Calculate wood pile volume in cords and face cords for firewood, heating, or construction materials.
Last updated: April 2026
⚠ Disclaimer — Face Cord Limitation: A full cord is 128 cubic feet (8 ft long × 4 ft high × 4 ft deep, any piece length). A face cord varies: it is calculated here as ~1/3 of a cord (42.66 cu ft), which assumes 16-inch piece length. If your wood is 12", 18", or 24" pieces, face cord volume differs. For example, 12-inch logs make a smaller face cord (~32 cu ft), while 24-inch logs make a larger face cord (~56 cu ft). This calculator does NOT ask for piece length, so the face cord result is valid only for 16-inch logs. For other sizes, calculate full cords instead. Actual cord measurements also depend on wood type, moisture content, bark condition, stacking tightness, and regional practices. Loose piles contain significantly less volume. Always verify measurements with suppliers before purchasing by cord.
A cord of wood is the standard unit of measurement for firewood and timber in the United States and Canada. One full cord is a tightly stacked pile measuring exactly 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet of volume. This volume includes all wood and the air gaps between logs. The term "cord" dates back centuries and remains the standard unit for firewood sales, despite its imprecision due to varying degrees of stacking tightness. Different regions and sellers may interpret "cord" differently, which can lead to disputes over quantity. A face cord (also called a "rick") is a common fractional unit measuring 4 feet high by 8 feet long, but only as deep as the individual log lengths (typically 12 to 16 inches), making it roughly one-third of a full cord, or approximately 42.66 cubic feet.
Understanding cord measurements is essential for purchasing firewood, calculating heating potential, planning storage space, and comparing prices between suppliers. Wood density, moisture content, and species dramatically affect the actual weight and BTU output per cord. A cord of dense hardwood like oak can weigh 3,500-4,000 pounds and provide 20-24 million BTUs, while softwood like pine weighs less and produces fewer BTUs. Properly seasoned firewood (12-18 months drying) delivers maximum heat and creates less creosote buildup. Unseasoned (green) wood contains 30-50% moisture, producing excessive smoke, poor heat output, and rapid chimney buildup. Professional firewood suppliers often use the cord measurement as a reference point, but always verify quantity by volume or weight for large purchases.
Step 1: Choose your measurement system (Imperial feet or Metric meters). Most firewood sales in North America use feet, while international suppliers use meters.
Step 2: Measure the length of your stacked wood pile from one end to the other. This is typically the longest dimension (8 feet for a standard full cord, 4-8 feet for partial stacks).
Step 3: Measure the width of the pile at right angles to the length. Standard dimensions are 4 feet for a full cord, but home piles vary significantly.
Step 4: Measure the height of the stack. A full cord is exactly 4 feet tall, but home stacks may be 4-6 feet depending on log types and settling.
Formula: Cords = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 128 (for feet) or (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 3.624 (for meters). Note: This assumes tightly stacked wood. Loosely stacked piles contain 20-30% less actual wood volume.
Scenario: You have a woodpile that's 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 16 inches tall. How many cords is this?
Step 1: Calculate volume = 8 × 4 × 1.33 = 42.67 cubic feet
Step 2: Convert to cords = 42.67 ÷ 128 = 0.33 cords
Result: Your pile is approximately 1/3 of a cord (also called a "face cord" or "rick"). At $200 per full cord, this would cost about $66.
A cord is defined as 4 feet high × 4 feet wide × 8 feet long. This originated from a standard unit for firewood trading in North America.
A cord is 4×4×8 feet (128 cu ft). A face cord is 4×8 feet but only as deep as the logs (typically 1/3 of a cord, or ~43 cu ft).
A cord of green (wet) hardwood weighs 3,000-5,000 lbs. Seasoned wood is lighter, around 2,000-3,500 lbs depending on species.
Plan for 3-8 cords per year depending on climate, insulation, and wood species. Hardwoods (oak, maple) provide more heat than softwoods (pine, spruce).
Yes. Seasoned wood (dried 6-12 months) burns cleaner and hotter. Wet wood creates more smoke and creosote buildup in chimneys.
Ensure the pile measures 4 feet tall, 8 feet long, and the depth is the full log length (not stacked loosely). Many sellers shortchange on depth.
Hardwoods (oak, maple, ash) are denser, burn longer, and produce more heat per cord. Softwoods (pine, fir) ignite faster but burn quicker and produce less heat overall.
Yes, but ensure good airflow for drying. Stack in rows with space between, off the ground, covered on top but open on sides. It takes 6-12 months to season properly.
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