Plywood and MDF sheet calculator
Enter your cabinet parts and see right away how many sheets you need. For the exact cutting plan, with a drawing of every sheet and the cutting order, open the same parts in Verneer.
Sheet
Sizes in millimetres (2440 × 1220 mm is a 4 × 8 ft sheet).
Parts
How the calculator works
It adds up the area of every part, plus the saw kerf on each one, because that is what every cut takes away.
It divides by the usable area of the sheet, after trimming the factory edges. That is the theoretical minimum: the number of sheets if nothing were left over.
In practice something is always left: large parts leave gaps the others cannot fill, and grained parts cannot be rotated. So we show a realistic estimate: from the theoretical minimum to an 80% yield.
The exact number only comes from an optimised cutting plan. Verneer tries thousands of layouts and shows a drawing of every sheet, the measured offcuts and the cutting order for the saw.
Common sheet sizes
- Plywood and MDF: 2440 × 1220 mm (4 × 8 ft) and 3050 × 1220 mm (4 × 10 ft)
- Melamine board: 2750 × 1830 mm and 2440 × 1830 mm
- Hardboard backs: 2440 × 1220 mm, 3 mm
- Saw kerf: 3 to 4.4 mm (1/8 in). Edge trim: 5 to 10 mm per side.
Questions about how many sheets you need
How many sheets of plywood do I need for kitchen cabinets?
It depends on the size and the number of cabinets. A 10 to 13 ft kitchen with base and wall cabinets usually takes 6 to 10 sheets of 3/4 in plywood or MDF, plus the backs. Enter your parts in this calculator to get your own number.
Does the calculator include the saw kerf?
Yes. Each part gets the kerf added to its length and width, which is what every cut removes. The factory edge trim is taken off the sheet too.
Why is the estimate higher than the minimum?
Because no sheet is used at 100%. Large parts leave gaps that others cannot fill, and grained parts cannot be rotated. An optimised plan gets as close to the minimum as possible.
How do I get the exact number of sheets?
With an optimised cutting plan. In Verneer the same parts become a drawing of every sheet, with measured offcuts and the cutting order, in a few seconds.
Is the calculator free?
Yes, it is free and needs no sign-up. Verneer also has a Free plan and a 30-day free Pro trial.
Want the exact cutting plan?
Verneer shows a drawing of every sheet, the measured offcuts and the cutting order. Start free.
Start your 30-day free trial