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Plywood sheet calculator
For identical rectangular parts, count how many fit along each usable sheet edge, including the gaps removed by the blade. Multiply the two counts, then divide the required quantity by that yield and round up.
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Free. No account or upload. Calculations stay in this page. Defaults are a worked example.
Uniform-grid estimate12 parts per sheet
2 sheets for 20 parts
4 columns × 3 rows. Part-length axis parallel to sheet-length axis. Requested parts use 80.6% of the purchased sheet area.
Diagram shows capacity on one sheet, not a cut sequence. Mixed layouts may use fewer sheets.
A worked example
A 2440 × 1220 mm sheet fits twelve 600 × 400 mm panels in a 4 × 3 uniform grid with 3 mm kerf and no edge trim. Twenty panels therefore need two sheets in this layout. The second sheet does not need to be cut into a full set of twelve panels.
How the grid is calculated
Usable edge = sheet edge − 2 × edge trim. Parts along an edge = floor((usable edge + kerf) ÷ (part edge + kerf)). This allows n−1 gaps between n parts. Yield = rows × columns. Sheets = ceiling(required quantity ÷ yield). With rotation enabled, the calculator compares a fully unrotated grid with a fully rotated grid. It does not combine orientations.
Kerf, edge trim and grain direction
Kerf is the material removed between adjacent parts by the blade. Edge trim is deducted from each of the four edges. All dimensions are in millimeters; multiply inches by 25.4 before entering them. To keep the entered part-length axis parallel to the sheet-length axis, turn rotation off. Check that those axes correspond to the grain direction you need.
A planning estimate, not an optimized cutting plan
This is a uniform grid for identical rectangles. Mixed orientations or a full nesting algorithm may fit more parts. It does not account for defects, clamping, tool access, material movement or a safe cut sequence. The diagram shows capacity on one sheet, not an instruction to cut every slot. Material utilization counts only your requested parts across the estimated purchased sheets. Check dimensions and practical cutting allowances before buying or cutting.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP ON IPHONE
Plan a full cut list in Sawgrid
For mixed parts, offcuts and printable plans, explore Sawgrid on iPhone. Check the App Store to see which options require Pro.
We make Sawgrid. The calculator above is free and does not require the app.
Get Sawgrid on the App StoreQuestions that come up
Can I mix several part sizes?
Not in this calculator. It accepts one rectangular part size at a time. Sawgrid offers a full cut-list workflow for mixed parts; free browser-based optimizers also exist.
Is this the fewest possible number of sheets?
No. It compares two uniform grids, not every possible arrangement. Mixed layouts, offcuts and manufacturing constraints can change the answer.
Why did locking rotation reduce the yield?
The part-length axis stays parallel to the sheet-length axis. Allowing a quarter turn may fit more parts but may be wrong for the grain or finish you need.
Is edge trim applied once or twice?
The entered trim is removed from every edge: twice from the length and twice from the width. Leave it at zero only when the existing edges are usable.
Sources and method
The formulas and assumptions are shown above. These sources provide product instructions or context; they do not endorse this calculator.