Firewood Math: Full Cord, Face Cord, and How Much You Need for a Winter
October 21, 2026
Firewood is sold in confusing units. A full cord is a legally defined volume of stacked wood: 128 cubic feet, typically a stack 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long. A face cord (or rick, or fireplace cord) is a stack 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but only as deep as the length of the logs, often 16 inches. A face cord of 16-inch logs holds 4 × 8 × (16 ÷ 12) = 42.7 cubic feet, one third of a full cord.
If you pay $120 for a face cord, the price per full cord is $360. Comparing prices in the same unit is the first step to avoiding being overcharged.
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A full cord has 128 cubic feet of space, including air gaps between the pieces, so it contains roughly 80 to 90 cubic feet of actual wood. A face cord depends on log length: 12-inch logs give 32 cubic feet (a quarter cord), 16-inch logs 42.7 (a third), and 24-inch logs 64 (a half). A 'truckload' is not a standard unit; measure the bed: a pickup bed 6 feet long, 5 feet wide and filled 2 feet high is 60 cubic feet, under half a cord.
Many places require sellers to quote volume in cords or fractions of cords. Always check the stack dimensions yourself.
| Unit | Stack dimensions | Volume (cu ft) | Fraction of a cord |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full cord | 4 x 4 x 8 ft | 128 | 1 |
| Face cord, 24-inch logs | 4 x 8 ft x 2 ft | 64 | 1/2 |
| Face cord, 16-inch logs | 4 x 8 ft x 1.33 ft | 42.7 | 1/3 |
| Face cord, 12-inch logs | 4 x 8 ft x 1 ft | 32 | 1/4 |
How Much Do You Need?
Consumption depends on climate, house size, stove efficiency, and whether wood is the primary heat source. Rough guidelines: a cold-climate home that relies mainly on wood might burn 4 to 8 full cords per winter, while a supplemental fireplace used on weekends might use half a cord to 2 cords. Start with a modest amount and track your use through one winter. Order early in the year, so that the wood can season, and buy more than you think you will need, since running out in January is expensive.
Heating Value by Species
Denser hardwoods contain more energy per cord. Approximate values per full cord when seasoned: oak and hickory 24 to 28 million BTU, maple 20 to 24, ash 20 to 24, birch 20 to 22, and pine and spruce 12 to 18. Compared at the same volume, pine needs about 50% more volume than oak to deliver the same heat. Softwoods ignite easily and are fine for kindling and shoulder-season fires but burn faster.
Wood stoves convert 60% to 80% of the heat in the wood to usable heat, while open fireplaces are only about 10% efficient or can even lose heat up the chimney.
Moisture Content Matters
Freshly cut wood can be 40% to 50% moisture by weight. Seasoned firewood should have 15% to 20% moisture. Burning wet wood wastes energy boiling off water, produces more smoke and creosote, and reduces heat. Season wood by splitting it, stacking it off the ground in a sunny, windy place, and covering the top only, for 6 to 12 months for softwoods and 12 to 24 months for dense hardwoods like oak. A moisture meter costs little and tells you the truth.
A cord of green oak may deliver 30% less usable heat than a seasoned cord.
Checking What You Bought
Measure the stack height, length, and depth. Multiply to get cubic feet and divide by 128 for cords. Allow a few percent for loose stacking, but not a large shortage. Get a receipt that states the quantity, species, and whether it is seasoned or green.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic feet are in a cord of wood?
128 cubic feet, a stack 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet.
What is a face cord?
A stack 4 feet high and 8 feet long, as deep as the log length, so a fraction of a full cord.
How long should firewood season?
Typically 6 to 12 months for softwoods and 1 to 2 years for dense hardwoods.
Which firewood gives the most heat?
Dense hardwoods like oak and hickory.
How do I know if wood is dry?
Check with a moisture meter. Seasoned wood is below about 20%.