The table below shows every common cord measurement, its exact dimensions, volume in cubic feet, and what it typically looks like when stacked. Use this as a quick reference before buying or selling firewood.
| Cord Type | Dimensions (L×W×H) | Volume (cu ft) | % of Full Cord | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Cord | 4 ft × 8 ft × 4 ft | 128 | 100% | Standard unit |
| Half Cord | 4 ft × 4 ft × 4 ft | 64 | 50% | Most popular for homeowners |
| Quarter Cord | 4 ft × 2 ft × 4 ft | 32 | 25% | Good for occasional fires |
| Face Cord / Rick | 8 ft × 4 ft × 16 in | ~42 | ~33% | NOT a standard cord |
| Thrown Cord | Loosely piled | ~180 | ~140% | Unstacked — loose pile |
| Cord Foot | 4 ft × 1 ft × 4 ft | 16 | 12.5% | Used in some regions |
Important: A "face cord" or "rick" is NOT the same as a full cord. Its volume depends on the length of the individual logs. Always clarify what you're buying before paying.
Firewood prices vary widely by region, wood species, and whether it's green (freshly cut) or seasoned (dried). The table below shows typical price ranges across the United States.
| Wood Type | Full Cord | Half Cord | BTU/Cord | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak (seasoned) | $300–$500 | $150–$250 | 24.6M | Primary heating, long burns |
| Hickory | $350–$500 | $175–$250 | 25.5M | Highest heat output |
| Mixed Hardwood | $200–$350 | $100–$175 | ~20M | Good value, general use |
| Birch | $200–$300 | $100–$150 | 20.2M | Easy to split, starts fast |
| Pine / Softwood | $150–$250 | $75–$125 | 14.3M | Kindling, campfires |
A cord is a unit of volume. The official U.S. definition of a cord is 128 cubic feet of stacked wood, measured as a pile that is 4 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 8 feet long.
You want to buy a half cord of oak at a full-cord price of $350:
A cord is the official U.S. measurement of firewood volume, equal to 128 cubic feet when neatly stacked. The standard dimensions are 4 feet wide × 4 feet high × 8 feet long. The word "cord" comes from the old practice of measuring wood with a cord (string) tied around the pile.
A half cord is exactly 64 cubic feet of stacked firewood. The most common dimensions are 4 ft × 4 ft × 4 ft, but it can also be stacked as 4 ft × 2 ft × 8 ft — the volume is the same. A half cord is the most popular purchase size for homeowners who heat with wood occasionally.
A quarter cord contains 32 cubic feet of stacked wood. Typical dimensions are 4 ft × 2 ft × 4 ft. It weighs approximately 800–1,500 lbs depending on wood species and moisture content. A quarter cord is ideal for casual fireplace users who burn wood only a few times per season.
No — a face cord (also called a rick) is NOT a full cord. A face cord is one log-length deep (usually 16 inches), 4 feet high, and 8 feet long, totaling about 42 cubic feet — only about one-third of a full cord. Be careful when buying: always ask the seller to confirm the exact cubic footage or pile dimensions to avoid being short-changed.
In 2025, the average cost of a full cord of seasoned hardwood in the US ranges from $200 to $500, depending on your region and wood species. Northeast states tend to be higher ($350–$500), while Southern and Midwest states are often lower ($200–$350). Softwoods like pine cost considerably less but produce less heat per cord.
The weight of a cord varies significantly by species and moisture content. A cord of seasoned oak weighs approximately 4,000–4,500 lbs. A cord of seasoned pine weighs about 2,200–2,800 lbs. Green (freshly cut) wood weighs 30–50% more than seasoned wood because of water content.
Burning frequency determines how long a cord lasts. A typical household burning 3–4 hours per evening during a 6-month heating season will use about 2–4 cords per winter. A single cord typically lasts 6–10 weeks for daily use in a wood stove, or an entire season for occasional fireplace use (1–2 fires per week).