Firewood Cord Calculator

Stack length	8 ft
Stack height	4 ft
Log length (depth)	4 ft

Stack length

8 ft

Stack height

4 ft

Log length (depth)

4 ft

Last updated: 2026-06-16

A cord is the standard unit for measuring and selling firewood in North America. It is legally defined as a neatly stacked pile occupying 128 cubic feet, with the traditional dimensions of 4 ft high × 4 ft deep × 8 ft long. The depth of the stack equals the length of the cut logs.

Full cord versus face cord

A full cord contains three rows of 16-inch logs stacked 4 ft high and 8 ft long, for a combined depth of 4 ft. Its total volume is 128 cubic feet.

A face cord (also called a rick or a rank) is one row of wood: 4 ft high, 8 ft long, and as deep as the log length. When logs are the common 16-inch fireplace length, a face cord is exactly one-third of a full cord. When buying firewood, the seller should state the log length — without it, the number of face cords is not enough to compare prices.

Calculating the cord count

Multiply the three stack dimensions to get the volume, then divide by 128 cubic feet (3.6246 m³) for full cords or by 42.67 cubic feet (1.2082 m³) for face cords.

For a standard full cord:

\begin{aligned} V &= 8\,\text{ft} \times 4\,\text{ft} \times 4\,\text{ft} = 128\,\text{cu ft} \\ \text{full cords} &= \frac{128}{128} = 1.00 \\ \text{face cords} &= \frac{128}{42.67} = 3.00 \end{aligned}

For a smaller stack — say, 8 ft long, 4 ft high, and 16 inches (1.33 ft) deep:

\begin{aligned} V &= 8 \times 4 \times 1.33 = 42.67\,\text{cu ft} \\ \text{full cords} &= \frac{42.67}{128} \approx 0.33 \\ \text{face cords} &= \frac{42.67}{42.67} = 1.00 \end{aligned}

Stacking density and actual wood content

The calculated volume is the space the stack occupies, not the amount of solid wood. Air gaps between logs always reduce the actual wood content. A tightly stacked cord of straight, split logs typically holds about 80–90 cubic feet of solid wood; a loose pile of round or crooked logs may hold considerably less.

When ordering firewood, request that it be stacked on delivery so the cord count can be verified. Loose wood thrown into a truck bed or trailer typically yields 15–25% less solid wood than the same volume when stacked.

For estimating heating costs, see the Electricity Cost Calculator. For other volume-based estimates like mulch or concrete, see the related calculators below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a cord of wood?

A cord is the standard unit of measurement for firewood in North America. It is legally defined as a stack occupying 128 cubic feet when the wood is neatly and tightly arranged. The traditional dimensions are 4 ft high × 4 ft deep × 8 ft long. Because logs are rarely perfectly cylindrical and stacks always contain air, the actual solid wood content of a cord is typically around 80–90 cubic feet, with the remainder being air.

What is the difference between a full cord and a face cord?

A full cord is a complete 4 × 4 × 8 ft stack (128 cu ft). A face cord — sometimes called a rick or a rank — is a single row of wood stacked 4 ft high and 8 ft long, but only as deep as the individual log length. When logs are 16 inches long (a common fireplace length), a face cord is one-third of a full cord. When buying firewood, ask for the log length and convert to full cords for a fair comparison.

How do I measure a stack of firewood accurately?

Measure the length, height, and depth of the stack with a tape measure, then multiply the three dimensions to get cubic feet. Divide by 128 to convert to full cords. For best accuracy, measure several stacks separately and add them up rather than treating an irregular pile as a single rectangle. Remember that loose or poorly stacked wood will contain more air, so the actual wood volume will be less than the calculated stack volume.

Disclaimer

Estimates assume a neatly and tightly stacked pile. Loose stacking, irregular log shapes, and air gaps reduce the actual wood content below the calculated volume. Results are intended as a purchasing and planning guide.

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