What's a Cord?
Understanding firewood measurements helps you compare prices accurately and know exactly what you're getting.
The Full Cord
⚠️ The Problem with Full Cords
A full cord is a massive amount of wood—difficult to handle, store, and transport for most homeowners. That's why smaller, more practical measurements have become common in retail sales.
Full Cord vs. Face Cord
One is legally defined, one is not
Full Cord
The only universally recognized measurement for bulk firewood in the US and Canada.
- 4' × 4' × 8' stacked = 128 cubic feet
- Legally enforceable in all states
- Consistent and comparable
- Best for large-volume purchases
Face Cord
A common but unofficial measurement with no fixed depth—it depends on how long the logs are cut.
- Always 4' high × 8' long (the "face")
- Depth varies: typically 16"–20"
- At 16" depth = ~1/3 of a full cord
- Illegal to advertise in many states
Why "Face Cord" Is Everywhere
IBC totes and bulk bags have made the term popular because their volume (~50 cu ft loose) is close to what people expect from a face cord. It's marketing language that fits customer expectations—but always ask for the actual cubic feet or cord fraction to compare prices accurately.
Container Volume Calculations
How much wood actually fits in common containers
275-Gallon IBC Crate
Face Cord Bulk Bag
The Math: Stacked vs. Loose
Unstacked (loose-thrown) wood takes up more space than neatly stacked wood. Industry standard: 1 full cord stacked (128 cu ft) ≈ 180 cu ft loose. We use the 180 cu ft conversion for all loose-fill calculations.
The Bottom Line
Both containers hold virtually identical amounts—about 0.28 cords of loose firewood. When comparing prices, always convert to price-per-cord to make an apples-to-apples comparison.
Transparent Measurements, Fair Prices
We list exact cord fractions on every product so you always know what you're getting. No vague "truckloads" or undefined terms.
Shop Firewood📍 Serving a 60-mile radius from Greenup, KY — Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia
What's a Cord?
Understanding firewood measurements helps you compare prices accurately and know exactly what you're getting.
The Full Cord
⚠️ The Problem with Full Cords
A full cord is a massive amount of wood—difficult to handle, store, and transport for most homeowners. That's why smaller, more practical measurements have become common in retail sales.
Full Cord vs. Face Cord
One is legally defined, one is not
Full Cord
The only universally recognized measurement for bulk firewood in the US and Canada.
- 4' × 4' × 8' stacked = 128 cubic feet
- Legally enforceable in all states
- Consistent and comparable
- Best for large-volume purchases
Face Cord
A common but unofficial measurement with no fixed depth—it depends on how long the logs are cut.
- Always 4' high × 8' long (the "face")
- Depth varies: typically 16"–20"
- At 16" depth = ~1/3 of a full cord
- Illegal to advertise in many states
Why "Face Cord" Is Everywhere
IBC totes and bulk bags have made the term popular because their volume (~50 cu ft loose) is close to what people expect from a face cord. It's marketing language that fits customer expectations—but always ask for the actual cubic feet or cord fraction to compare prices accurately.
Container Volume Calculations
How much wood actually fits in common containers
275-Gallon IBC Crate
Face Cord Bulk Bag
The Math: Stacked vs. Loose
Unstacked (loose-thrown) wood takes up more space than neatly stacked wood. Industry standard: 1 full cord stacked (128 cu ft) ≈ 180 cu ft loose. We use the 180 cu ft conversion for all loose-fill calculations.
The Bottom Line
Both containers hold virtually identical amounts—about 0.28 cords of loose firewood. When comparing prices, always convert to price-per-cord to make an apples-to-apples comparison.
Transparent Measurements, Fair Prices
We list exact cord fractions on every product so you always know what you're getting. No vague "truckloads" or undefined terms.
Shop Firewood📍 Serving a 60-mile radius from Greenup, KY — Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia