How Much Firewood Is in a Cord? Full Guide to Size, Count, and Smart Storage

July 2, 2025
0 comment
David Murray

Wondering how much firewood is in a cord? This detailed guide covers exact dimensions, log count, and how to store your wood for maximum efficiency and lifespan.

If you’re buying firewood for the season, one of the first questions that comes up is: how much is a cord of firewood, really? Whether you’re heating your home or stocking up for occasional fires, understanding this unit of measurement helps you avoid short loads, price confusion, and wasted wood.

This guide breaks it all down from the official size of a cord and how many logs it includes, to different regional terms, costs, and the best way to store your firewood for year-round use. If you want to get the most heat for your money, this complete guide will help you make smart, informed choices.

What Is a Cord of Firewood?

A cord is a standardized volume measurement for stacked firewood. In most parts of the United States and Canada, a cord equals 128 cubic feet of wood when stacked tightly and uniformly. This typically translates to a stack that is 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long.

When logs are split and stacked with the ends aligned and the pieces parallel, the stack is often referred to as a “running cord.” The goal is to minimize air gaps and fit as much usable wood as possible into the volume. A standard cord may contain between 600 to 800 individual pieces of firewood, depending on the size, shape, and thickness of each log.

Because wood naturally varies in texture and dimensions, the total number of pieces in a cord is not fixed. However, 16-inch log lengths are common because they fit most indoor fireplaces and wood stoves, allowing for easy handling and efficient burning.

Regional Variations in Cord Size

Though the 128-cubic-foot definition is standard, some regions and vendors use alternative terms and sizes. These differences are worth understanding before making a purchase, especially if you’re trying to compare prices or plan how much wood you need for the season.

Here are some of the most common variations:

Face Cord or Rick Cord:
This stack is typically 4 feet high by 8 feet long, but only 16 inches deep, making it about one-third the volume of a full cord. It’s a popular choice for casual users or short-term heating needs.
Sheldon Cord:
This is an informal term and can vary by seller. It often refers to a stack that is larger than a standard cord, but without uniform sizing. If someone offers a Sheldon cord, ask for exact dimensions before buying.
Bush Cord / Stove Cord:
These terms are sometimes used synonymously with a full cord, especially in Canadian regions. However, it’s still wise to clarify dimensions before buying.
Half Cord / One-Third Cord:
A half cord measures 64 cubic feet, while a one-third cord is around 42.7 cubic feet. These are common for those who burn wood occasionally or want to supplement another heat source.
Truckload:
A “truckload of wood” is vague and varies based on the truck size and how the wood is stacked or thrown. Always ask for dimensions or volume in cubic feet to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

Even within states, cord definitions and how they’re enforced can differ. That’s why it’s always a good idea to consult local guidelines or request visual confirmation before finalizing a transaction.

Firewood Storage Basics

Once you’ve purchased your firewood, proper storage becomes critical. Poorly stored wood can absorb moisture, attract pests, or even rot, making it less efficient to burn and potentially hazardous for indoor air quality.

Indoor Storage

It might seem convenient to store firewood indoors for quick access, but indoor storage should be kept to a minimum. Bringing in large amounts of wood at once can introduce insects, mold spores, pollen, and dust into your home. It can also add unwanted humidity, especially if the wood isn’t fully seasoned.

As a general rule, only store a day or two’s worth of firewood inside at a time. Use a dedicated rack or holder to keep the area tidy and limit contact with floors or walls. Ensure good airflow around the pile and never store firewood in damp spaces like basements.

Outdoor Storage

The majority of your firewood should be stored outdoors, but it needs to be protected from the elements to remain usable throughout the season.

Here are the principles of smart outdoor storage:

Location Matters:
Pick a dry, open area with good airflow. Avoid stacking wood directly between trees or against a building. If trees sway in the wind, they can knock over poorly supported stacks. Buildings can block air circulation and encourage moisture buildup.
Elevation Is Essential:
Never place firewood directly on the ground. Instead, use pallets, bricks, or long logs as a base. This keeps the stack elevated and reduces the chance of water soaking into the bottom layer.
Stacking Method:
Neatly stack the wood in rows, not piles. Rows dry more evenly and are easier to manage. Use stakes or a firewood rack at the ends of each row for added support. If you’re stacking multiple rows, leave space between them for air circulation.
Dry Wood on Top:
Place your driest and oldest wood on top or in the most accessible location. Always burn the oldest wood first to prevent decay and minimize waste.
Proper Covering:
Protect the top of your stack from rain and snow using a tarp or metal sheet. However, leave the sides of the stack uncovered to allow air to flow through and help the wood dry. Fully wrapping the pile can trap moisture inside and slow the seasoning process.
Wood Should Be Split Before Stacking:
Split wood seasons more quickly and burns more efficiently than full rounds. Smaller pieces also make stacking easier and more stable.

These storage methods ensure that your wood remains dry and ready to burn, improving heat output while reducing smoke and creosote buildup in your chimney or flue.

Firewood Usage and Cost Considerations

How Long Does a Cord Last?

A cord of firewood can last anywhere from six to twelve weeks, depending on your home size, insulation, and how often you burn. A smaller, well-insulated home may get by with one or two cords for an entire season, while larger homes or colder climates may require five or more.

Keep in mind that not all wood burns equally. Dense hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory burn longer and hotter, making them ideal for heating. Softwoods like pine ignite quickly but burn faster, so they’re often used for kindling or shoulder-season fires.

How Much Does a Cord of Firewood Cost?

The cost of a full cord varies widely by location, availability, and the type of wood. On average, expect to pay around $300 per cord. In areas where wood is plentiful, prices may be closer to $150. In urban or heavily forested regions where demand is high, prices can rise to $400–$500 or more.

Other factors that affect cost include:

Delivery fees
Stacking services
Wood type (hardwood vs. softwood)
Seasoned vs. green (unseasoned) wood

Before buying, ask what’s included in the price. Some sellers offer stacking for an additional fee, while others may drop the wood in a pile for you to handle yourself.

Related Topics:

Conclusion

Understanding how much firewood is in a cord and how to store it correctly can make a meaningful difference in how efficiently you heat your home. Knowing what a true cord looks like helps you avoid paying for less than you receive, and adopting proper storage methods will ensure your supply stays dry, clean, and ready to burn.

Whether you’re preparing for winter or just enjoy the occasional fire, this knowledge sets you up for success. Be sure to verify volume when buying, store your wood off the ground and under a top-only cover, and rotate your stack to use the oldest wood first. These small steps ensure safety, comfort, and value all season long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a full cord of wood fit in a pickup truck?
No, a standard pickup bed usually cannot hold a full cord. Even if it could fit dimensionally, the weight often over 2,000 pounds is too much for most trucks to carry safely in a single load.
Is it safe to store firewood inside all winter?
While it’s safe in small quantities, long-term indoor storage isn’t ideal. Keep a small amount near your stove or fireplace and replenish from an outdoor pile as needed.
Should I burn green wood?
Burning green or unseasoned wood is not recommended. It contains too much moisture, which leads to heavy smoke, creosote buildup, and lower heat output.
How do I know if my firewood is dry?
Dry wood feels lighter, has visible cracks on the ends, and makes a hollow sound when struck. You can also use a moisture meter seasoned firewood should be under 20% moisture content.

David Murray

Forestry Author

I'm David Murry, a forestry equipment specialist with a focus on chainsaw operation. With over 13 years of experience, I've honed my skills in operating and maintaining a wide range of machinery, from chainsaws to log splitters. My passion for the outdoors and commitment to sustainable forestry drive my work, which emphasizes safety, efficiency, and staying updated with industry advancements. Additionally, I'm dedicated to sharing my expertise and promoting environmental awareness within the forestry community.