Cord of Wood Calculator: Don't Get Burned
Buying firewood can be confusing. Sellers often use casual terms like "truckload," "rick," or "pile," which are not standardized measurements. The only legal and official unit of measurement for firewood sales in the United States is the "Cord." our Cord of Wood Calculator helps you verify that you are getting exactly what you paid for by calculating the volume based on the stack's dimensions.
What is a Full Cord?
A standard full cord is a massive amount of wood. It is defined as a stack of wood with a total volume of 128 cubic feet.
- Standard Dimensions: A stack that is 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long (4' x 4' x 8' = 128 cu ft).
- Reality Check: If someone delivers wood in a standard pickup truck (even with a heaped bed), it is almost never a full cord. A standard pickup bed holds about 1/2 to 2/3 of a cord at most.
Full Cord vs. Face Cord
This is the most common point of confusion:
- Full Cord: 128 cubic feet. The logs are assumed to be 4 feet long (or stacked 4 feet deep).
- Face Cord (or Rick): A stack that is 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but the depth is only the length of the firewood log (usually 16 inches).
- The Math: Since a 16-inch log is 1/3 of 4 feet, a "Face Cord" is typically one-third of a Full Cord. Be very clear when ordering: are paying for a "Cord" or a "Face Cord"?
How to Measure Your Stack
To use this calculator effectively, you must stack the wood neatly. You cannot measure a loose pile.
- Stack it tight: Minimize air gaps.
- Measure Length: Measure the total length of the stack in feet.
- Measure Height: Measure the average height of the stack in feet.
- Measure Width: This is the length of the average log (e.g., 16 inches = 1.33 feet).
Conclusion
Heating with wood is a rewarding and economical choice, provided you buy smart. Use the Cord of Wood Calculator to double-check the delivery volume before you hand over the cash.