Quarter Cord Firewood (Dimensions Chart)
A quarter cord is 32 cubic feet of neatly stacked firewood. Measure the stack’s length, height, and depth in feet, then multiply those numbers. For example, a stack 6 feet long, 4 feet high, and 16 inches deep holds about one quarter cord. The chart below shows other layouts, plus tips for checking a delivered stack and preparing wood for winter.
A tidy stack can look impressive and still fall short of the amount you expected. The key is to measure the stack, not estimate from the truck bed or the number of rounds. A quarter cord also does not mean 32 cubic feet of solid wood: it includes the air spaces between pieces.
I use the same basic check whether I’m planning a stack or checking a delivery: confirm piece length, make a stable pile, and measure its outside dimensions. That simple routine helps you compare quantities fairly and keep your firewood organized for drying.
Quarter-cord firewood dimensions chart
A quarter cord equals 32 cubic feet of stacked firewood. To check a stack, multiply its length by its height by its depth, with all measurements in feet. The chart gives nominal layouts; each assumes a neat, supported pile and pieces that fit its stated depth.
| Piece length | Stack height | Stack length | Stack depth | Stacked volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 in | 4 ft | 6 ft | 16 in (1.33 ft) | 32 ft³ |
| 16 in | 4 ft | 4 ft | 24 in (2 ft) | 32 ft³ |
| 16 in | 2 ft | 12 ft | 16 in (1.33 ft) | 32 ft³ |
| 12 in | 4 ft | 8 ft | 12 in (1 ft) | 32 ft³ |
| 24 in | 4 ft | 4 ft | 24 in (2 ft) | 32 ft³ |
These are options, not separate definitions of a cord. Each layout reaches the same stacked volume, but the best one depends on the room you have and the length of wood your stove accepts. Check your appliance’s firebox before choosing a cut length.
How to measure a stack
A cord is a standard stacked measure of 128 cubic feet; one quarter of that is 32 cubic feet. The “stacked” part matters because loose wood has larger gaps and cannot be compared directly with a neat stack using the same outside dimensions.
Use this formula:
Stack length (ft) × stack height (ft) × stack depth (ft) = stacked volume (ft³)
To convert inches to feet, divide by 12. For example, 16 inches is 16 ÷ 12, or about 1.33 feet. A 6-by-4-foot stack that is 16 inches deep works out to about 32 cubic feet: 6 × 4 × 1.33 = 31.92.
Measure the pile’s outer length, height, and depth. If depth varies, measure at several points and use a reasonable average. Do not count a tall, loose crown or a leaning end as though it were a straight-sided stack. The more uneven the pile, the less exact the estimate.
What the chart does and does not measure
The chart describes the outside size of a stacked pile, not the solid wood alone. A stack contains air spaces, and the amount of space can change with piece shape, bark, and how tightly the wood is arranged. Use the same stacking method when comparing quantities.
A loosely tossed pile may occupy 32 cubic feet but contain less wood than a carefully stacked pile of the same size. Irregular rounds, crooked splits, and inconsistent piece lengths also make a pile harder to measure. When buying or selling, agree on whether the amount will be measured stacked or delivered loose, and confirm the piece length.
In my experience checking stacks, disagreement often begins with depth: one person measures the average length of the splits, while another measures a bulging pile. A straight, supported stack makes the number easier to verify. If the deal is based on stacked volume, measure the stack once it is arranged.
Choosing a layout for your yard
A useful quarter-cord layout fits your space, keeps the pile stable, and leaves room for airflow. The dimensions need not match one chart row exactly. Any neat stack with a measured volume of about 32 cubic feet is a quarter cord by volume.
| Yard space or use | Example layout | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow space, 16-in pieces | 12 ft long × 2 ft high × 16 in deep | Keep the low stack supported along its length |
| Compact footprint, 16-in pieces | 4 ft long × 4 ft high × 24 in deep | Use a stable base and secure ends |
| Short pieces, 12-in length | 8 ft long × 4 ft high × 12 in deep | Verify your stove can use 12-in wood |
| Longer pieces, 24-in length | 4 ft long × 4 ft high × 24 in deep | Confirm the firebox accepts 24-in splits |
These are volume examples, not instructions to build an unsafe pile. Stack on a stable base, keep rows aligned, and avoid a height or shape that could topple. Follow local guidance for clearances from buildings and other fire-safety rules.
Practical layout examples
These examples show how a household might use the chart; they are not reports of measured customer deliveries. For a narrow side yard, a 12-foot-long, 2-foot-high stack of 16-inch wood makes the quarter-cord calculation easy. The low profile may suit a long, open space, provided the base supports the whole stack.
For a compact storage area, a 4-by-4-foot face with 24 inches of depth also reaches 32 cubic feet. A stack that is taller or deeper needs extra attention to stability. Keep the stack straight and supported rather than forcing it to fit the math.
If a delivery arrives in a loose heap, do not assume its truck-bed dimensions equal a quarter cord. Ask the seller how the quantity is measured, then stack it before using the chart. This gives you a more reliable comparison and a better view of the wood’s condition.
Preparing firewood for useful heat
A measured quarter cord tells you volume, not how much heat the wood will deliver. Heat varies by species and by how dry the wood is. For efficient burning, identify the wood when possible, split it to a practical size, and check moisture rather than relying on a calendar estimate.
Split wood dries faster than intact rounds because more surface is exposed to air. Stack it off the ground, keep the pile stable, and allow air to move around it. The drying time depends on species, split size, weather, and storage conditions, so a fixed number of months is not a reliable test for every stack.
Use a moisture meter according to its instructions. For a more useful reading, split a piece and test the newly exposed face, rather than relying only on the outer surface. Aim for moisture content below 20% for firewood. Wet wood burns less cleanly and can contribute to creosote buildup; a meter reading is a better guide than appearance alone.
Keep species and wood condition in your notes. A quarter cord of one species does not promise the same heat as a quarter cord of another, and a stack’s dimensions alone cannot confirm that it is seasoned. Record the species, cut length, stack size, and moisture readings as you build your winter supply.
Cutting and stacking safely
Safe cutting starts with a stable log, suitable equipment, and the saw’s manual. Choose a chainsaw within the manufacturer’s allowed bar range for that model and suitable for the wood being cut. There is no universal engine-size-to-bar-length rule that replaces the manual.
Before cutting, check the chain brake, throttle lockout, chain catcher, handles, bar, chain tension, fasteners, and lubrication. Wear a helmet, eye and face protection, hearing protection, chainsaw leg protection, gloves, and protective boots. Clear bystanders and trip hazards, and plan an escape route.
Start and operate the saw as the manual directs. Confirm that it idles with the chain stationary and check oil delivery using the maker’s procedure. Keep both hands on the saw, use a stable stance, and avoid letting the bar nose contact wood. Nose contact can cause kickback, a fast upward or backward movement of the saw. Do not cut above shoulder height.
Buck logs on stable supports and keep the chain clear of soil and hidden objects. Split rounds with a tool or mechanical splitter suited to the round size and your ability. If the chain is dull, the log is unstable, or the saw is not working as intended, stop and correct the problem instead of forcing the cut.
Use only the fuel mix specified by the saw maker; 50:1 is correct only for models that call for it. Match chain pitch and gauge to the bar and sprocket, and follow the chain maker’s depth-gauge settings. Do not guess at tuning or maximum RPM. After work, shut down, let equipment cool, and clean and inspect it as directed.
Common measuring mistakes
Most quarter-cord disputes come from measuring the wrong thing or using inconsistent methods. A quick review before you buy, stack, or record your supply can prevent a misleading estimate.
- Using loose-pile dimensions: A heap is not the same as a neat, stacked measure.
- Leaving inches unconverted: Multiply in feet, or convert every inch measurement first.
- Measuring one side of an uneven stack: Check height and depth at more than one point.
- Counting rounds as finished stack volume: Rounds have irregular shapes and gaps.
- Assuming a chart proves dryness or heat value: Volume does not identify species or moisture content.
- Ignoring piece length: Confirm the cut length before purchase and make sure it suits your stove.
The most dependable check is a stable, neatly arranged pile with its outside dimensions recorded. If the stack is irregular, note that the result is an estimate, not an exact measure.
Conclusion: confirm the volume before winter
A quarter cord is 32 cubic feet of stacked firewood, and many different stack shapes can reach that volume. Measure length, height, and depth in feet, then multiply. For useful winter fuel, also track piece length, species, and moisture. Those checks help you judge both quantity and readiness without confusing a neat-looking pile for dry, high-heat wood.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet are in a quarter cord?
A quarter cord is 32 cubic feet of stacked firewood. The figure includes the air gaps between pieces.
What dimensions make a quarter cord?
Any neat stack whose length, height, and depth multiply to about 32 cubic feet qualifies by volume. For example, 6 ft × 4 ft × 16 in is about 32 cubic feet.
How many 16-inch pieces fit in a quarter cord?
There is no single piece count because split size and shape vary. Measure the completed stack instead of counting pieces.
Is a loose pile of 32 cubic feet a quarter cord?
Not necessarily. A quarter cord refers to stacked volume, and a loose pile has different spaces between pieces.
Does the stack need to match one chart row exactly?
No. The chart gives convenient layouts. Other dimensions work if the measured, neatly stacked volume is about 32 cubic feet.
How do I measure stack depth?
Measure from the front face to the back of the pile. If the depth changes, check several spots and use an average.
Does a quarter cord have the same heat value for every wood species?
No. Heat output varies by species and moisture condition. Stack volume alone cannot tell you how much usable heat the wood provides.
How can I tell if the wood is dry enough to burn?
Use a moisture meter as directed and test a freshly split face. Aim for moisture content below 20%; do not rely only on color or a set drying time.
Can I count rounds toward the quarter-cord measurement?
Rounds are irregular and do not stack like split firewood. For a fair volume check, arrange the wood in a stable stack and measure its outside dimensions.
Should I measure before or after stacking a delivery?
Measure after stacking if the amount is being compared as stacked volume. Loose delivery dimensions are not directly interchangeable with a neatly stacked cord measure.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Samuel Vance. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
