PLYWOOD CALCULATOR

Plywood sheet cut list: ripping a 4×8 sheet into 12-inch strips

Ripping 12-inch strips with a 0.125 inch kerf gives 3 strips per 48-inch-wide sheet, because 4 strips need 48.375 inches. The parts pack onto 4 strips, so buy 2 sheets (4 strips / 3 per sheet, rounded up).

Layout assumptions

KerfCount packs lengths, so plywood is planned in two steps. First rip the 4×8 sheet into 12-inch-wide strips 96 inches long. Then pack the part lengths onto those strips. Every part in this example is 12 inches wide: four shelves and two back cleats at 30 inches, and two sides at 60 inches (the same lengths as the 32-inch bookshelf example).

This is a one-direction plan. It does not nest parts of different widths on the sheet, and it ignores edge trim, grain direction, and sheet defects.

Strips needed: cut assignments

Strips needed: cut assignments
BoardPartsCut lengthsRemaining offcut
1Side panel, Shelf60 + 30 in5.25 in
2Side panel, Shelf60 + 30 in5.25 in
3Shelf, Shelf, Back cleat30 + 30 + 30 in5.125 in
4Back cleat30 in65.375 in

4 boards, 78.1% of the wood used, 81 in of offcut.

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