Face Cord Firewood Calculator
Convert stacked wood dimensions into face cords, full-cord equivalents, bundle counts, and weight estimates for campsite, RV, and cabin burn planning.
🪵Project Presets
📏Calculator Inputs
⚖Wood Density Grid (Per Cord)
📊Coverage by Stack Depth
| Depth | Area per Full Cord | Area per Face Cord | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 in | 192 sq ft | 64 sq ft | 17.84 m² / 5.95 m² |
| 12 in | 128 sq ft | 42.7 sq ft | 11.89 m² / 3.97 m² |
| 16 in | 96 sq ft | 32 sq ft | 8.92 m² / 2.97 m² |
| 24 in | 64 sq ft | 21.3 sq ft | 5.95 m² / 1.98 m² |
| 30 in | 51.2 sq ft | 17.1 sq ft | 4.76 m² / 1.59 m² |
📦Bag and Bulk Conversion Table
| Pack Type | Volume per Bag | Bags per Cord | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Bundle | 0.75 cu ft | 171 | Weekend fire pit |
| Camp Bundle | 1.00 cu ft | 128 | Short trips |
| Utility Bag | 1.50 cu ft | 86 | Cabin backup |
| Large Bag | 2.00 cu ft | 64 | RV base camp |
| Contractor Sack | 3.00 cu ft | 43 | Long stay supply |
🏕Common Camp Project Sizes (at 16 in depth)
| Project Setup | Area | Cords Needed | 2 cu ft Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Ring Weekend Cache | 32 sq ft | 0.17 cord | 11 |
| RV Patio Heater Stack | 48 sq ft | 0.25 cord | 16 |
| Family Site Week Reserve | 64 sq ft | 0.33 cord | 22 |
| Off-Grid Cabin Week | 96 sq ft | 0.50 cord | 32 |
| Cold Season Shoulder Stock | 128 sq ft | 0.67 cord | 43 |
📋Comparison Spec Grid
💡Planning Tips
A face cord is an unofficial measure for stacked firewood, occasionally called a rick. It is made up of one row of wood stacked 4 feet high and 8 feet wide The depth ranges according to the length of the logs, and here starts a bit of trouble. Usually people accept around 16 inches for the logs, hence a face cord is commonly described as 4 feet high, 8 feet long and 16 inches deep.
A full cord of wood matches to 128 cubic feet. It shows a well sorted pile 4 feet high, 8 feet long and 4 feet deep. In a full cord are three face cords.
What Is a Face Cord of Firewood?
Like this a face cord of firewood cut to 16 inches is around a third of a full cord. If the logs are 24 inches long, then a face cord usually matches half of a full cord instead.
The name face cord comes from the fact that from a distance at eye level you do not see the other rows behind the front. Like this it seems like a full cord seen in face value. The front pile is the face of the cord, from where comes the name.
A face cord is not a legal measure, because it does not have a fixed volume. The only official measure for firewood is the cord. Depth of a face cord ranges from 12 to 32 inches according to the seller.
Although some companies sell firewood in face cords, be careful when buying according to this rating. Buy in full cords or fractions makes it easy to check if you were scammed.
Face cords are commonly used by homeowners who need firewood for usual fire, camping or occasional heating. They give a practical amount of wood, easy to store and move, without the huge volume of a full cord. Especially for camping trips a full cord is too much.
For many families a face cord is a good solution.
Prices change according to the region. A face cord costs between around 75 and 265 dollars. Some sellers add extra payments for stacking and delivery.
Oak burns slowly, gives good heat and little smoke. Buying in the countryside usually means a lower price. A good tip is to not buy only what you need, but always keep a reserve of firewood.
As energy costs grow, a face cord is enough to keep a fire burning bright through the wholewinter.
