What Is a Cord of Wood?
A cord of wood is a standard unit of volume used to measure stacked firewood and pulpwood in the United States and Canada. One full cord equals a stack that is 8 feet long × 4 feet wide × 4 feet high, giving a total volume of 128 cubic feet (3.6246 m³). The name "cord" comes from the piece of string once used to measure such stacks.
How Much Is a Cord of Wood?
The price of a cord of wood varies widely by region, wood species, and season. In the United States, a cord of seasoned firewood typically costs between $150 and $500. Hardwoods (oak, hickory, maple) cost more than softwoods (pine, spruce) but burn longer and produce more heat. Use our calculator's optional price field to estimate total cost in your preferred currency.
How to Calculate a Cord of Firewood
To find the number of cords in any woodpile, measure its length, depth (log length), and height, then apply the formula:
Imperial:
Number of cords = (Length (ft) × Depth (ft) × Height (ft)) / 128
Metric:
Number of cords = (Length (m) × Depth (m) × Height (m)) / 3.6246
Example
A woodpile is 15 ft long, 6 ft deep, and 7 ft high:
Cords = (15 × 6 × 7) / 128 = 630 / 128 ≈ 4.92 cords
What Is a Face Cord of Wood?
A face cord (also called a rick) is a stack of wood that is 8 feet long × 4 feet high but only 16 inches (approx. 40.6 cm) deep — the typical length of a single cut log. A face cord is exactly one-third of a full cord. It is the most common unit you will see stacked against a cabin or house wall.
Face Cord Formula
Face cords = Full cords × 3
Or directly:
Face cords = (Length (ft) × Depth (ft) × Height (ft)) / (128 / 3)
How to Use This Cord of Wood Calculator
- Select your preferred unit system: Imperial (feet) or Metric (meters).
- Enter the length, depth (log length / stack width), and height of your woodpile.
- Optionally select a currency and enter the price per cord to get a cost estimate.
- Click Calculate to see full cords, face cords, stack volume, and total cost.
Reference Dimensions
| Unit | Dimensions | Volume (ft³) | Volume (m³) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Cord | 8 ft × 4 ft × 4 ft | 128 | 3.6246 |
| Face Cord | 8 ft × 16 in × 4 ft | ≈ 42.67 | ≈ 1.2082 |
| Half Cord | 4 ft × 4 ft × 4 ft | 64 | 1.8123 |
FAQs
- How many logs are in a cord of wood?
- There is no fixed number — it depends on log diameter and how tightly they are stacked. A typical cord contains 700–900 split logs.
- How long does a cord of wood last for heating?
- For a well-insulated home using a wood stove as the primary heat source, one cord of dense hardwood typically lasts 6–8 weeks in cold climates.
- What is the difference between a cord and a rick?
- A rick is another name for a face cord — a single row of logs that is 8 ft long and 4 ft high. It is one-third of a full cord.
- Is a face cord the same in all regions?
- Not always. Some sellers define a "face cord" using a different log depth (e.g., 12 or 24 inches). Always ask the seller for exact log length before purchasing.
- Can I use metric units?
- Yes — switch to Metric mode to enter dimensions in meters. The calculator converts automatically to cords and face cords.