How Large Is a Cord of Wood and Why It Matters
How Large Is a Cord of Wood?
A cord of wood is a unit of measure used to quantify firewood and pulpwood in the United States and Canada.
It is defined as the amount of wood that occupies a volume of 128 cubic feet (or 3.62 cubic meters) when stacked and well stowed.
This measurement is legally defined by both Measurement Canada in Canada and by statute in most states within the United States.
Other terms, such as face cord or running cord, may refer to different lengths or arrangements of wood.
Additionally, the heating value of a seasoned cord of Northern red oak is approximately equivalent to 159 US gallons (or 132 imperial gallons, or 602 liters) of fuel oil.
Key Points:
- A cord of wood is a unit of measure used for firewood and pulpwood in the US and Canada.
- It is defined as occupying a volume of 128 cubic feet (3.62 cubic meters) when stacked and well stowed.
- The measurement is legally defined by Measurement Canada and in most US states.
- Different terms like face cord or running cord may refer to various lengths or arrangements of wood.
- A seasoned cord of Northern red oak is approximately equivalent to 159 US gallons (132 imperial gallons, or 602 liters) of fuel oil.
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that the phrase “a cord of wood” doesn’t actually refer to the size or length of the wood? Instead, it originates from the measurement term “cord,” which originally meant a stack of wood that measured 8 feet long, 4 feet high, and 4 feet deep.
2. In the United States, a cord of wood is legally defined as 128 cubic feet, regardless of the specific dimensions of the stack. This means that a cord of wood can consist of different arrangements and sizes as long as the total volume remains the same.
3. While a cord of wood is a standard measurement in the US, other countries may have different terms and measurements. For instance, in Canada, the most common measurement is a “face cord,” which refers to a stack of wood that measures 8 feet long, 4 feet high, but with varying depths.
4. A cord of wood can weigh significantly depending on the type of wood being stacked. On average, a cord of well-seasoned hardwood weighs around 2,500 to 3,500 pounds, while the weight of a cord of softwood, like pine, can range between 1,500 to 2,500 pounds.
5. To give you an idea of the usage, a cord of wood can provide around 15 to 25 million BTUs (British Thermal Units) of heat, depending on its moisture content and the type of wood. This is roughly equivalent to burning 100 to 200 gallons of heating oil or 5,500 to 6,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity.
Definition Of A Cord Of Wood
A cord of wood is a unit of measure used to quantify firewood and pulpwood in the United States and Canada. It is defined as the volume of wood that, when “racked and well stowed,” occupies a space of 128 cubic feet or approximately 3.62 cubic meters. The term “cord” is believed to have originated from the practice of using a cord or string as a measuring tool for firewood. This historical reference highlights the practical and straightforward nature of measuring firewood.
–A cord of wood is a unit of measure used in the United States and Canada to quantify firewood and pulpwood.
-The cord is defined as the volume of wood that, when “racked and well stowed,” occupies a space of 128 cubic feet or approximately 3.62 cubic meters.
-The term “cord” is believed to have originated from the use of a cord or string as a measuring tool for firewood.
-This historical reference emphasizes the simple and practical approach to measuring firewood.
Legal Definitions Of A Cord In Canada And The United States
Both Canada and the United States have established legal definitions for a cord of wood. In Canada, Measurement Canada, a federal agency responsible for measurement accuracy, has defined the cord along with other volume measurements such as the stacked cubic meter or stere and the cubic foot. This ensures consistency and accuracy in the measurement and sale of firewood.
In the United States, the cord is defined by statute in most states. To maintain uniformity, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides overarching regulations for the sale of firewood. These regulations are implemented to protect consumers from discrepancies and ensure fairness in transactions involving firewood.
- In Canada, Measurement Canada defines the cord and other volume measurements.
- The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) regulates the cord measurement in the United States.
- Both countries aim to ensure accuracy and fairness in the sale of firewood.
“Measurement Canada and the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) play important roles in establishing legal definitions for a cord of wood.”
Measurement Conversion: Cords To Steres And Cubic Meters
While the cord is the commonly used unit of measurement for firewood in the United States and Canada, the metric system typically employs the stere and cubic meter.
- The stere is approximately equal to 0.276 cords.
- This conversion is important for international trade and enables seamless communication between suppliers and buyers who may use different measurement systems.
By converting between cords and steres, firewood can be accurately traded across borders and used in various applications, including:
- Heating homes
- Cooking
- Industrial purposes
“By converting between cords and steres, firewood can be accurately traded across borders and used in various applications, including heating homes, cooking, and industrial purposes.”
Non-Official Terms For Firewood Volume
In addition to the official measurement terms, there are various non-official terms used to describe firewood volume. These terms often reflect different arrangements or lengths of wood. Some of the common non-official terms include:
- standing cord
- kitchen cord
- running cord
- face cord
- fencing cord
- country cord
- long cord
- rick
Although these terms are not legally defined, they provide descriptive language that can aid in better understanding the quantity and quality of firewood being bought and sold.
Heating Value Of A Cord Of Northern Red Oak
The heating value of firewood is an important consideration for those who rely on it for warmth during the colder months. It is measured in British thermal units (BTUs) or gigajoules (GJ) per cord. For example, a seasoned (dry) cord of Northern red oak has a heating value of approximately 22.1 million BTUs per cord or 23.3 GJ per cord.
To put this into perspective, the heating value of a cord of Northern red oak is equivalent to about 159 US gallons (132 imperial gallons or 602 liters) of fuel oil. Fuel oil, commonly used for heating, has a heating value of roughly 138,700 BTUs per US gallon or 38.7 megajoules per liter.
Understanding the heating value of different types of firewood can assist homeowners and businesses in making informed decisions about their fuel sources for heating purposes.
- The heating value of firewood is measured in BTUs or GJ per cord.
- A seasoned cord of Northern red oak has a heating value of 22.1 million BTUs per cord or 23.3 GJ per cord.
- The heating value of a cord of Northern red oak is equivalent to about 159 US gallons (132 imperial gallons or 602 liters) of fuel oil.
- Fuel oil has a heating value of roughly 138,700 BTUs per US gallon or 38.7 megajoules per liter.
a cord of wood serves as a standardized unit of measure for firewood and pulpwood in the United States and Canada. Its volume, defined as 128 cubic feet or 3.62 cubic meters, enables accurate trade and fair transactions. Legal definitions vary slightly between Canada and the United States. Conversions to steres and cubic meters assist in international trade. Furthermore, the heating value of a cord of wood, such as Northern red oak, plays a significant role in choosing the right fuel source for heating needs.
Check this out:
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a cord of wood?
A cord of wood is traditionally measured as a stack that spans 8 feet in length, 4 feet in height, and 4 feet in width, making it a volume of 128 cubic feet. This standardized measurement ensures that customers are aware of the amount of wood they are purchasing and enables suppliers to provide consistent quantities for their customers’ needs.
Is a cord of wood 4x4x4?
While the common dimensions for a cord of wood are typically 4’x4’x8′, it is important to note that there are various dimensions that can equal 128 cubic feet. A cord of wood refers to the volume of wood, so as long as the dimensions result in a total of 128 cubic feet, it can be considered a cord. It is not limited to a specific shape, thus allowing for versatility in size and shape variations. So, while a cord of wood can be 4’x4’x8′, it can also be comprised of other dimensions as long as they add up to the same volume.
What is a standard cord size?
A standard cord size refers to the measurement used for selling firewood, which must equal 128 cubic feet. To ensure that you have a proper cord, it is essential to stack the wood neatly in a compact manner with minimal gaps. By arranging the wood in a line or row where the individual pieces touch and are parallel to each other, you can determine whether you have a standard cord size.
How long will 1 cord of wood last?
Experts estimate that the longevity of 1 cord of wood largely depends on the frequency of fires. Assuming one or two fires per week, a full cord of firewood is expected to last approximately eight to twelve weeks. However, it is important to consider that a face cord of wood, being smaller in size than a full cord, will likely burn at a faster rate. As a result, the duration that a face cord of wood will last may vary, and it is advisable to account for this difference when estimating its longevity.