Cord of Wood Calculator
Enter the dimensions of your firewood stack to find out how many full cords or face cords it contains and what it should cost. Switch between imperial and metric units. Results update as you type.
What is a cord of wood?
A cord of wood is the standard legal unit for selling firewood in the United States and Canada. One full cord is defined as a stack of wood measuring 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 4 feet high, giving a total volume of 128 cubic feet (about 3.62 cubic metres). The word "cord" dates to the 17th century, when bundles of firewood were tied together with a cord or rope and the amount you could tie up became the reference quantity. A full cord assumes the logs are 4 feet long. Because most people burn shorter lengths (typically 16 to 18 inches), a cord is usually split into thirds and re-stacked, which is where the "face cord" comes from.
Full cord vs face cord vs rick
A face cord (also called a rick in some regions) is one-third of a full cord. Its dimensions are 8 feet long, 4 feet high, and 16 inches deep - corresponding to one layer of standard fireplace-length logs. Because log length varies by supplier (some cut 12, 16, or 18 inches), the actual volume of a face cord differs between sellers. A half cord is exactly 64 cubic feet, and a quarter cord is 32 cubic feet. When buying firewood, always confirm the log length because a "cord" with 12-inch logs stacks very differently from one with 18-inch logs, even though the total volume is nominally the same.
How much firewood do you need for a winter?
A typical home in the northeastern United States that uses wood as a supplemental heat source burns between 2 and 3 cords per heating season (October through April). Homes that heat primarily with wood - in a well-insulated house with an efficient wood stove - can stay warm on 3 to 5 cords. Older, draftier homes or those with open fireplaces rather than stoves may need 5 to 7 cords. The species of wood matters too: dense hardwoods like oak, hickory, and ash produce more heat per cord than softer species like pine or poplar. As a rough guide, one cord of oak provides roughly the same heat as 200 gallons of heating oil.
How to measure a wood stack accurately
Lay a tape measure along the length of the stack and record the longest continuous row. Then measure the height at several points and use the average. For depth, measure the length of a single log from end to end. Multiply length x depth x height to get cubic feet, then divide by 128. If the stack is irregular, break it into rectangular sections and add them up. Freshly cut (green) wood should be stacked loosely to allow air circulation for drying. Well-seasoned firewood typically takes 6 to 12 months to reach the 20 percent moisture level considered ready to burn efficiently.
Firewood unit reference
| Unit | Dimensions (imperial) | Volume (ft³) | Fraction of cord |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full cord | 8 ft x 4 ft x 4 ft | 128 | 1 |
| Face cord / rick | 8 ft x 16 in x 4 ft | 42.67 | 1/3 |
| Half cord | 4 ft x 4 ft x 4 ft | 64 | 1/2 |
| Quarter cord | 2 ft x 4 ft x 4 ft | 32 | 1/4 |
| Pickup truck load (small) | 6 ft bed, stacked | ~40 | ~1/3 |
| Pickup truck load (large) | 8 ft bed, stacked | ~65 | ~1/2 |
Standard firewood measurements. A full cord is the only legally defined unit in most US states.
Frequently asked questions
How many pieces of wood are in a cord?
A full cord of standard 16-inch split firewood contains roughly 600 to 800 pieces, with 700 being a common rule of thumb. The exact count varies with the diameter of the pieces and how tightly they are split. Larger, round pieces give a lower count; thinner splits stack more efficiently and can push the count higher.
How heavy is a cord of wood?
The weight of a cord varies widely by species. A cord of green (freshly cut) hardwood such as oak or hickory can weigh 4,000 to 5,000 pounds. The same cord dried to 20 percent moisture weighs roughly 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. Softwoods like pine weigh less - often 1,500 to 2,500 pounds per dry cord. Weight matters for delivery and transport but does not affect the volume measurement.
Is a face cord the same as a cord?
No. A face cord is one-third of a full cord. A full cord is 128 cubic feet; a face cord is about 42.67 cubic feet. The face cord has the same 8-foot length and 4-foot height as a full cord, but it is only 16 inches deep instead of 4 feet deep. Because the term "face cord" is not legally defined in all states, some sellers use it loosely, so always confirm the actual log length and stack dimensions before buying.
How much does a cord of wood cost?
Prices vary significantly by region, season, wood species, and whether the wood is green or seasoned. In 2024 and 2025, a full cord of seasoned hardwood in the northeastern US typically ranged from $250 to $500, with premium species like cherry or oak at the higher end. Delivery and splitting add to the cost. Buying green wood in spring and letting it season yourself is usually cheaper than buying ready-to-burn wood in autumn.
How do I convert a cord to cubic metres?
One full cord (128 cubic feet) equals approximately 3.6246 cubic metres. To convert, multiply the number of cords by 3.6246. To go the other way, divide cubic metres by 3.6246. This calculator shows both units simultaneously so you can read off either measurement.
Can a pickup truck hold a cord of wood?
A standard full-size pickup with an 8-foot bed can hold roughly half a cord when stacked carefully - about 64 cubic feet. A short-bed truck (6-foot bed) holds about one-third of a cord. Sellers who advertise a "pickup truck load" are usually referring to a loosely filled bed, which often amounts to only a face cord or less. Always calculate cubic feet to confirm what you are getting.