Feedback on the definition of "face cord" is correct.
You can see from the "face" side a row of wood that measures 4'ft. tall and is 8'ft. long. What you don't see is the length of each piece. One row could have 12" pieces while another 18". That's a big difference. In fact with the 18" pieces you are getting 50% more wood.
The traditional row size of 4'ft. x 8ft. is only representative as it could be almost any dimension provided it equals out to a specified amount. The use of the term "face cord" is not condoned or allowed by some states who regulate firewood vendors and sellers due to the indeterminate amount of wood. The term is loosely used as having pieces that are 16", but could vary. Same goes for phrases like "truck load" or "stove cord".
The term "rick" is a bit more acceptable because now our 4'ft. x 8'ft. row is expected to have pieces at least 16" or that approx. specific amount. Meaning it represents 1/3 of a cord.
One last thing to consider is that if you have 3 rows of wood each measuring 4'ft. high, 8'ft. long with pieces cut to 16", you have a full cord.... of "volume" space the wood resides. Doesn't mean you have an actual 128'cu.ft of firewood. Simple really because of all the gaps between each piece. These gaps can vary too. Say there's a pile of wood near a cord of wood. You go to stack it and it's 18cu.ft. shy of a cord. Then your wife is mad because you stacked it in a place she doesn't want it, so you move the wood and restack. However, this time you measured out you are over a cord by 14cu.ft. This happens because of the way it's stacked. Sometimes more compact, sometimes not. Many know this but I thought I would throw it out there for those of you who haven't considered this. Something to think about I guess. LOL!
StihlRockin'