If you’ve ever bought firewood for your home, cabin, or outdoor fire pit, you’ve likely heard the term “cord of wood.” But what exactly is a cord of wood, and what are its dimensions? Knowing the size of a cord ensures you get what you pay for and helps you estimate how much wood you’ll need for heating or other uses.
In this article, we’ll explain the dimensions of a cord of wood, compare it to other common firewood measurements, and give you tips for stacking and buying.
What Is a Cord of Wood?
A cord of wood is the standard unit of measurement for firewood in North America. It refers to a neatly stacked pile of wood—not just a random heap. For wood to qualify as a cord, it must meet specific measurements, making it a consistent way to buy and sell firewood.
Standard Dimensions of a Cord of Wood
A full cord measures:
- Length: 8 feet (96 inches)
- Height: 4 feet (48 inches)
- Depth: 4 feet (48 inches)
This makes the total volume of a cord:
8 ft × 4 ft × 4 ft = 128 cubic feet of stacked wood
However, because of air spaces between logs, the actual solid wood volume in a cord is closer to 85–90 cubic feet.
Other Common Cord Variations
Not all firewood sellers provide a “full cord.” Here are some variations you may encounter:
1. Face Cord (or Rick)
- Dimensions: 8 feet long × 4 feet high × log depth (usually 16–18 inches)
- This equals about ⅓ of a full cord, since firewood is often cut to 16-inch lengths.
2. Half Cord
- Dimensions: Half of a full cord → 4 ft × 4 ft × 4 ft
- A good option for smaller households.
3. Quarter Cord
- Dimensions: 4 ft × 2 ft × 4 ft
- Perfect for occasional use like campfires or outdoor fire pits.
Visualizing a Cord of Wood
To picture it more clearly:
- A cord of wood looks like a large rectangular stack, 8 feet long (the length of a standard pickup truck bed), 4 feet high (waist height for most people), and 4 feet deep.
- A face cord is the same length and height, but only as deep as the cut firewood—usually 16 inches.
How Much Wood Do You Need?
- For occasional fires (campfires or weekends) – a quarter or half cord is usually enough.
- For heating a home during winter – most households burn 3–6 cords of wood, depending on climate and insulation.
Tips for Buying and Storing a Cord of Wood
- Measure the stack – Always confirm dimensions; some sellers use “truckload” or “pile” instead of cords.
- Check moisture – Seasoned (dried) wood burns better than freshly cut (“green”) wood.
- Stack properly – Store off the ground with airflow to prevent mold and rot.
- Know your needs – Don’t overbuy; wood takes up space and can attract pests if left outdoors too long.
Final Thoughts
A cord of wood is a precise measurement: 8 feet long, 4 feet high, and 4 feet deep, totaling 128 cubic feet. Understanding these dimensions helps you compare prices, avoid being shortchanged, and plan your firewood needs.
Whether you’re stocking up for cozy winter nights or preparing for camping season, knowing the size of a cord ensures you get the right amount of wood every time.