Question 1

How many sheets of plywood do I need?

Accepted Answer

Divide the total area of your parts by the sheet area for the absolute minimum. Real parts rarely fit perfectly, so this calculator places each part with its saw cuts and gives the exact number of sheets for the layout it finds.

Question 2

What size is a sheet of plywood or MDF?

Accepted Answer

In Europe, 2440 × 1220 mm and 2500 × 1250 mm are the most common, and MDF and chipboard are also sold as 2800 × 2070 mm. In North America the standard is 8 × 4 ft (2438 × 1219 mm). Measure your sheets: they can differ by a few millimetres.

Question 3

How much does the saw blade width matter?

Accepted Answer

Each cut removes 2–3 mm with a track or circular saw. With ten parts across a sheet, that adds up to about 3 cm, enough for a part to stop fitting. The width is usually printed on the blade.

Question 4

Can I rotate parts on the sheet?

Accepted Answer

On MDF, OSB and plain chipboard, yes. On veneered plywood the grain shows, so keep the grain direction for visible parts: turn on “Keep grain direction” and enter each part's length along the grain.

Question 5

Do I need a mask to cut MDF?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MDF dust is very fine and its resin can release formaldehyde. Wear an FFP3 mask (EN 149), or FFP2 at the very least, connect a dust extractor and ventilate the room.

Question 6

Can the store cut my sheets for me?

Accepted Answer

Many DIY stores and timber merchants cut sheets on a panel saw, sometimes for a small fee per cut. Download the plan and bring it, and set the saw blade width to about 4 mm.