
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Yes. Other terms include 'stove cord' or 'furnace cord' (usually smaller cuts of wood), 'thrown cord' (loosely dumped wood), and 'loose cord' (unstacked measurements). These are not standardized, so clarification is key when purchasing.
Q9. Is 'truckload' a legal or accurate measurement for firewood?
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No, 'truckload' is not a legal or standardized measurement. Always ask for the measurement in cords or cubic feet to ensure transparency and fairness in the transaction.
Q10. Does a cord of wood always have to be stacked 4ft × 4ft × 8ft?
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While 4×4×8 feet is the traditional configuration, the total volume of 128 cubic feet is what's important. Your stack can be any shape or dimensions as long as the total volume equals 128 cubic feet.
Q11. How much does a cord of wood typically weigh?
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The weight of a cord depends on the wood type and moisture content. A cord of seasoned hardwood can weigh around 2,500 to 3,500 pounds, while green wood can exceed 4,000 pounds.
Q12. Approximately how many logs are in a cord of wood?
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A full cord typically contains between 600 to 800 split logs, depending on the size and thickness of each piece.
Q13. How do I account for air space when calculating a cord of wood?
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A cord is measured based on tightly stacked wood with minimal air gaps. Loose stacking can inflate the volume, so always measure based on neatly stacked dimensions to get an accurate cord count.
Q14. What is the difference between a loosely piled cord and a stacked cord?
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A stacked cord is tightly packed and measures exactly 128 cubic feet. A loosely piled cord includes more air space and can appear larger, but it contains less actual wood.
Q15. How can I use a cord of wood calculator for irregular wood stacks?
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For irregular stacks, break the pile into measurable sections (e.g., rectangles), calculate the volume of each section using the formula (L × H × D ÷ 128), and sum the results to estimate the total cords.
Q16. How much is a half cord of wood?
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A half cord is 64 cubic feet of stacked wood — typically 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 4 feet long or equivalent in volume.
Q17. How much is a quarter cord of wood?
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A quarter cord equals 32 cubic feet of stacked firewood, which could be a stack that's 4 ft high × 4 ft long × 2 ft deep or any shape with that volume.
Q18. Why is it important to accurately measure firewood when buying or selling?
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Accurate measurement protects both buyers and sellers. It ensures fair pricing, avoids disputes, and helps comply with legal trade standards in regions where firewood quantity is regulated.
Q19. Are there legal definitions for a cord of wood?
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Yes. Many U.S. states and Canadian provinces legally define a cord as 128 cubic feet of stacked wood. Always request documentation or clear measurements when buying firewood.
Q20. How can I ensure I'm getting the amount of wood I paid for?
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Ask for a measurement in cords or cubic feet, inspect how the wood is stacked, and measure it yourself if possible. Avoid vague terms like 'pile' or 'truckload' without dimensions.
Q21. Does the type of wood affect the volume of a cord?
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No, a cord always equals 128 cubic feet regardless of wood type. However, the wood species does affect the weight, burning efficiency, and heat output.
Q22. How does seasoning or moisture content affect a cord of wood?
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Seasoned wood contains less moisture, making it lighter, easier to ignite, and more efficient to burn. Green wood has high moisture content, burns poorly, and can create creosote buildup in chimneys.