Ever stood in front of a pile of firewood and wondered exactly how much you’re looking at? You’re definitely not alone. Whether you’re buying firewood for the season or just trying to figure out how long your current supply will last, understanding firewood measurements can save you money and prevent those mid-winter “we’re running out of wood” panics.

The truth is, firewood measurements can be confusing. With terms like “full cord,” “face cord,” and “stove cord” being thrown around, sometimes incorrectly, it’s easy to end up with less wood than you thought you were getting.

That’s exactly why we created this calculator. Let’s break down these measurements so you can buy firewood with confidence and know exactly what you’re getting.

What Exactly is a Cord of Firewood?

A cord is the official, standardized measurement for firewood. No matter where you are in the country, a full cord should be the same amount of wood.

So what makes a cord? A full cord of firewood measures 4 feet high by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long (4′ × 4′ × 8′), giving you a total volume of 128 cubic feet. That might sound straightforward, but here’s where it gets tricky: that measurement includes the air spaces between the pieces of wood.

“I paid for a full cord last year, but when it arrived, it seemed smaller than what I got the previous winter,” says John from Michigan. “Turns out, the first seller packed the wood tightly, while the second stacked it loosely with bigger air gaps. Both technically measured as a cord, but I got less actual wood the second time!”

The amount of solid wood in a cord varies depending on how the wood is stacked and the shape of the pieces. Typically, a well-stacked cord contains about 80-90 cubic feet of solid wood, with the rest being air space.

Face Cord, Rick, Stove Cord: What’s the Difference?

Here’s where things get confusing. You might hear terms like “face cord,” “rick,” or “stove cord” when shopping for firewood. Unlike the standard cord, these measurements aren’t officially regulated, and their meanings can vary regionally.

Face Cord

A face cord has the same height and length as a full cord (4 feet high by 8 feet long), but the depth only equals the length of the individual pieces of firewood, not the standard 4 feet depth of a full cord.

For example, if your fireplace takes 16-inch logs, a face cord would measure 4 feet high by 8 feet long by 16 inches deep. This means a face cord is typically about one-third of a full cord, assuming 16-inch logs. But if the logs are cut to 24 inches, then a face cord would be half of a full cord.

Rick of Firewood

A rick is essentially the same as a face cord in most regions; it’s a stack of wood 4 feet high by 8 feet long, with a depth equal to the length of the individual pieces. However, in some areas, the dimensions might differ slightly.

“My neighbor and I both ordered a rick of wood from different suppliers,” tells Sarah from Tennessee. “Mine was 8 feet long while hers was only 6 feet! Turns out, the term can mean different things depending on who you’re buying from.”

Stove Cord

A stove cord usually refers to wood cut specifically to fit in a wood stove, typically around 12-16 inches in length. Like a face cord, it’s usually 4 feet high by 8 feet long, with the depth being the length of the stove wood pieces.

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

Let’s be honest: firewood isn’t cheap. Depending on your location and the type of wood, a full cord can cost anywhere from $150 to $500 or more. When you’re spending that kind of money, you want to make sure you’re getting what you pay for.

Knowing exactly how much wood you’re buying helps you:

  • Compare prices between different sellers accurately
  • Estimate how long your supply will last
  • Make sure you have enough storage space
  • Avoid overpaying for less wood than you expected

Try Out Our Firewood Calculator

Our firewood calculator takes the guesswork out of firewood measurements. Instead of trying to visualize cubic feet or estimate how many face cords make a full cord, you can simply enter the dimensions of your stack and get an accurate measurement.

Just measure your stack, input the numbers, and let the calculator do the math. No more confusion, no more uncertainty; just clear, accurate measurements.

Common Questions About Firewood Measurements

How much does a cord of firewood weigh?

The weight varies significantly depending on the type of wood and its moisture content. A cord of seasoned hardwood (like oak or maple) typically weighs between 2,000 and 3,000 pounds. Softwoods (like pine or spruce) usually weigh less, around 1,500 to 2,000 pounds per cord.

How much firewood do I need for winter?

This depends on several factors including:

* Your climate and the length of your winter
* How often you use your fireplace or wood stove
* How well your home is insulated
* Whether wood is your primary heat source or supplemental

For occasional fireplace users in moderate climates, half a cord might last all winter. If you’re heating your home primarily with wood in a cold climate, you

How can I tell if I’m getting a fair price?

Research local prices before buying. Call several suppliers and ask specifically for their price per full cord. Make sure you understand exactly what measurement they’re using when they quote you a price. If someone offers a “great deal” that’s significantly below the average price, be skeptical—you might not be getting a full cord.

How should I store my firewood?

For outdoor storage, keep your wood at least a few inches off the ground using pallets or rails. Cover the top of the stack to protect it from rain and snow, but leave the sides open for air circulation. Indoor storage should be limited to what you’ll use in a day or two to avoid bringing pests inside.

Get Accurate Measurements Every Time

With so many variables and regional terms, firewood measurements can be genuinely confusing. Our calculator helps cut through that confusion, giving you the tools to measure your firewood accurately and ensure you’re getting what you pay for.

Whether you’re buying wood for the upcoming winter, selling extra firewood from your property, or just trying to figure out how long your current supply will last, accurate measurements matter.

Give our calculator a try; just stack your wood neatly, measure the height, width, and depth, and let the calculator tell you exactly how much you have in the standard cord measurement. No more guessing, no more confusion, just simple, accurate measurements every time.

Stay warm this winter, and never overpay for firewood again!