Cord of Wood Calculator

Convert between full cords, face cords, ricks, and pickup loads. Know exactly how much firewood you are buying.

Equals
3.00
Face Cords
4 × 8 ft × 16 in (~42.7 cu ft)
3.00
Ricks
Same as face cord
2.00
Pickup Loads
Full-size bed, level (~64 cu ft)
128.00
Cubic Feet
Total volume

What Is a Cord of Wood?

A cord is the standard legal measurement for firewood in the United States and Canada. It equals a neatly stacked pile measuring 4 feet wide × 4 feet high × 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet. The term dates back centuries and remains the only universally recognized unit for selling firewood by volume.

The actual amount of solid wood in a cord varies depending on how tightly the pieces are stacked and how uniform the splits are. Typically, 80–90 cubic feet of a cord is solid wood, with the remaining space being air gaps between pieces. Irregularly shaped or unsplit rounds will have more air space than neatly split pieces of uniform length.

Weight varies dramatically by species. A cord of dense hardwood like White Oak can weigh over 4,000 pounds when dry, while a cord of Basswood might weigh only 2,000 pounds. Denser species pack more energy per cord, which is why our BTU comparison chart is so useful for comparing real heating value across species.

Face Cord, Rick, and Regional Terms

A face cord (also called a rick in the Midwest and South) is one-third of a full cord — a stack 4 feet high × 8 feet long, but only one piece deep (typically 16 inches). This is the most common quantity sold directly to homeowners, and it is where confusion often begins. When someone offers you a “cord,” always clarify whether they mean a full cord or a face cord, since the difference is three times the wood.

A full-size pickup truck bed (stacked level to the top of the rails) holds roughly half a cord, or about 64 cubic feet. This is a practical reference if you are picking up wood yourself. Some sellers use the term “bush cord” in Canada, which is the same as a full cord, or “stove cord,” which varies by region. The only legally defined measurement in most states and provinces is the full cord at 128 cubic feet.

Once you understand the terminology, the next step is figuring out how much wood your home actually needs. Our heating calculator uses your zip code, home size, and stove type to give you a personalized cord estimate in under a minute.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a face cord of wood?
A face cord is one-third of a full cord. It measures 4 feet high × 8 feet long × approximately 16 inches deep, totaling about 42.67 cubic feet. If a full cord costs $300, a face cord should cost roughly $100 to $130.
How many face cords are in a full cord?
Three face cords make one full cord. A full cord is 4 × 4 × 8 feet (128 cubic feet), while a face cord is typically 4 × 8 feet × 16 inches deep (~42.67 cubic feet).
How much firewood fits in a pickup truck?
A full-size pickup truck bed holds about half a cord when stacked level to the top of the bed. An 8-foot bed holds slightly more than a 6.5-foot bed. Stacking above the bed rails is unsafe for transport.
What is a rick of firewood?
A rick is another name for a face cord, common in the Midwest and Southern United States. It is a stack 4 feet high × 8 feet long × one piece deep (usually 16 inches), equaling one-third of a full cord.
Why do firewood measurements matter?
Because “cord” means different things to different sellers. Some advertise a “cord” but deliver a face cord (one-third the wood). Knowing exact measurements protects you from overpaying. Always ask for dimensions and verify the stack when it is delivered.

More Firewood Tools

Heating Calculator

Find out how many cords you need based on your home and climate.

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BTU Chart

Compare 70 species by heat output, weight, and burn quality.

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Seasoning Guide

Learn how long each species takes to dry and when your wood will be ready.

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