A cord of wood is a unit of measure for firewood that equals 128 cubic feet. Typically, it is a tightly stacked pile of wood measuring 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 4 feet deep. This volume is the industry standard in the United States and Canada for a full cord of firewood.
Dimensions of a Cord
- Height: 4 feet
- Length: 8 feet
- Depth: 4 feet
- Total volume: 128 cubic feet
Additional Details
- A cord usually contains between 600 and 900 pieces of wood, depending on the size and length of the logs (commonly about 16 to 18 inches long).
- The weight of a cord varies based on moisture content; kiln-dried wood weighs around 3,600 pounds, while green wood may weigh about 4,800 pounds due to higher water content.
- A "face cord" or "rick" is a smaller measurement often confused with a full cord. It is typically 4 feet high by 8 feet long but only 16 inches deep, equaling about one-third of a full cord.
Thus, a cord of wood is essentially a volume-based measurement defined by a stack 4 feet by 8 feet by 4 feet, totaling 128 cubic feet.