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PLYWOOD AND MDF SHEET WEIGHT
Work out what each sheet and each order weighs.
Sheet weight in kg = length × width × thickness in metres × density in kg/m³. Enter the sheet size, thickness, quantity and density below to get the weight of one sheet, the weight per square metre and the net weight of the whole quantity in kilograms, tonnes and pounds.
The density presets come from tests and inspections of CUZI panels: SGS results for marine plywood, a test report for raw MDF and the sheet weights recorded during an ECQA inspection of all-birch plywood. You can also type the density from your own quotation or test report.
Plywood and MDF weight calculator
Choose a tested density or enter your own, then choose a sheet size. If you have a quoted range, such as 680–720 kg/m³, enter the lower value as the density and the higher value as the upper density.
Results appear here. Without JavaScript, use the formula below or the weight table.
Results are the net weight of bare panels. They do not include pallets, packing, film or laminate not covered by the density, or weight change from moisture. Use measured sheet and bundle weights for lifting and freight.
Calculation method
Area per sheet (m²) = width × length ÷ 1,000,000, with millimetres. Volume per sheet (m³) = area × thickness ÷ 1,000. Weight per sheet (kg) = volume × density. Weight per m² (kg/m²) = thickness ÷ 1,000 × density. Pounds = kilograms × 2.20462.
Example: 1220 × 2440 × 18 mm at 599 kg/m³ = 2.9768 m² × 0.018 m × 599 = 32.10 kg (70.8 lb) per sheet, or 3,209.59 kg for 100 sheets.
FROM CUZI TEST AND INSPECTION REPORTS
Densities measured on CUZI panels
These values were measured on identified CUZI panels. Each one belongs to its tested construction and thickness. Use them to see how construction changes weight, and ask for the data of the panel you are buying.
Scroll horizontally to compare all columns.
| Tested panel | Report and method | Recorded result | Weight per sheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine plywood, 18 mm, 11-ply, 1220 × 2440 mm | SGS · density EN 323:1993; moisture BS EN 322:1993 | 599 kg/m³ at 11.1% moisture content | 32.10 kg (70.8 lb), calculated on nominal size |
| Raw interior MDF, 12 mm, 1220 × 2440 mm | Test report · density EN 323 | 755 kg/m³; +2.8% variation within the panel | 26.97 kg (59.5 lb), calculated on nominal size |
| All-birch plywood, 21 mm, 2500 × 1250 mm | ECQA inspection · sheets weighed | 46.5 and 46.6 kg per sheet (about 709 kg/m³) | 46.5–46.6 kg (102.5–102.7 lb), weighed |
| All-birch plywood, 24 mm, 2500 × 1250 mm | ECQA inspection · sheets weighed | 50.0 kg per sheet (about 667 kg/m³) | 50.0 kg (110.2 lb), weighed |
| All-birch plywood, 30 mm, 2500 × 1250 mm | ECQA inspection · sheets weighed | 63.5 and 63.6 kg per sheet (about 678 kg/m³) | 63.5–63.6 kg (140.0–140.2 lb), weighed |
The birch densities divide each recorded sheet weight by the nominal sheet volume, for example 46.5 kg ÷ (2.5 × 1.25 × 0.021 m³) = 708.6 kg/m³. The marine plywood sample measured 2441 × 1221 mm with a mean thickness of 17.95 mm; on those measured dimensions the same density gives 32.05 kg instead of 32.10 kg.
Product details: Marine Plywood, Plain MDF and Birch Plywood.
Weight per sheet at 1220 × 2440 mm
The density columns are calculation inputs that cover a common range for plywood and MDF. They are not CUZI product specifications; use the density of the panel you are buying.
Scroll horizontally to compare all columns.
| Thickness | 500 kg/m³ | 600 kg/m³ | 700 kg/m³ | 800 kg/m³ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 mm | 4.47 kg 9.8 lb | 5.36 kg 11.8 lb | 6.25 kg 13.8 lb | 7.14 kg 15.8 lb |
| 5 mm | 7.44 kg 16.4 lb | 8.93 kg 19.7 lb | 10.42 kg 23.0 lb | 11.91 kg 26.3 lb |
| 6 mm | 8.93 kg 19.7 lb | 10.72 kg 23.6 lb | 12.50 kg 27.6 lb | 14.29 kg 31.5 lb |
| 9 mm | 13.40 kg 29.5 lb | 16.07 kg 35.4 lb | 18.75 kg 41.3 lb | 21.43 kg 47.3 lb |
| 12 mm | 17.86 kg 39.4 lb | 21.43 kg 47.3 lb | 25.01 kg 55.1 lb | 28.58 kg 63.0 lb |
| 15 mm | 22.33 kg 49.2 lb | 26.79 kg 59.1 lb | 31.26 kg 68.9 lb | 35.72 kg 78.8 lb |
| 18 mm | 26.79 kg 59.1 lb | 32.15 kg 70.9 lb | 37.51 kg 82.7 lb | 42.87 kg 94.5 lb |
| 21 mm | 31.26 kg 68.9 lb | 37.51 kg 82.7 lb | 43.76 kg 96.5 lb | 50.01 kg 110.3 lb |
| 25 mm | 37.21 kg 82.0 lb | 44.65 kg 98.4 lb | 52.09 kg 114.8 lb | 59.54 kg 131.3 lb |
| 30 mm | 44.65 kg 98.4 lb | 53.58 kg 118.1 lb | 62.51 kg 137.8 lb | 71.44 kg 157.5 lb |
Every 100 kg/m³ adds about 0.30 kg per millimetre of thickness to a 1220 × 2440 mm sheet. At 18 mm, that is 5.36 kg per sheet, or 536 kg across 100 sheets, which is why the density deserves as much attention as the thickness and sheet count. For 1250 × 2500 mm sheets multiply a value by 1.050; for 1525 × 3050 mm, by 1.5625.
What changes the weight of a sheet
The calculator multiplies volume by density. A weighed panel can still differ from the calculated figure, because each input carries its own variation.
- Construction
- Species, core, veneer count and glue all change density. The tested values above range from 599 kg/m³ for marine plywood to about 709 kg/m³ for 21 mm all-birch plywood and 755 kg/m³ for 12 mm raw MDF.
- Actual thickness and size
- A nominal 18 mm panel measured at 17.95 mm weighs slightly less than the nominal calculation. Use one dimensional basis for every line of an estimate.
- Moisture content
- Panels gain and lose water with storage conditions. The SGS marine result was recorded at 11.1% moisture content; ECQA recorded readings of 6–10% on the birch plywood it inspected.
- Facings and finishes
- Film, melamine paper, HPL, PVC or veneer add weight unless the density was measured on the finished panel. Ask which surfaces the stated value covers.
For imperial sizes, 1 inch is 25.4 mm and 1 kg is 2.20462 lb. A true 4 × 8 ft sheet is 1219.2 × 2438.4 mm; metric 4 × 8 sheets are usually 1220 × 2440 mm. More on formats is in the plywood sheet size and thickness guide; density by core is explained in the plywood density and weight guide and the MDF density and thickness guide.
From net panel weight to shipment weight
The calculator gives net panel weight. A shipment also carries pallets or bearers, protective boards, straps and corner guards, so the gross weight of each bundle is higher.
For example, ECQA recorded gross packing weights of 1773 kg (21 mm), 1706 kg (24 mm) and 1711 kg (30 mm) for packed all-birch bundles of about 251 × 127 × 91–97 cm. Those figures belong to that inspected shipment. For your order, ask for each bundle's sheet count, net weight, packing weight, outside dimensions and gross weight.
- Calculate each item separately. Use one line per size, thickness and construction, then add the lines for the net panel weight.
- Add packing once. Use the quoted or recorded packing weight per bundle rather than a percentage applied to every line.
- Check volume and payload together. Compare the gross weight and packed volume with your container and road limits; the plywood CBM and container loading guide shows how to calculate net and packed volume.
Ask for the weight data of the panel you are buying
Send the construction, sheet size, thickness, quantity and destination port. CUZI can quote the density basis for the offered panel and give sheet and bundle weights for your packing list.
Questions about plywood and MDF weight
How much does a sheet of 18 mm plywood weigh?
A 1220 × 2440 × 18 mm sheet weighs about 32.1 kg (70.8 lb) at 599 kg/m³, the SGS-tested density of CUZI 18 mm marine plywood, and 37.5 kg (82.7 lb) at 700 kg/m³. The species, core, glue and moisture content set the density, so use the value for the panel you are buying.
How much does a sheet of 18 mm MDF weigh?
At 755 kg/m³, the density measured on CUZI 12 mm raw MDF, a 1220 × 2440 × 18 mm sheet calculates to 40.45 kg (89.2 lb). MDF density varies with thickness and grade, so confirm the density of the board you order.
How do I convert plywood weight from kg to lb?
Multiply kilograms by 2.20462. The calculator shows both units for each sheet and for the total quantity.
Does the calculated weight include pallets and packing?
No. It is the net weight of bare panels. Add the packing weight of each bundle separately to get the gross shipment weight.
Why does a weighed sheet differ from the calculated weight?
Actual thickness and size, moisture content, density variation within the panel and any facing all change the result. The 12 mm raw MDF report, for example, records +2.8% density variation within one panel.
What is the difference between kg/m³ and kg/m²?
Kg/m³ is density by volume. Kg/m² is the weight of one square metre at a stated thickness: thickness in metres × density. At 18 mm and 599 kg/m³ that is 10.78 kg/m².
