A standard cord of wood contains 128 ricks (or face cords).
A full cord measures 4x4x8 feet (128 cubic feet), while a rick is typically 4x8 feet but only 16 inches deep. Since a rick is ⅓ the depth of a cord, dividing 128 cubic feet by 16-inch ricks yields 128 ricks per cord. Variations exist based on log length and stacking method.
Understanding Wood Measurements
- Full Cord: 4 ft (height) × 4 ft (depth) × 8 ft (length) = 128 cubic feet.
- Rick (Face Cord): 4 ft (height) × 16 in (≈1.33 ft depth) × 8 ft (length) = 42.67 cubic feet.
- Math: 128 (cord) ÷ 1.33 (rick depth in ft) ≈ 96 ricks if using exact cubic feet. However, industry standard counts 128 ricks per cord due to 16-inch stacking.
Why the Confusion?
- Log Length: Ricks can vary if logs are cut to 16", 20", or 24" (common lengths).
- Stacking Method: Loose stacking vs. tightly packed rows affects volume.
- Regional Terms: Some areas use "rank" or "stere" instead of "rick."
Comparison: Cord vs. Rick vs. Other Measurements
| Unit | Dimensions (ft) | Cubic Feet | Equivalent in Ricks | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Cord | 4 × 4 × 8 | 128 | 128 | Bulk purchases, firewood sales |
| Rick (Face Cord) | 4 × 1.33 × 8 | 42.67 | 1 | Small batches, pickup truck loads |
| Stere (Metric) | 1 × 1 × 1 (meter) | 35.31 | ~0.83 | International sales |
| Pallet of Wood | Varies (e.g., 4 × 4 × 4) | 64 | ~64 | Pre-packaged firewood |
How to Calculate Ricks in Your Stack
- Measure your stack's height, depth, and length in feet.
- Multiply dimensions to get cubic feet (e.g., 4 × 1.33 × 8 = 42.67).
- Divide 128 (cord) by your stack's cubic feet to find ricks per cord.
- Example: 128 ÷ 42.67 ≈ 3 ricks = 1 cord (if logs are 24" long).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming all ricks are equal: A rick of 16" logs ≠ a rick of 24" logs in volume.
- Ignoring air gaps: Stacked wood has ~20-30% empty space; account for this in calculations.
- Confusing "cord" with "truckload": A pickup truck holds ~½ to 1 cord, not a fixed rick count.