How Much Is a Cord of Firewood? Sizes, Prices & a Simple Calculator
Updated 2026-07-02 · The Woodpile
If you have ever wondered how much a cord of firewood is — both in size and in price — this guide clears it up in plain terms.
What is a cord of firewood?
A full cord is a stack of wood measuring 128 cubic feet: 4 feet high, 4 feet wide and 8 feet long. That is the legal, standard measure used across the United States. When wood is neatly stacked (not tossed in a loose pile), 128 cubic feet is what you should receive.
Cord, half cord, quarter cord and rick
| Term | Approx. volume | Typical dimensions (stacked) | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full cord | 128 cu ft | 4 × 4 × 8 ft | Whole-season home heating |
| Half cord | 64 cu ft | 4 × 4 × 4 ft | Regular fires, smaller homes |
| Quarter cord | 32 cu ft | 4 × 2 × 4 ft | Occasional fires |
| Face cord / rick | Varies (≈ 1/3 cord) | 4 × 8 ft × log length | Depends on log length — always ask |
A rick or face cord is only one row deep, so its volume depends entirely on how long the logs are cut. A 16-inch face cord is roughly one-third of a full cord; always confirm the log length before you buy so you know what you are getting.
How much does a cord weigh?
Weight depends on species and dryness. A cord of dense, dry hardwood like oak weighs far more than a cord of light softwood — moisture alone can add hundreds of pounds. Properly dried wood (under 20% moisture) is lighter and burns hotter because you are not paying to boil off water.
What should a cord of firewood cost?
Firewood pricing swings with species, region, delivery distance and time of year — prices climb in late autumn as demand peaks. Kiln-dried, boxed and shipped firewood costs more per cubic foot than bulk seasoned cordwood because it is heat-treated, certified and shippable nationwide, while seasoned cordwood is the value option for local buyers with storage space. Rather than quote a national figure that would be misleading, we price each product clearly on its page.
How much firewood do you actually need?
As a rough starting point: occasional weekend fires might use a quarter to half cord a season, while wood as a primary heat source can run several cords. Buy dry, store it off the ground and covered, and you will burn less to get the same heat.
Shop related firewood
Seasoned Oak Firewood — Half Cord
Air-dried oak, split and stacked, under 20% moisture. Local truck delivery only.
Seasoned Mixed Hardwood — Full Cord
A full 128 cu ft cord of seasoned hardwood for whole-season home heating. Local delivery.
Seasoned Firewood — Quarter Cord
A starter quantity of seasoned hardwood — perfect for occasional fires. Local delivery.