What Is a Cord of Wood?

One of the most common sources of confusion when buying firewood is understanding what a cord actually is. Because firewood is often handled and delivered loose, it can look very different before it is stacked. Knowing how a cord is defined helps set clear expectations.

A cord of firewood is a standard, legal unit of measurement. One full cord equals 128 cubic feet of tightly stacked firewood. That stacked volume includes the wood itself as well as the natural air space between pieces.

A full cord typically stacks out to a pile that measures about four feet high, four feet deep, and eight feet long. This measurement only applies once the firewood is stacked. Firewood cannot be accurately measured while it is loose.

Loose firewood always contains more air space than stacked firewood. When wood is tossed into a truck, trailer, or basket, the pieces do not settle tightly together. Because of this, loose firewood will always look smaller than stacked firewood until it is properly stacked.

At our yard, firewood is stored in approximately 100 cubic foot baskets. These baskets are rough-filled, meaning the firewood is tossed in rather than stacked. Each basket is considered a half cord. When a basket of loose firewood is stacked properly, it stacks out to approximately 64 cubic feet, which equals one half of a full cord. Two baskets stacked properly equal one full cord.

The baskets themselves are not the measurement of sale volume. They are simply a way to store, handle, and move firewood efficiently. The actual measurement is always based on the final stacked volume.

You may hear other terms used when buying firewood, such as face cord, rick, or truckload. These terms are not standardized and can mean different things depending on firewood length and how it is stacked. For clarity and consistency, we sell firewood by the full cord.

When firewood is delivered loose, it may not look like much at first. This is normal. Once stacked tightly, the volume becomes clear and consistent. Minor variation is normal due to split size and wood species, but the total stacked volume should be accurate.

For best results, firewood should be stacked off the ground, with good airflow, and measured after stacking if you wish to verify volume. Loose firewood will always look different before stacking than after.

Understanding how a cord is measured makes it easier to compare suppliers and know what you are receiving. If you ever have questions about volume or stacking, we are always happy to explain how it works.