Understanding Firewood Measurements: A Guide to Cords
When buying or selling firewood, the term "cord" is the standard unit of measurement. However, understanding what a cord is and how to calculate it can be confusing. Our Cord of Wood Calculator simplifies this process, ensuring you get exactly what you pay for. This article explains the measurements and the calculations behind them.
What is a Cord of Wood?
A standard, full cord of wood is a large, neatly stacked pile of firewood that measures 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long. The total volume of a full cord is 128 cubic feet (4 ft x 4 ft x 8 ft = 128 ft³).
It's important that the wood is stacked neatly and tightly. Large, irregular gaps mean you're getting less wood and more air. The term "cord" is legally defined in most states to protect consumers.
Common Firewood Terms
- Full Cord: The official, legally defined stack of 128 cubic feet.
- Face Cord (or Rick): This is a very common but non-standardized term. A face cord is also 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but its width is only the length of one piece of firewood, typically 12, 16, or 24 inches. Therefore, a face cord is only a fraction of a full cord.
- Thrown Cord: This refers to wood that is thrown loosely into a pile or truck bed, not stacked. A thrown cord will take up more space (around 180 cubic feet) than a stacked cord but will yield approximately 128 cubic feet once properly stacked.
How the Calculator Works
Our calculator uses a simple volume formula to determine how many cords of wood you have:
Volume (cubic feet) = Height (ft) × Width (ft) × Length (ft)
To find the number of cords, the calculator then divides the total volume by 128:
Number of Cords = Total Volume (ft³) / 128
For example, if you have a stack of wood that is 4 feet high, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet long:
- Calculate the volume: 4 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft = 256 ft³
- Divide by 128: 256 / 128 = 2
Your stack contains 2 full cords of wood.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does a cord of wood weigh?
A: The weight varies significantly based on the wood species (hardwood vs. softwood) and how dry it is ("seasoned" vs. "green"). A cord of green hardwood can weigh over 5,000 pounds, while a cord of seasoned softwood might weigh around 2,500 pounds.
Q: What's the difference between a full cord and a face cord?
A: A full cord has a volume of 128 cubic feet. A face cord has the same height and length (4x8 ft) but is only as wide as the logs are cut, typically 16 inches. Therefore, it takes three 16-inch wide face cords to equal one full cord.
Q: How do I know if I'm getting a fair deal?
A: Always measure the stack before paying. Use our calculator to verify the volume. Be wary of anyone selling a "cord" out of a standard pickup truck bed, as it can't hold a full cord. A standard 8-foot truck bed, stacked level to the cab, holds about half a cord.
Q: How should firewood be stacked for accurate measurement?
A: For an accurate measurement, the wood should be stacked neatly in a line, with pieces parallel to each other. Avoid crisscross stacking, and try to minimize large gaps. The stack should be reasonably uniform in height and width.