Plywood thickness: nominal vs actual
Sanded plywood sold as 3/4 in is usually 23/32 in (18.3 mm) thick, and 1/2 in plywood is 15/32 in (11.9 mm). Full sheets are 4 × 8 ft (48 × 96 in).
| Sold as | Actual (in) | Actual (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 in | 7/32 | 5.6 |
| 3/8 in | 11/32 | 8.7 |
| 1/2 in | 15/32 | 11.9 |
| 5/8 in | 19/32 | 15.1 |
| 3/4 in | 23/32 | 18.3 |
What to know
Structural panels are labeled by performance category under PS 1 and PS 2, so the stamped thickness is often the actual one (for example 23/32 Category). Hardwood plywood for cabinets may be metric (18 mm).
Questions people ask
Why is plywood thinner than labeled?
Panels are sanded after pressing, and the U.S. standards allow the 1/32 in reduction.
Related sizes
Sources and method
- U.S. Product Standard PS 1 (structural plywood)
Imperial and metric values are converted with 1 in = 25.4 mm exactly and rounded only for display. Found a mistake? Report it and we will correct the page.