Firewood Volume Calculations (in Cords)
The volume of unstacked (loose-thrown) firewood is calculated using the conversion rate of 1 Full Cord is approximately 180 cubic feet (cu ft).
1. 275-Gallon IBC Crate (Cage only, Unstacked)
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Length (L) | 48 in |
| Width (W) | 40 in |
| Height (H) | 46 in |
Work:
- Volume in Cubic Feet: 48 in × 40 in × 46 in / 1,728 ≈ 51.11 cu ft
- Volume in Cords: 51.11 cu ft / 180 cu ft/cord ≈ 0.284 cords
Final Value for IBC Crate:
0.284 cords
2. Northern Woodsmen Face Cord Mosquito Mesh Bulk Bag
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Length (L) | 42 in |
| Width (W) | 36 in |
| Height (H) | 58 in |
Work:
- Volume in Cubic Feet: 42 in × 36 in × 58 in / 1,728 ≈ 50.92 cu ft
- Volume in Cords: 50.92 cu ft / 180 cu ft/cord ≈ 0.283 cords
Final Value for Bulk Bag:
0.283 cords
Summary of Volumes
Both containers hold a very similar amount of unstacked firewood:
| Container | Volume (Cords - Unstacked) |
|---|---|
| 275-Gallon IBC Crate | 0.284 cords |
| Northern Woodsmen Face Cord Bag | 0.283 cords |
The Problem with the "Face Cord" Measurement 🤷♂️
That is an excellent question, and you hit on one of the most frustrating ambiguities in the firewood industry!
The short answer is: Yes, the face cord is a confusing and non-standard measurement, but it is becoming more common due to the popularity of IBC totes and similar bulk bags.
1. The Legal Standard: The Full Cord
The only universally and legally defined standard for measuring bulk firewood in the US and Canada is the Full Cord.
- Dimensions: A neatly stacked pile measuring 4 feet high × 4 feet deep × 8 feet long.
- Total Volume: 128 cubic feet.
- The Problem: The Full Cord is a huge amount of wood (up to 5,000 lbs) that is difficult to handle, store, and transport for most residential customers.
2. The Unofficial, Variable Term: The Face Cord
The Face Cord is a non-standard, unofficial measurement that is widely used, particularly for retail sales to homeowners.
- The "Face": A face cord always measures 4 feet high × 8 feet long (the same height and length as a full cord).
- The "Weird" Part (The Depth): The depth of the face cord is not standardized. It is simply the length the logs were cut to, which is typically 16 inches (the size that fits most stoves/fireplaces).
- If the logs are 16 inches long, the stacked volume is approximately 42.67 cubic feet. This is exactly 1/3 of a full cord.
- If the logs are 18 or 20 inches, the volume increases, but it's still called a "face cord," leading to inconsistency and potential consumer confusion.
3. The IBC Tote Connection 📦
The recent popularity of the IBC Tote and other bulk mesh bags has fueled the use of the "face cord" term for logistical reasons:
- Totes/Bags are Efficient: Vendors find IBC cages and bulk bags the easiest way to store, season, and deliver wood with a forklift, eliminating the need to physically stack it twice.
- The Size Just Fits: The total volume of your Northern Woodsmen Face Cord Bag is 50.92 cu ft. This volume is very close to the standard stacked volume of a 16-inch face cord (42.67 cu ft), once you factor in the extra space from throwing the wood in loose (unstacked).
- Marketing Language: It's easier for the seller to market the bag as a "Face Cord Bag" because that is the volume people generally expect when buying a smaller, pre-packaged amount of wood.
In summary, the face cord is a highly common but legally variable measurement that the tote/bag industry has adopted because the volume perfectly suits the needs of a typical residential wood burner.
Firewood Volume Calculations (in Cords)
The volume of unstacked (loose-thrown) firewood is calculated using the conversion rate of 1 Full Cord is approximately 180 cubic feet (cu ft).
1. 275-Gallon IBC Crate (Cage only, Unstacked)
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Length (L) | 48 in |
| Width (W) | 40 in |
| Height (H) | 46 in |
Work:
- Volume in Cubic Feet: 48 in × 40 in × 46 in / 1,728 ≈ 51.11 cu ft
- Volume in Cords: 51.11 cu ft / 180 cu ft/cord ≈ 0.284 cords
Final Value for IBC Crate:
0.284 cords
2. Northern Woodsmen Face Cord Mosquito Mesh Bulk Bag
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Length (L) | 42 in |
| Width (W) | 36 in |
| Height (H) | 58 in |
Work:
- Volume in Cubic Feet: 42 in × 36 in × 58 in / 1,728 ≈ 50.92 cu ft
- Volume in Cords: 50.92 cu ft / 180 cu ft/cord ≈ 0.283 cords
Final Value for Bulk Bag:
0.283 cords
Summary of Volumes
Both containers hold a very similar amount of unstacked firewood:
| Container | Volume (Cords - Unstacked) |
|---|---|
| 275-Gallon IBC Crate | 0.284 cords |
| Northern Woodsmen Face Cord Bag | 0.283 cords |
The Problem with the "Face Cord" Measurement 🤷♂️
That is an excellent question, and you hit on one of the most frustrating ambiguities in the firewood industry!
The short answer is: Yes, the face cord is a confusing and non-standard measurement, but it is becoming more common due to the popularity of IBC totes and similar bulk bags.
1. The Legal Standard: The Full Cord
The only universally and legally defined standard for measuring bulk firewood in the US and Canada is the Full Cord.
- Dimensions: A neatly stacked pile measuring 4 feet high × 4 feet deep × 8 feet long.
- Total Volume: 128 cubic feet.
- The Problem: The Full Cord is a huge amount of wood (up to 5,000 lbs) that is difficult to handle, store, and transport for most residential customers.
2. The Unofficial, Variable Term: The Face Cord
The Face Cord is a non-standard, unofficial measurement that is widely used, particularly for retail sales to homeowners.
- The "Face": A face cord always measures 4 feet high × 8 feet long (the same height and length as a full cord).
- The "Weird" Part (The Depth): The depth of the face cord is not standardized. It is simply the length the logs were cut to, which is typically 16 inches (the size that fits most stoves/fireplaces).
- If the logs are 16 inches long, the stacked volume is approximately 42.67 cubic feet. This is exactly 1/3 of a full cord.
- If the logs are 18 or 20 inches, the volume increases, but it's still called a "face cord," leading to inconsistency and potential consumer confusion.
3. The IBC Tote Connection 📦
The recent popularity of the IBC Tote and other bulk mesh bags has fueled the use of the "face cord" term for logistical reasons:
- Totes/Bags are Efficient: Vendors find IBC cages and bulk bags the easiest way to store, season, and deliver wood with a forklift, eliminating the need to physically stack it twice.
- The Size Just Fits: The total volume of your Northern Woodsmen Face Cord Bag is 50.92 cu ft. This volume is very close to the standard stacked volume of a 16-inch face cord (42.67 cu ft), once you factor in the extra space from throwing the wood in loose (unstacked).
- Marketing Language: It's easier for the seller to market the bag as a "Face Cord Bag" because that is the volume people generally expect when buying a smaller, pre-packaged amount of wood.
In summary, the face cord is a highly common but legally variable measurement that the tote/bag industry has adopted because the volume perfectly suits the needs of a typical residential wood burner.