Plywood Calculator
Calculate how many 4×8 plywood sheets you need for your project. Get instant cost estimates by thickness and grade for subfloor, sheathing, cabinets, and furniture projects.
144 sqft, 3/4" CDX standard
Estimated Material Cost
$175 – $325
$1.09 – $2.03 per sq ft
Sheets Needed
5
4×8 ft sheets
Coverage
160 sqft
+11% for cuts
Cost Per Sheet
$35 – $65
Sheet Size
4×8 ft
32 sqft each
CDX (Construction): Exterior-grade construction plywood. C-grade face, D-grade back. Most affordable option for structural use. Best for: Subfloor, wall sheathing, roof decking.
3/4" (19mm): Subfloor, furniture, cabinets, workbenches
3/4" Thickness: Standard for subflooring and furniture. Provides good rigidity and screw-holding capacity. Most common choice for structural applications.
Cutting Tips: Plan cuts to minimize waste. Standard 4×8 sheets work well for 16" and 24" on-center framing. Consider having the store make cuts if you don't have a table saw.
Not included: Delivery ($50–$100), fasteners (screws $0.02–$0.05 each), construction adhesive ($5–$10/tube), or finishing materials (paint, stain, sealer).
Plywood Cost by Grade
| Grade | 3/4" Sheet Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| CDX (Construction) | $35–$65 | Subfloor, wall sheathing, roof decking |
| Sanded Pine | $45–$85 | Shelving, cabinet backs, painted projects |
| Baltic Birch | $70–$130 | Furniture, cabinets, CNC projects |
| Marine Grade | $90–$160 | Boats, outdoor furniture, wet areas |
| OSB (Alternative) | $25–$45 | Subfloor, wall sheathing (dry only) |
Thickness Selection Guide
| Thickness | CDX Cost | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4" (6mm) | $15–$35 | Cabinet backs, underlayment, crafts |
| 3/8" (9mm) | $20–$40 | Wall sheathing, light shelving |
| 1/2" (12mm) | $25–$50 | Roof sheathing, cabinet sides |
| 5/8" (15mm) | $30–$55 | Tile underlayment, heavy shelving |
| 3/4" (19mm) | $35–$65 | Subfloor, furniture, workbenches |
How We Calculate
Our plywood calculator uses standard 4×8 foot sheets (32 square feet per sheet) with a 10% waste factor for cuts and fitting:
Sheets Needed = (Area in sq ft ÷ 32) × 1.10 (rounded up)
Understanding Plywood Grades
CDX is the most common construction plywood. The letters indicate face grades: C (one side with knots/patches), D (back side rougher), X (exterior glue). It's structural-grade and affordable.
Baltic Birch has many thin birch layers with no voids. The edge looks beautiful when exposed, making it ideal for furniture and CNC projects. It's sold in 5×5 ft sheets in the US.
Marine Grade uses waterproof phenolic glue and has no interior voids. It won't delaminate when wet. Required for boats and recommended for outdoor furniture.
Plywood vs OSB
OSB (Oriented Strand Board) costs 20–30% less than plywood but has important limitations. OSB swells permanently when wet, while plywood dries out. Use plywood for bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior applications. OSB is acceptable for dry wall sheathing and subflooring.
Minimizing Waste
Plan your cuts before buying. Standard framing is 16" or 24" on center, which divides evenly into 48" sheet width. Rip cuts along the 8' length work best for subfloor and sheathing. Many home stores offer cutting services.
Data Sources
Prices verified from Home Depot, Lowe's, and lumber yards (February 2026). Costs vary by region and fluctuate with lumber markets. Premium grades like Baltic Birch are often stocked at specialty woodworking stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sheets of plywood do I need? +
Divide your total square footage by 32 (the area of a 4×8 sheet), then add 10% for waste. For example, 144 sqft ÷ 32 = 4.5, plus 10% = 5 sheets. Our calculator does this automatically.
How much does plywood cost per sheet? +
Plywood costs $15–$65 per 4×8 sheet depending on thickness and grade. CDX (construction grade) 3/4" costs $35–$65/sheet. Baltic Birch 3/4" costs $70–$130/sheet. Marine grade is $90–$160/sheet.
What thickness plywood do I need for subfloor? +
3/4" (19mm) is standard for subflooring over joists spaced 16" on center. Use 5/8" for tile underlayment or 1/2" for roof sheathing. Thinner plywood (1/4"–3/8") is for cabinet backs and underlayment.
What is the difference between CDX and sanded plywood? +
CDX is construction grade with a rough face — cheapest option for structural use. Sanded plywood has a smooth face for painting. Baltic Birch is furniture-grade with void-free layers. Marine grade uses waterproof glue.
Is OSB cheaper than plywood? +
Yes, OSB costs 20–30% less than CDX plywood. However, OSB swells when wet and doesn't dry out well. Use plywood for moisture-prone areas (bathrooms, exterior). OSB is fine for wall sheathing and dry subfloors.
How much does a 4×8 sheet of plywood weigh? +
A 4×8 sheet of 3/4" CDX plywood weighs about 60–70 lbs. 1/2" weighs 40–50 lbs. 1/4" weighs 20–25 lbs. Marine and Baltic Birch are denser at 75–90 lbs for 3/4" sheets.
Can I use plywood for outdoor projects? +
Use marine-grade or pressure-treated plywood for outdoor projects. Standard CDX can be used with exterior paint/sealer but will eventually delaminate. Marine grade has waterproof glue and no voids.
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