Measuring a Cord of Firewood: Expert Tips

Introduction

When winter rolls in and the chill sets deep, nothing beats the comfort of a roaring fireplace. For over 15 years, I’ve relied on firewood to keep my home warm and cozy, and I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, just how important measuring a cord of firewood correctly can be. The first time I bought a load, I assumed the pile dumped in my driveway was a full cord. Turns out, it was barely three-quarters, and it included a lot of poor-quality wood that burned too fast or barely at all. That experience taught me that understanding how to measure firewood properly can save you money and help you avoid getting shortchanged.

Accurate measurement ensures you’re getting what you paid for and that the wood suits your heating needs. If you’re searching for the best wood for fireplace efficiency, understanding how it’s measured is just as critical as the species itself. In this article, I’ll walk you through every aspect of measuring a cord of firewood, from dimensions and techniques to common mistakes and pro tips.

What Is a Cord of Firewood?

A full cord of firewood is a standardized unit of measurement equaling 128 cubic feet. This usually breaks down to a neatly stacked pile that’s 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long. But don’t be fooled, only about 60% of that space is actual wood; the remaining 40% is air space between the logs. Imagine filling a bathtub with a bunch of oddly shaped blocks, that’s essentially what your firewood stack looks like on a larger scale.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Full Cord = 128 cubic feet (4′ x 4′ x 8′)
• Half Cord = 64 cubic feet
• Quarter Cord = 32 cubic feet
• Face Cord = Varies depending on log length (typically 16″)

Measuring a cord of firewood became the industry standard to bring consistency and fairness to firewood sales. Before this, terms like “pile” or “truckload” left too much room for interpretation.

It’s also worth noting that the type of wood dramatically affects cord value. Hardwoods like oak, ash, maple, and birch burn longer and cleaner, making them ideal as the best wood for fireplace use. In contrast, softwoods may burn quickly and produce more creosote.

If you’re also interested in pricing and buying tips, don’t miss our companion article: Cord of Firewood: Complete Guide to Buying, Measuring & Pricing.

Different Types of Firewood Measurements

Understanding the differences between various firewood measurements is essential, especially when you’re buying firewood by the cord.

Full Cord vs. Face Cord vs. Half Cord

• Full Cord: 128 cubic feet (4’ x 4’ x 8’). The gold standard.
• Half Cord: 64 cubic feet. Half the volume of a full cord.
• Face Cord: One row of wood 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but the depth depends on the length of the logs.
  • 16″ logs = ~1/3 of a cord
  • 24″ logs = ~1/2 of a cord

Why Face Cord Can Be Misleading

A seller might say they’re offering a face cord, but without specifying log length, you could be getting much less than expected. This is why measuring a cord of firewood yourself is critical. When measuring a cord of firewood, always verify the log length to calculate true volume.

Regional Terminology

Depending on where you live, you might hear terms like:

• Rick (common in the Midwest)
• Stove Cord
• Truckload (a highly variable term!)

These aren’t standardized. So always fall back on cubic feet to verify volume.

The value also ties into quality. If you’re paying full price, you want seasoned hardwoods like oak firewood for burning, maple wood burning, or ash wood fireplace quality. Each of these species offers high heat output and long burn times, which is why they’re among the best wood for fireplace use.

How to Measure Your Firewood Stack

Let’s walk through how to measure firewood accurately. This step-by-step guide ensures you’re not getting shorted on your purchase.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Stack the Firewood Neatly
Create a rectangular stack with all logs parallel and level. Avoid piles.

Step 2: Align Logs
Ensure logs are flush on both ends. Stack them tightly with minimal air gaps.

Step 3: Measure Dimensions
Use a tape measure:

• Length (L): Typically 8 feet
• Height (H): Usually 4 feet
• Depth (D): 4 feet for full cords

Step 4: Calculate Volume
Use the formula: L × H × D = Volume in cubic feet.

Step 5: Convert to Cords
Divide your total cubic feet by 128.

💡 Tip: Want to skip the math? Use our free Cord of Wood Calculator to quickly estimate your stack’s volume in cords. Just enter your dimensions, wood type, and stacking quality and let the tool do the work for you.

Real-Life Examples

These examples show how measuring a cord of firewood can yield the same volume in different stack configurations.

• Example 1: 8 ft × 4 ft × 4 ft = 128 cubic feet → 1 Full Cord
• Example 2: 16 ft × 4 ft × 2 ft = 128 cubic feet → 1 Full Cord

Keep in mind, different woods stack differently. Birch firewood quality often means tighter stacking due to its smoother bark and uniform logs, while oak might leave more gaps.

When measuring a cord of firewood, you’ll want to keep a calculator and tape measure handy. Accurate dimensions protect your wallet and ensure you’re using the best wood for fireplace needs.

If you want a simple visual guide on measuring firewood, The Spruce offers a helpful how-to article with clear instructions and tips.

Tips to Ensure Accurate Measurement

1. Stack Tightly: Reduces air gaps, giving a more accurate volume.
2. Use Tools: A reliable tape measure, level, and camera go a long way.
3. Measure Widest Points: Round logs can mislead; measure at their widest.
4. Stack Yourself: Don’t rely on sellers; stack and measure on delivery.
5. Take Photos: Visual proof helps in disputes or when ordering again.
6. Account for Density: Heavier hardwoods are better for heating; consider this when measuring a cord of firewood.

While assessing volume, also assess quality. Seasoned hardwoods crack slightly and sound hollow when knocked. They represent the best wood for fireplace use, as they burn efficiently with less smoke.

For more detailed information on firewood drying and storage best practices, Burnfirewood provides a comprehensive guide you can check out.”

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Buying by “Truckload”: This non-standard unit varies wildly. Stick to cords.
• Face Cord Confusion: Always ask for log length.
• Ignoring Air Space: 40% of your stack is air; factor this into volume.
• Failing to Verify Delivery: Measure and photograph immediately.
• Accepting Unseasoned Wood: It burns poorly and causes creosote buildup.
• Overpaying for Softwood: Softwood is cheaper; don’t pay hardwood prices.
• Rushing the Process: Take time when measuring a cord of firewood to avoid costly errors.

When measuring a cord of firewood, be vigilant. Examine species and seasoning. Oak, maple, ash, and birch are great picks for long, hot burns.

Why Knowing How to Measure a Cord Matters

1. Avoids Scams: Protects you from dishonest sellers.
2. Optimizes Storage: Helps plan shed or tarp space.
3. Compare Suppliers: Apples-to-apples comparisons.
4. Heating Needs: Know how long your wood will last.
5. Cost Efficiency: Accurate measuring a cord of firewood = smarter spending.
6. Selects Quality: Ensures you’re getting the best wood for fireplace use.

In my experience, investing time in proper measurement pays off across the board, from fuel efficiency to long-term savings.

Conclusion

If you rely on wood to heat your home, mastering the skill of measuring a cord of firewood is essential. From avoiding scams to ensuring you get the right species for heating efficiency, every inch counts. Stack neatly, measure thoroughly, and always document your deliveries.

Take action today: head out and measure your current firewood stack. Doing so ensures you’re burning the best wood for fireplace performance while protecting your investment. Warmth, comfort, and efficiency, all begin with accurate measuring a cord of firewood.

FAQs about Measuring a Cord of Firewood