The Firewood Cord Volume Calculator
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Measure your stacked wood to calculate cubic feet and find the exact percentage of a True Cord (128 cubic feet) you received.
Your Firewood Volume
Many sellers advertise a "Face Cord," which is typically only 1/3 (about 33%) of a True Cord. Make sure you are paying the right price!
Face Cord vs. Bush Cord vs. True Cord: What's the Difference?
If you buy firewood in Southwestern Ontario, you have likely seen Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace ads selling "face cords," "bush cords," or "truckloads." What you might not know is that according to Measurement Canada, purchasing wood using terms like "face" or "stove" cords is highly discouraged. Sellers often use these unregulated terms, which are subject to local variation, to confuse buyers and provide less wood than you are actually paying for.
In Canada, the correct legal measurement for bulk firewood is the True Cord (or fractions of a cord, like a half or quarter). A True Cord is defined as 128 stacked cubic feet of wood (typically measuring 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long).
By contrast, a "face cord" is usually just a single row of 12-inch or 16-inch logs, meaning it generally contains about 32 to 42 cubic feet. That is roughly only 1/3 the size of a True Cord.
How to Measure Your Firewood Delivery
Never let a delivery driver dump the wood in your driveway and leave before you measure it. To protect your wallet, follow these steps recommended by Measurement Canada:
Stack it immediately
Stack the wood neatly in a row, ensuring the pieces are aligned, parallel, and compact with as few air gaps as possible.
Measure the dimensions
Use a tape measure to find the exact Length, Width, and Height of the pile in feet.
Do the math
Multiply Length x Width x Height to get your total cubic feet. If the number is 128, you received a full cord. If you don't want to do the math, just punch your measurements into our free calculator above!
Why the Right Wood Matters for Your Chimney
Getting ripped off on the volume of your wood is bad, but getting sold "green" or unseasoned wood is downright dangerous. After you measure the pile, use our Firewood Drying Time Estimator to calculate when it should be ready to burn.
If your firewood seller drops off wood that is heavily saturated with water, it will not burn hot enough. Low-temperature, smoldering fires are the number one cause of rapid creosote buildup. Every time you burn wet wood, highly flammable tar droplets condense on the inside of your flue.
If that buildup exceeds 3mm (1/8 of an inch), your system is officially classified as an active fire hazard. Before you start burning your newly delivered cord, make sure your system is code-compliant and safe by booking a local chimney sweep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I contact if a firewood seller shortchanged me?
If you measure your wood using our calculator and realize you received less than you paid for, first contact the seller to try and resolve the issue. If they refuse to make it right, you can officially file a complaint directly with Measurement Canada, the federal agency responsible for regulating the sale of measured goods. Be sure to get a receipt that shows the seller's name, the price paid, and the exact quantity of firewood promised.
Will a "face cord" fit in the back of my pickup truck?
Yes. A standard face cord will generally fit into the bed of a standard pickup truck. However, a full True Cord (128 cubic feet) is massive and typically weighs around two tons; it requires a heavy-duty trailer or dump truck for delivery. If a seller tells you a full cord is sitting in the back of their standard pickup, they are likely mistaken.
How far away from my wood stove should I store my indoor firewood?
You should never store your bulk firewood right next to your stove. Under the CSA B365 standard, combustible materials (including logs) must maintain strict minimum clearances from the heating appliance to prevent accidental ignition. Use our Wood Stove Clearance Calculator to find the exact safe distance for your specific stove.