Face cord vs full cord
A full cord is a legal unit in most US states: a tightly stacked pile measuring 128 cubic feet, usually 4 ft high, 8 ft long and 4 ft deep. A face cord (also called a rick or stove cord) is 4 ft high and 8 ft long but only one piece deep, usually 16 inches, so it is one third of a full cord.
Cubic feet = length × height × piece length (in) ÷ 12
Cords = cubic feet ÷ 128
| Unit | Size | Fraction of a cord |
|---|---|---|
| Full cord | 4 × 8 × 4 ft | 1 |
| Face cord, 16" pieces | 4 × 8 ft × 16" | 1/3 |
| Face cord, 12" pieces | 4 × 8 ft × 12" | 1/4 |
| Pickup load (8 ft bed, level) | about 64 cu ft stacked | about 1/2 |
How much wood is in a cord?
A full cord is 128 cubic feet of stacked wood, 4 ft high, 8 ft long and 4 ft deep. Because of the air gaps between pieces, it holds roughly 80 to 90 cubic feet of solid wood.
How much does a cord of wood weigh?
Roughly 2,000 to 5,500 lb, depending on species and moisture. Seasoned softwoods like pine sit near the low end, while freshly cut oak or hickory can pass 5,000 lb, more than most pickups can carry in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a face cord compared with a cord?
With 16-inch pieces, a face cord is one third of a full cord.
How much wood fits in a pickup truck?
An 8 ft bed stacked level with the sides holds about half a cord; a short bed holds about a third.
How long does a cord of wood last?
Burning daily through a cold-climate winter, a wood stove uses roughly 3 to 6 cords; occasional fireplace use may need half a cord.