How Is Firewood Measured?

Cord

• The cord is the only reliable unit of measure of firewood that is the same volume in any state and Canada. When "ranked and well stowed," the cord is 128 cubic feet. The wood is stacked so the pieces are aligned and as compact as possible. A cord of wood is usually stacked 4 feet wide, 8 feet long and 4 feet high, or any other combination that uses 128 cubic feet of space. A half cord and quarter cord are also common units of measure for firewood. Purchasing firewood by the cord or half cord enables the buyer to compare prices, since he knows exactly how much firewood he is comparing.

Rick or Rack

• Another way to describe a pile of firewood is the interchangeable words "rick" and "rack." This is a smaller amount of wood than the cord, although it also measures 4 feet high and 8 feet long. The depth is not consistent, though, like the cord. The depth of the rick or rack is the length of the logs, which could be any length, but most likely 9, 16 or 24 inches.

Face Cord

• To further complicate the measurement of firewood, the term "face cord" can be misleading. Also measuring 4 feet by 8 feet, the depth of the face cord is also dependent on the size of the logs, as in a rick or rack. The difference is that the face cord is stacked in 1/4, 1/2 or 3/4 of a cord. The problem with a face cord is that the amount of wood you are getting could vary by vendor. A half cord of wood is not the same as a half face cord of wood, since the total volume is dependent on the length of the pieces.

Loose Thrown Cord

• Some states allow vendors to use the term "loose thrown cord." Firewood vendors who don't want to take the time to stack the cord neatly will sell a loose thrown cord. This unit of measure is larger than a regular cord. When purchasing firewood, beware if the seller is selling a loose thrown cord, for you will receive less wood than an actual cord. A loose thrown 16-inch cord will be 180 cubic feet.