Plywood Thickness Calculator
Nominal vs actual thickness — with cross-section diagram
Select Nominal Thickness
Nominal vs Actual Thickness
Visual cross-section comparing nominal and actual dimensions
Complete Plywood Thickness Chart
All standard nominal sizes — actual dimensions
| Nominal | Actual (in) | Actual (mm) | Diff |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 3/4 inch plywood not actually 3/4 inch?
3/4" nominal plywood is actually 23/32" (0.719"). Manufacturing involves sanding both face veneers after pressing, which removes material. The nominal size refers to the rough, unsanded thickness before finishing.
What is the actual size of a 4x8 sheet of plywood?
The face dimensions are exact: 48"×96" (4×8 ft nominal = 4×8 ft actual). Only the thickness is undersized. Length and width are full nominal dimensions.
Does plywood thickness matter for cabinetry?
Yes. Dado and rabbet joints are cut to exact actual thickness. A dado for 3/4" plywood must be routed to 23/32" (0.719"), not 3/4" (0.750"). Using nominal dimensions causes loose-fitting joints.
What is the difference between hardwood and structural plywood thickness?
Hardwood plywood is sanded to tighter tolerances (±0.008" vs ±0.016" for structural). Hardwood panels run about 1/64" thicker than structural CDX panels of the same nominal size.
What is the thinnest plywood available?
1/8" plywood (actual ~0.095") is available for specialty applications. 1/4" (actual 7/32") is the thinnest commonly stocked at lumber yards. Below 1/4", most applications use hardboard or MDF instead.
How many plies does 3/4 inch plywood have?
3/4" structural plywood typically has 7 plies (layers). 1/2" has 5 plies. 1/4" has 3 plies. Each ply alternates grain direction 90°, which gives plywood its dimensional stability.