Face Cord vs. Full Cord: Firewood Measurements Explained
Updated July 2026
Firewood is one of the few things people still buy in units nobody agrees on. A "cord" is a real, legally defined measurement — but "face cord," "rick," and "truckload" are not, and that gap is exactly where buyers overpay. Here's what each term actually means.
What is a full cord?
A full cord is a stack of wood measuring 4 feet high × 4 feet deep × 8 feet long = 128 cubic feet. In most U.S. states this is the only firewood unit with a legal definition, which means when you buy "a cord," you have a standard to hold the seller to.
What is a face cord (or rick)?
A face cord — also called a rick — is 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but only one log deep. So its volume depends entirely on how long the logs are cut. With common 16-inch logs, a face cord is about 43 cubic feet, roughly a third of a full cord. Cut to 24 inches, that same "face cord" holds far more wood. Same name, very different amount.
Firewood measurements at a glance
| Term | Stacked size | Volume | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full cord | 4 ft × 4 ft × 8 ft | 128 cu ft | The only legally standard unit in most U.S. states. |
| Face cord / rick | 4 ft × 8 ft × log length | ~⅓ of a cord (varies) | Depth equals the log length — often 16 in, so ~43 cu ft. |
| Half cord | 4 ft × 4 ft × 4 ft | 64 cu ft | Exactly half a full cord. |
| Quarter cord | 4 ft × 2 ft × 4 ft | 32 cu ft | A quarter of a full cord. |
How to avoid overpaying
Two rules keep you safe: buy by the cord (full, half, or quarter) whenever you can, and if a seller quotes a face cord or rick, ask for the log length and the stacked height and width in writing. A $150 "rick" of 16-inch logs and a $150 "rick" of 20-inch logs are not the same purchase — the second gives you 25% more wood for the same money.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a face cord of firewood?
A face cord is a stack 4 feet high by 8 feet long, with a depth equal to the length of the logs. With common 16-inch logs that's about 43 cubic feet — roughly one-third of a full cord. Because the log length varies, so does the amount of wood, which is why the term is imprecise.
Is a rick the same as a face cord?
Usually, yes — 'rick' and 'face cord' are used interchangeably to mean a 4 ft × 8 ft stack of whatever length the logs are cut to. Neither is a standardized volume, so always confirm the log length before you buy.
How many face cords are in a full cord?
With 16-inch logs, three face cords make up one full cord (3 × 16 in = 48 in = the 4-foot depth of a full cord). With longer 24-inch logs, only two face cords equal a full cord.
Why shouldn't I buy firewood by the 'rick' or 'truckload'?
Because those terms have no fixed volume, two sellers can quote a 'rick' or 'truckload' that differ by 50% or more in actual wood. Buy by the full, half, or quarter cord — standardized units — or pin down the exact stacked dimensions in writing.