Firewood Cord Calculator
Measure a stack of firewood and see how much wood you really have. This firewood cord calculator converts the length, height and depth of a woodpile into full cords, face cords and cubic feet, and shows what you paid per full cord so you can compare sellers fairly.
Your results will appear here.
How to use the firewood cord calculator
- Stack the wood tightly in a neat row, with the pieces parallel and touching. Loose, thrown wood takes up more space and gives a misleading measurement.
- Measure the length and height of the stack in feet and inches. If the top is uneven, measure the height in a few places and use the average.
- Measure the depth. For a single row, this is the length of the logs, often 16 in.
- Enter the number of stacks if you have several of the same size.
- Add prices if you want to check a deal: the price per full cord you were quoted, or the price you paid for this wood.
Firewood cord formula
Volume (cu ft) = Length (ft) × Height (ft) × Depth (ft)
Full cords = Volume ÷ 128
Face cords = Length (ft) × Height (ft) ÷ 32
A full cord is 128 cubic feet of wood that is “ranked and well stowed”, which is the definition in NIST Handbook 130 used by most U.S. states. A common shape is a stack 4 ft high, 4 ft deep and 8 ft long.
Worked examples
- A stack 8 ft long, 4 ft high and 16 in deep: 8 × 4 × 1.333 = 42.7 cu ft, or 1/3 of a full cord. This is one face cord of 16 in logs.
- A stack 16 ft long, 4 ft high and 16 in deep: 85.3 cu ft = 2/3 of a cord. If you paid $250 for it, that works out to $375 per full cord.
- A stack 8 ft long, 4 ft high and 4 ft deep: 128 cu ft = 1 full cord.
Cord, face cord and other firewood terms
| Term | Typical size | Volume | Share of a full cord |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full cord | 4 × 4 × 8 ft | 128 cu ft | 1 |
| Half cord | 4 × 2 × 8 ft | 64 cu ft | 1/2 |
| Face cord of 16 in logs | 4 ft × 8 ft × 16 in | 42.7 cu ft | 1/3 |
| Face cord of 24 in logs | 4 ft × 8 ft × 24 in | 64 cu ft | 1/2 |
| Quarter cord | varies | 32 cu ft | 1/4 |
Terms like “face cord”, “rick”, “rack” and “truckload” have no legal definition. The Washington State Department of Agriculture, for example, notes that sellers may not use them as a measure for firewood. Ask for the price per full cord, or the exact dimensions, so you can compare offers.
Tips for buying firewood
- Measure before you burn. If a delivery looks short, stack and measure it right away and contact the seller before you use any of it.
- Get a receipt. It should show the seller’s details, the price and the amount of wood in cords or fractions of a cord.
- Ask about seasoning. Freshly cut wood holds a lot of water and burns poorly. Wood shrinks a little as it dries, so a stack of green wood may measure slightly less after it seasons.
- Buy local. Moving firewood long distances can spread invasive insects. Many states recommend buying wood near where you will burn it.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a cord of wood?
A full cord is 128 cubic feet of tightly stacked wood, most often a stack 4 ft high, 4 ft deep and 8 ft long.
What is a face cord?
A face cord is a stack 4 ft high and 8 ft long, but only one log deep. With 16 in logs, a face cord is 42.7 cu ft, or one-third of a full cord.
How many face cords are in a full cord?
With 16 in logs, three face cords make one full cord. With 24 in logs, two face cords make one full cord.
Will a cord of wood fit in a pickup truck?
Usually not in one trip. A full-size pickup with an 8 ft bed holds roughly one-third to one-half of a cord when the wood is stacked neatly to the top of the bed rails, and less when it is thrown in loosely.
Is a rick the same as a cord?
No. "Rick" is a regional name, usually for a face cord. It is much smaller than a full cord and has no legal definition, so always ask for the size.
Sources and methodology
The formulas on this page were written and checked by the HomeQuantly Team against the worked examples shown above. Results are estimates for planning; always confirm measurements on site before you buy materials.