Firewood Volume Converter
Convert between cord, face cord, rick, cubic feet, and cubic meters for firewood measurement and purchasing.
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1 face cord (rick) = 42.67 cu ft ≈ 1/3 cord
Pickup truck (short bed) ≈ 1/4 to 1/3 cord
Understanding Firewood Measurements
Firewood is sold using several different volume measurements, and the terminology varies by region. The only legally defined measurement in the United States is the full cord, but sellers commonly use terms like face cord, rick, and others that can be confusing. Knowing the exact volume helps you compare prices accurately and ensure you receive the amount you paid for.
The Standard (Full) Cord:
A full cord is the official legal measurement for firewood in the United States and Canada. It is defined as a neatly stacked pile measuring:
4 feet wide × 4 feet high × 8 feet long = 128 cubic feet
In metric units, a full cord equals approximately 3.625 cubic meters. However, because of the irregular shapes of logs and the air spaces between them, the actual solid wood in a cord is typically only 70-90 cubic feet (about 60-70% of the total volume).
Common Firewood Measurements:
| Measurement | Dimensions | Cubic Feet | Fraction of Full Cord |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Cord | 4’ × 4’ × 8' | 128 cu ft | 1.00 (100%) |
| Face Cord | varies × 4’ × 8' | ~42.67 cu ft | 0.333 (33%) |
| Rick (= Face Cord) | varies × 4’ × 8' | ~42.67 cu ft | 0.333 (33%) |
| Half Cord | 4’ × 4’ × 4' | 64 cu ft | 0.50 (50%) |
| Quarter Cord | 4’ × 2’ × 4' | 32 cu ft | 0.25 (25%) |
| Stove Cord | varies | ~42.67 cu ft | 0.333 (33%) |
| Thrown Cord (loose) | 4’ × 4’ × 8' | 128 cu ft loose | ~0.65 (when stacked) |
Face Cord vs Full Cord:
A face cord (also called a rick in the Midwest and Southern US) is a single row of firewood stacked 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but only as deep as the length of the individual pieces, typically 16 inches (1.33 feet). Since standard firewood pieces are cut to 16 inches, a face cord is approximately one-third of a full cord.
Face cord = 1.33' × 4' × 8' = 42.67 cubic feet
3 face cords = 1 full cord
Conversion Formulas:
Cubic feet = cords × 128Cubic meters = cords × 3.625Face cords = full cords × 3Full cords = face cords / 3
Practical Examples:
- A seller offers a “rick” for $150. A rick is a face cord (about 42.67 cu ft), which is one-third of a full cord. The equivalent full-cord price would be $450, so make sure that price is competitive in your area.
- You need enough firewood to heat a home for winter (about 3-5 full cords depending on climate and home size). That equals 9-15 face cords or 384-640 cubic feet.
- A pickup truck with a short bed (6 feet) loosely filled with firewood holds roughly 1/4 to 1/3 of a cord. A full-size truck with an 8-foot bed filled high and tight holds about 1/2 cord.
Tips:
- Always ask the seller to specify whether they mean a full cord or face cord. The price difference is significant.
- A thrown cord (loose, not stacked) takes up more space than a stacked cord. When stacked, a thrown cord compacts to roughly 65% of its loose volume.
- Firewood should be seasoned (dried) for 6-12 months before burning. Green (fresh-cut) wood has 50% moisture content, while properly seasoned wood has 15-20%.
- Hardwoods (oak, maple, hickory) produce more heat per cord than softwoods (pine, spruce, fir). One cord of oak provides about 24 million BTU, while one cord of pine provides about 15 million BTU.