The definition
A cord is a volume of stacked wood, length × height × depth, equal to 128 cubic feet. It measures the pile, not the wood: there are gaps between the pieces, so the solid wood inside is less. Extension sources put it between 65 and 90 cubic feet, depending on how straight and how big the pieces are.
A cord for any piece length
The depth of the stack is the length of one piece. The table assumes the pile is 4 feet high, the usual stacking height.
| Piece length | Stack height | Stack length for 1 cord | Rows to make 4 ft deep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 in | 4 ft | 32.0 ft | 4 |
| 16 in | 4 ft | 24.0 ft | 3 |
| 18 in | 4 ft | 21.3 ft | 2.7 |
| 20 in | 4 ft | 19.2 ft | 2.4 |
| 24 in | 4 ft | 16.0 ft | 2 |
With 16 inch pieces a cord is 4 ft high and 24 ft long, or three face cords of 8 ft each. With 24 inch pieces it is 4 ft high and 16 ft long.
Check a stack in two minutes
- Measure the length and height of the stack in feet.
- Measure the length of one piece in inches and divide by 12.
- Multiply the three numbers: length × height × piece length in feet.
- Divide by 128 to get cords.
A stack 12 ft long, 5 ft high, with 16 inch pieces holds 12 × 5 × 1.333 = 80 cubic feet, which is 0.62 cord. The firewood cord calculator does this for you.
Why a cord is not always a cord
- Loose piles. Wood thrown into a truck takes up more space than the same wood stacked, so a "cord" priced by the truckload is usually less than 128 cubic feet stacked.
- Stove cord, face cord, rick. These are local words for stacks that are one piece deep. See the face cord vs full cord page.
- Legal definitions. Many states define a cord as 128 cubic feet of stacked wood and require sales by that unit. Check your state's rules.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of a cord of wood?
4 ft high by 4 ft deep by 8 ft long, which is 128 cubic feet.
How long is a cord of wood with 16 inch pieces?
24 feet long and 4 feet high, which is three 8 ft rows.
How many cubic feet of wood are in a cord?
128 cubic feet of stack. The solid wood in it is about 65 to 90 cubic feet.
Sources
- University of Maryland Extension: Buying and Storing Firewood (FS-937)
- New Mexico State University Extension: Firewood (G-102)
- Northern Woodlands: A cord is a cord is a cord