A face cord of wood is an informal unit of measurement for stacked firewood that typically measures 4 feet high by 8 feet long, with a variable depth usually around 16 inches. This results in a volume of about 42.66 cubic feet, which is approximately one-third of a full cord of wood (128 cubic feet)
Key dimensions of a face cord:
- Height: 4 feet (1.2 meters)
- Length (width): 8 feet (2.4 meters)
- Depth: commonly 12 to 16 inches (1 to 1.33 feet; 30 to 41 cm), often 16 inches (41 cm)
Volume:
- Approximately 32 to 43 cubic feet depending on depth (most commonly about 42.66 cubic feet)
Comparison to a full cord:
- A full cord measures 4 feet high x 8 feet long x 4 feet deep (128 cubic feet).
- A face cord keeps the same height and length but has a shallower depth, usually 1/3 the volume of a full cord
Other notes:
- The exact depth can vary by supplier, ranging from 12 to 18 inches or more, affecting the total volume
- The wood should be stacked neatly with minimal gaps to ensure accurate measurement
In summary, a face cord is about one-third the size of a full cord, with typical dimensions of 4' x 8' x 16" and a volume around 43 cubic feet.
