Understanding Firewood Measurements: The Ultimate Guide to Cords
If you are preparing for the winter by stocking up on firewood, understanding how wood is measured is crucial to ensure you are getting exactly what you pay for. Whether you are dealing with a local firewood supplier, splitting your own wood, or buying a stack from a neighbor, the terminology can sometimes be confusing. The most common unit of measurement in the firewood industry is the "cord," but you will also frequently hear terms like "face cord," "rick," and "thrown cord."
Our Firewood Cord Calculator is designed to remove the guesswork from your firewood purchases. By simply measuring the length, width (or depth), and height of your stacked wood in feet, you can instantly determine the total cubic volume and find out exactly how many standard cords or face cords you have. In this guide, we'll break down the mathematics behind firewood measurements and help you understand the nuances of buying and storing wood.
What is a Standard Cord of Firewood?
By legal definition in most states and provinces in North America, a standard cord of firewood represents a volume of 128 cubic feet. To visualize this, imagine a stack of wood that is 4 feet high, 4 feet wide (or deep), and 8 feet long (4 x 4 x 8 = 128). The wood must be tightly stacked, with the logs running parallel to one another. The 128 cubic feet includes the wood, the bark, and the inevitable air spaces between the logs.
Because logs are cylindrical and often irregular, there is always air space in a stack. On average, a tightly stacked standard cord contains about 80 to 90 cubic feet of actual solid wood, with the remainder being air. When you measure your stack, ensure you measure the overall envelope (length x width x height). Our calculator automatically applies the 128 cubic feet standard to determine the number of standard cords.
Face Cords vs. Ricks vs. Thrown Cords
While the standard cord is the official unit of measurement, you will often encounter other terms that describe smaller amounts of wood.
- Face Cord: A face cord refers to a stack of wood that is 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but the depth is only the length of a single log. Since standard firewood logs are typically cut to 16 inches in length, a face cord is usually 4 feet x 8 feet x 16 inches (1.33 feet). This equates to about 42.6 cubic feet, which is precisely one-third of a standard cord. Our calculator assumes a 16-inch log length when calculating face cords.
- Rick: The term "rick" is often used interchangeably with "face cord." A rick is simply a stack of wood, but the actual volume can vary depending on the local definitions and the length of the logs. It's always best to ask the seller for the exact dimensions rather than relying solely on the word "rick."
- Thrown Cord: Sometimes referred to as a "loose cord," this is wood that has been tossed into a truck bed or container rather than being neatly stacked. Because it's not stacked, a thrown cord takes up more space—usually around 180 cubic feet to equal the same amount of wood in a 128 cubic foot stacked standard cord.
How to Accurately Measure Your Firewood Stack
To get the most accurate result from our firewood cord calculator, you need to measure your stack correctly. Follow these simple steps:
- Stack the Wood Tightly: The wood should be stacked as compactly as possible, with all logs running in the same direction. Criss-crossing logs will create excessive air space and give an inaccurate measurement.
- Measure the Length: Measure the total length of the stack from one end to the other in feet.
- Measure the Height: Measure the height of the stack from the ground to the top. If the height varies, take measurements in a few different spots and calculate the average.
- Measure the Depth (Width): Measure the length of the logs themselves, which is the depth of your stack. If you have multiple rows, measure the total depth of all rows combined. Convert inches to feet (e.g., 16 inches is roughly 1.33 feet).
Once you have these three numbers, simply enter them into the calculator above. The calculator multiplies the length by the width and height to find the total volume in cubic feet, and then divides by 128 to determine the number of standard cords.
Why Does It Matter?
Firewood is often sold by the cord, and prices can be high, especially during the peak winter season. A dishonest or inexperienced seller might try to pass off a face cord or a loose truckload as a full standard cord. By understanding the math and taking a few minutes to measure the stack once it is delivered, you can hold suppliers accountable and ensure you are getting fair value. Furthermore, knowing how much wood you have on hand allows you to plan better for the heating season, ensuring your woodstove or fireplace keeps you warm all winter long.