If you’ve ever bought firewood – or even just heard someone say “I ordered a cord of wood” – you might’ve nodded along while secretly wondering what that actually means.

Is a cord a pile?
Is it a weight?
Is it the same everywhere?

A cord is the standard unit used by firewood suppliers when selling wood for heating.

You’re not alone. The term What Is a Cord of Wood is common, but often misunderstood. Let’s break it down clearly, without jargon, and in a way that actually makes sense.

What Is a Cord of Wood?

A cord of wood is a standard unit of measurement for firewood.

It doesn’t refer to the number of logs or how heavy the wood is. Instead, it refers to how much space the stacked firewood occupies.

Official Definition

A cord of wood is a neatly stacked pile of firewood that measures:

4 feet high × 4 feet deep × 8 feet long

That equals 128 cubic feet of wood.

This measurement is legally recognized in many countries, including the United States, for selling firewood.

What Is the Size of a Cord of Wood?

Let’s make the size easier to visualize.

Standard Cord Dimensions

• Height: 4 feet
• Depth: 4 feet
• Length: 8 feet
• Total volume: 128 cubic feet

If stacked correctly, the logs are aligned and compact, with minimal gaps.

Important: The length of individual logs (16″, 18″, 24″) does not change the total size of a cord – only how the wood is stacked.

Understanding firewood measurements is especially important if you use a wood stove for home heating.

What Is a Full Cord of Wood?

A full cord of wood is simply the complete, standard cord described above.

There is no difference between:

• a cord of wood
• a full cord of wood

The word “full” is usually added to avoid confusion with partial measurements like face cords.

If someone sells you a full cord, you should be getting 128 cubic feet of stacked firewood.

What Is a Face Cord of Wood?

This is where many buyers get confused.

A face cord of wood (also called a rick) is not a full cord.

Face Cord Dimensions

• Height: 4 feet
• Length: 8 feet
• Depth: log length only (usually 16 inches)

That means a face cord is one row of logs, while a full cord is three rows deep (if logs are 16 inches long).

Face Cord vs Full Cord (Quick Comparison)

Type	Depth	Volume
Face cord	~16 inches	~42–43 cubic feet
Full cord	4 feet	128 cubic feet

Three face cords (16” logs) = one full cord

Why the Difference Matters When Buying Firewood

If you’re buying firewood for:

• Winter heating
• A wood stove
• A fireplace
• Outdoor fire pits

…you must know what measurement the seller is using.

Many sellers advertise firewood by:

• Face cord
• Half cord
• Full cord

If you assume you’re getting a full cord but receive a face cord instead, you’re actually getting only about one-third of the wood.

How Much Firewood Is in a Cord?

While volume is fixed, weight is not.

The weight of a cord depends on:

• Wood species (oak vs pine)
• Moisture content
• Whether the wood is seasoned or green

Approximate Weights (Seasoned Wood)

• Hardwood cord: 2,500-3,000 lbs
• Softwood cord: 1,800-2,200 lbs

This is why sellers measure by volume, not weight.

How Long Does a Cord of Wood Last?

This depends on usage, but here’s a rough idea:

• Occasional fireplace use: 1 cord can last most of a winter
• Primary heating source: 3-6 cords per winter
• Campfires only: Several seasons

Efficiency, stove type, and wood species all play a role.

Common Mistakes People Make

Many first-time buyers make these mistakes:

• Assuming a face cord = full cord
• Not asking for exact dimensions
• Buying unstacked wood without measuring
• Confusing log length with cord depth

Pro tip: Always ask how the wood is measured and stacked.

Different stove sizes and models, such as Lopi wood stoves, also affect how much firewood you need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a cord of wood?

A cord of wood is a stacked pile of firewood measuring 4×4×8 feet, equal to 128 cubic feet.

What is the size of a cord of wood?

The standard size is 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long.

What is a full cord of wood?

A full cord is the same as a standard cord – 128 cubic feet of stacked firewood.

What is a face cord of wood?

A face cord is one row of firewood, usually 16 inches deep, and equals about one-third of a full cord.

How many face cords make a full cord?

Typically, three face cords (with 16-inch logs) equal one full cord.

Final Thoughts

A cord of wood isn’t about guesswork – it’s a specific, measurable standard.

Once you understand:

• The exact size
• The difference between a face cord and a full cord
• Why sellers use different terms

you can buy firewood confidently and avoid being shorted.

Whether you’re heating your home or just enjoying a winter fire, knowing what a cord of wood really is makes all the difference.