Ask Steward

How is a cord of firewood measured?

Peter Kolb is the MSU Extension Forestry Specialist. He heats with firewood, and manages the Forestry Program based in Missoula.

Firewood can be referred to in different measurements. Learning terminology can help with decisions when gathering, buying or selling firewood.

Full cord: a full cord, or cord, is a tightly-fit together stack of wood that measures 4 feet deep, 4 feet high, and 8 feet long. Its volume should be 128 cubic feet.

• The amount will vary based on size of each piece and stacking
  method, with most cords averaging 85 cubic feet and remaining
  volume being air/space between the pieces). Even though a cord is the
  standard measurement, most firewood isn't sold in 4-foot-long pieces
  for burning in homes.

Half cord: a half cord of wood measures 4 feet deep, 4 feet high, and 4 feet long. It may be helpful to envision a half-cord size cube of stacked wood in the bed of a pickup truck to estimate a measurement.

Face cord: a face cord is a stack of wood 4 feet high and 8 feet long, while the depth of the stack is less than 4 feet.

• On average, a face cord length of firewood is 16 inches, which is one-third the depth of a full cord, and a reasonable length to fit in a woodstove. Some face cord lengths are 24 inches, or one-half the depth of a full cord. Clarify average length prior to purchase.
• Other terms for a face cord can include 'stove cord,' 'furnace cord,' or 'rick.'

Thrown cord: a thrown cord, or loose cord, is a rough measurement of wood thrown, not stacked. A loose cord's volume should still equal 128 cubic feet, and may take up approximately 30 percent more space than a 
stacked cord.

Be aware of wood sold by names like pile, truckload or pick-up truck load, as size can vary greatly. When purchasing, inspect firewood in person, and take a tape measure. Firewood value can also vary based on type of wood and if the wood is green, and unseasoned, or already split and dried.

Have a question for Ask Steward? Please send it to: extensionmagazine@montana.edu.