PlywisePlywood and MDF sheet sizes (imperial and metric)
Sheet goods come in a handful of standard sizes, but nominal and actual sizes differ. Here are the common ones, and what to check before you plan a project.
Updated 2026-10-29
Common sheet sizes
| Sheet | Imperial | Metric | Common for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 x 8 | 48" x 96" | 1220 x 2440 mm | Plywood, MDF, OSB, melamine |
| 4 x 10 | 48" x 120" | 1220 x 3050 mm | Plywood, MDF |
| 5 x 5 | 60" x 60" | 1525 x 1525 mm | Baltic birch |
| Metric full | about 49" x 98" | 1250 x 2500 mm | European plywood and boards |
| Metric large | about 60" x 120" | 1525 x 3050 mm | Birch plywood |
| Half and quarter | 48" x 48", 24" x 48" | 1220 x 1220, 610 x 1220 mm | Project panels at home centers |
Some MDF and melamine in North America comes slightly oversize, such as 49" x 97", so you can trim it square. Always measure the actual sheet before you plan.
Nominal versus actual thickness
| Sold as | Typically measures |
|---|---|
| 3/4" plywood | 23/32" (about 18 mm) |
| 1/2" plywood | 15/32" (about 12 mm) |
| 1/4" plywood | 7/32" or less (about 5.5 mm) |
| 18 mm Baltic birch | about 0.71" |
Thickness matters on a cut list whenever a part fits between two others, or into a dado. Measure with calipers and use the real number.
Planning with your sheet size
In Plywise, add each sheet size you have as stock, in inches or millimetres, including half sheets and offcuts. The optimizer uses the sizes you give it, so a 2440 x 1220 mm sheet and a 49" x 97" sheet each get the right plan. See the metric wardrobe example or the Baltic birch drawer boxes on 5 x 5 sheets.