How this calculator works
A full cord is a tightly stacked pile of wood measuring 4 ft high, 4 ft deep and 8 ft long, which is 128 cubic feet (including the air gaps between the logs). We multiply your stack's length, height and depth (the log length) and divide by 128.
Worked example: a stack 8 ft long and 4 ft high made of 16 in logs is 8 × 4 × 1.333 = 42.7 ft³, which is one third of a full cord, or one "face cord". At $150 that is $450 per full cord.
Fraction of a full cord by log length
For a stack 8 ft long and 4 ft high.
| Log length | Fraction of a cord | Cubic feet |
|---|---|---|
| 12 in | 0.25 | 32.0 |
| 16 in | 0.33 | 42.7 |
| 18 in | 0.38 | 48.0 |
| 24 in | 0.50 | 64.0 |
| 36 in | 0.75 | 96.0 |
| 48 in | 1.00 | 128.0 |
Tips before you buy
- Always ask what "cord", "face cord", "rick" or "truckload" means to the seller. Terms vary by region, and the amounts differ by a factor of three.
- Buy seasoned wood (dried for 6 to 12 months or more), or buy green wood and season it yourself. Wet wood burns poorly and makes more creosote in the chimney.
- Stack off the ground, with the stack open to wind and sun, and a cover on top only.
- A full cord of seasoned hardwood weighs about 3,500 to 5,000 lb and has roughly 20 to 30 million BTU of heat.
Tools & materials for this project
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. These links do not change what you pay.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a cord of wood?
A full cord is 128 cubic feet of neatly stacked wood: 4 ft × 4 ft × 8 ft. Prices vary widely by region and wood type.
What is a face cord?
A stack 4 ft high and 8 ft long, one log deep. It is usually a third of a cord (for 16 in logs), but the name is not standard.
How many face cords are in a full cord?
Three, when the logs are 16 in long. 12 in logs make four face cords and 24 in logs make two.
Add this calculator to your website
Running a blog, a contractor site or a class page? You can put this calculator on it for free. Copy the code below, and please leave the link underneath the calculator in place. The small script just resizes the frame to fit the results; if your site strips scripts, the calculator still works inside a scrolling frame.
Related calculators & guides
Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.