Firewood Volume Converter
Convert between full cords, face cords, ricks, cubic feet and cubic metres, so you can compare firewood prices on the same basis.
How this converter works
All firewood units convert through cubic feet of stacked wood. A full cord is a stack 4 feet high, 4 feet wide and 8 feet long, which is 128 cubic feet. A face cord or rick is a stack 4 feet high and 8 feet long but only as deep as the logs are long, so a stack of 16-inch logs is 4 × 8 × (16 ÷ 12) = 42.7 cubic feet, or one-third of a cord. The converter also includes ricks of 12-inch and 24-inch logs.
Common values
| Unit | Dimensions | Cubic feet |
|---|---|---|
| Full cord | 4 ft x 4 ft x 8 ft | 128 |
| Face cord or rick, 16-inch logs | 4 ft x 8 ft x 16 in | 42.7 (1/3 cord) |
| Rick, 12-inch logs | 4 ft x 8 ft x 12 in | 32 (1/4 cord) |
| Rick, 24-inch logs | 4 ft x 8 ft x 24 in | 64 (1/2 cord) |
| Cubic metre (stere) | 1 m x 1 m x 1 m | 35.3 (0.276 cord) |
A worked example
If a seller charges $90 for a face cord of 16-inch logs and another charges $240 for a full cord, the face cord works out to $270 per cord, so the full cord is cheaper. To compare fairly, convert both to the same unit and also check the species and dryness. The firewood BTU comparator compares heat per cord by species.
Common mix-ups
- A stack is only a cord if the pieces are tightly stacked. A loose pile or a truckload thrown in loosely holds less wood than the same volume stacked.
- Some states legally define a cord and ban the terms face cord and rick in sales. Check your state's rules.
- A pickup truck bed is typically a fraction of a cord, so ask for dimensions or weight.
Where these numbers come from
A cord is defined as 128 cubic feet of stacked wood, and the other units are derived from stack dimensions. Because face cord and rick sizes vary by seller and region, we show the dimension each factor assumes. Always confirm what a seller means.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a face cord compared with a cord?
A face cord of 16-inch logs is about one-third of a full cord. If the logs are a different length, divide the log length in inches by 48.
How many cubic feet in a cord of firewood?
128 cubic feet of stacked wood.
Is a cord the same as a stere?
No. A stere is a cubic metre, about 35.3 cubic feet, which is roughly 28 percent of a cord.
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