Massachusetts M.G.L Chapter 94: Section 298:
“Cordwood” sold or offered or exposed for sale shall be four feet in length.
“Firewood” shall be construed to mean and include wood cut to any lengths of less than four feet and more than eight inches.
“Kindling wood” shall be construed to mean and include all split wood, edgings, clippings or other waste wood averaging eight inches in length.
To accurately measure a cord of wood according to the MGL you have to have ALL the wood facing in the same direction. Meaning you cannot have a stack on the end crossed to for a stable row. It is recommened to use stakes or poles when staking the wood.
A cord of wood is stacked 4 feet high, 4 feet wide and 8 feet long.