Plywood Thickness Chart
A “3/4-inch” sheet of plywood usually measures 23/32 inch — enough difference to matter for dadoes, grooves and hardware. This chart lists nominal and actual thicknesses, metric equivalents and typical uses, and the finder estimates sheet weight and how many sheets a job needs.
Plywood Reference and Cut-List Pack
Printable plywood thickness chart, a metric-to-imperial conversion card, a sheet weight table, a cut-list and sheet layout template and a material estimate worksheet.
- Thickness chart (PDF/DOCX)
- Metric card (PDF/DOCX)
- Weight table (PDF/DOCX)
- Cut list & layout (PDF)
- Estimate worksheet (PDF/DOCX)
Formats: PDF, DOCX. Instant download after payment (link valid 72 hours, up to 5 downloads). AI-assisted: the templates were drafted with AI help and reviewed and laid out by Kedop.
$5.00 USD, one-time
Secure card checkout by Stripe. Full refund within 7 days — see the refund policy and license.
Use the plywood thickness chart
What’s in the pack
- Printable plywood thickness chart (nominal, actual, mm)
- Metric-to-imperial plywood conversion card
- Sheet weight table for common panel types and sizes
- Plywood cut-list and sheet layout template
- Material estimate worksheet for floors, walls and roofs
Print the chart for the workshop wall or take it to the lumber yard.
US plywood: nominal vs actual thickness
| Nominal | Typical actual | Decimal (in) | Common uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 in | about 1/8 in (3 mm) | 0.118 | Crafts, drawer bottoms, model making, backing |
| 1/4 in | 7/32 in (5.5 mm) | 0.219 | Cabinet backs, drawer bottoms, underlayment |
| 3/8 in | 11/32 in (8.7 mm) | 0.344 | Curved work, light sheathing, repairs |
| 1/2 in | 15/32 in (11.9 mm) | 0.469 | Wall and roof sheathing, shelving for light loads |
| 5/8 in | 19/32 in (15.1 mm) | 0.594 | Subfloor (with close joists), roof sheathing, cabinets |
| 3/4 in | 23/32 in (18.3 mm) | 0.719 | Subfloor, cabinets, shelving, furniture |
| 1 1/8 in | about 1 3/32–1 1/8 in (28 mm) | 1.094 | Heavy subfloors (e.g. 48 in joist spacing), workbench tops |
Most US construction and cabinet plywood is sold under a nominal size and made about 1/32 inch thinner. Hardwood plywood and imported panels are often closer to metric sizes — 3/4-inch hardwood plywood may measure 18 mm (0.709 in). Measure with calipers before cutting joints.
Metric plywood sizes
| Metric | Closest imperial | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| 3 mm (0.118 in) | 1/8 in | Craft and model plywood |
| 4 mm (0.157 in) | 5/32 in | Thin panels, backs |
| 6 mm (0.236 in) | 1/4 in | Backs, drawer bottoms, jigs |
| 9 mm (0.354 in) | 3/8 in | Light boxes, templates |
| 12 mm (0.472 in) | 1/2 in | Drawers, boxes, light shelving |
| 15 mm (0.591 in) | 5/8 in | Cabinet sides, shelves |
| 18 mm (0.709 in) | 3/4 in | Cabinets, furniture, worktops |
| 21 mm (0.827 in) | 13/16 in | Heavy shelving |
| 24 mm (0.945 in) | 15/16 in | Bench tops, flooring |
Baltic birch and many European and Asian plywoods are made in metric thicknesses with more, thinner plies and few voids, which is why they’re popular for drawers, jigs and furniture. Baltic birch is commonly sold in 5 × 5 ft (1525 × 1525 mm) sheets.
Worked example
A subfloor of 320 sq ft with 3/4-inch (23/32-inch) softwood plywood and 10% waste needs 11 sheets of 4 × 8. At a typical 32 lb per cubic foot, each sheet weighs about 61 lb, so the delivery is roughly 675 lb — worth knowing for a pickup truck or a second-floor carry. For a cabinet in 18 mm Baltic birch, the same finder shows a 5 × 5 ft sheet at about 63 lb.
Span ratings and grades
Structural plywood and OSB in North America carry a grade stamp with a span rating such as 32/16 or 48/24. The first number is the maximum spacing in inches of roof supports; the second is the maximum spacing of floor joists. As a rough guide, 15/32–1/2 inch sheathing is often rated 32/16 and 23/32–3/4 inch Sturd-I-Floor panels 24 oc or 48/24, but always read the stamp on the panel you buy and follow local building codes. Appearance grades (A to D, or letter pairs such as AC) describe the face veneers: A is smooth and paintable, D allows knots and splits.
Choosing a thickness
- Cabinet boxes: 3/4 in (18 mm) for strength and screw holding; 1/2 in (12 mm) for lighter wall units.
- Cabinet backs and drawer bottoms: 1/4 in (6 mm).
- Shelves: 3/4 in for spans up to about 30 in with books; add a front edge strip for longer spans.
- Subfloor: 23/32 or 3/4 in at 16 in or 19.2 in joist spacing; 7/8 in or thicker at 24 in.
- Roof and wall sheathing: follow the span rating and code for your framing.
AI-assisted content
This chart and the templates were drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by Kedop. Thicknesses and weights are typical values; products vary, and structural use must follow building codes.
Frequently asked questions
Why is 3/4 plywood not 3/4 inch thick?
Most US plywood is made about 1/32 inch under its nominal size, so 3/4 in usually measures 23/32 in.
What is 18 mm plywood in inches?
About 0.709 in — very close to 23/32 in (0.719 in).
How much does a sheet of 3/4 plywood weigh?
Roughly 55–70 lb for a 4 × 8 softwood sheet, depending on species and moisture.
What does 32/16 mean on plywood?
Maximum roof support spacing of 32 in and floor joist spacing of 16 in.
What thickness for cabinet backs?
Usually 1/4 in (6 mm).
Is the pack a subscription?
No, it’s a one-time download.