Plywood Guide · Sizes & Thickness
Plywood Sizes and Thickness Chart: Standard Sheet Sizes in India
Most plywood in India is sold in 8 × 4 ft sheets, in thicknesses from 4 mm to 18 mm, with 19 mm and 25 mm usually meaning blockboard. Picking the right size and thickness decides how many sheets you buy, how strong the furniture is and how much offcut goes to waste. Here is the full chart, with what each thickness is used for and what it costs in Ahmedabad.
Standard Plywood Sheet Sizes in India
Sizes are quoted in feet at the shop. Metric sizes are what the factory actually cuts.
| Size (ft) | Size (mm) | Area | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 × 4 | 2440 × 1220 | 32 sq ft | Standard sheet for almost all furniture |
| 8 × 3 | 2440 × 915 | 24 sq ft | Narrow wardrobe sides, shutters, less waste |
| 7 × 4 | 2135 × 1220 | 28 sq ft | Standard-height furniture and doors |
| 7 × 3 | 2135 × 915 | 21 sq ft | Door-size panels |
| 6 × 4 | 1830 × 1220 | 24 sq ft | Beds, tables, smaller units |
| 6 × 3 | 1830 × 915 | 18 sq ft | Small cabinets and repairs |
8 × 4 and 8 × 3 ft sheets are what most carpenters order. Other sizes depend on the brand and grade, so WhatsApp us to check availability. Laminate sheets follow the same 8 × 4 ft format; see laminate sheet size and thickness.
Plywood Thickness Chart With Uses and Price
Per sq ft at our Lati Bazar store, ex-godown, GST extra.
| Thickness | Approx. inches | Main uses | Commercial | MR | Marine BWP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 mm | 5/32" | Curved panels, cladding, backing | — | — | ₹44 |
| 6 mm | 1/4" | Cabinet and wardrobe backs, drawer bottoms | ₹38 | ₹38 | ₹56 |
| 9 mm | 3/8" | Drawer sides, light shelves, ceiling panels | ₹46 | ₹48 | ₹72 |
| 12 mm | 1/2" | Shelves, partitions, kitchen shutters | ₹51 | ₹60 | ₹86 |
| 18 mm | 3/4" | Carcass, wardrobe sides, beds, table tops | ₹65 | ₹74 | ₹110 |
| 19 / 25 mm | 3/4" / 1" | Long shelves, heavy tops (usually blockboard) | See blockboard price | ||
Price per sheet = price per sq ft × 32 for an 8 × 4 ft sheet (18 mm marine: ₹110 × 32 = ₹3,520). Every grade and brand is on the plywood price list; all 18 mm options are compared on 18mm plywood price. Waterproof sizes are covered in marine plywood sizes and thickness.
Which Thickness for Which Furniture
Wardrobe
18 mm body, 6 mm back
18 mm for sides, top, bottom and shutters; 12 mm for shelves under 3 ft; 6 mm for the back. See plywood thickness for wardrobes.
Kitchen cabinets
16–18 mm BWP carcass
16–18 mm marine for the carcass and shutters, 9 mm for drawer bases, 6–9 mm for backs. Details in plywood thickness for kitchen cabinets.
Bed
18 mm frame, 12 mm base
18 mm for the frame and headboard; 12 mm or 18 mm for the base platform, depending on storage boxes.
TV unit and shelves
18 mm, or 25 mm for long spans
Shelves longer than about 3 ft sag in thin board. Use 18 mm with support, or blockboard for long spans.
Drawers
12 mm sides, 6–9 mm base
12 mm sides hold drawer channels well; a 6 mm or 9 mm base keeps weight down.
Wall panelling and ceilings
6–12 mm
Thin plywood keeps the wall light and flexible. 9 mm is a common middle ground for panelling.
Why Actual Thickness Can Differ
For the thickness of each furniture part in detail, see plywood thickness for furniture.
What about 16 mm plywood? 16 mm is a middle thickness offered in some ranges, including some gurjan plywood. It is used for modular kitchen and bathroom carcasses and shutters where a slightly lighter board is wanted, in BWP grade for wet areas. For wardrobes, beds and long shelves, 18 mm is stronger and is the standard stock size; ask us about 16 mm availability in the range you want.
Plywood thickness is nominal. A genuine 18 mm board should measure close to 18 mm, typically within about half a millimetre. Unbranded boards sold as 18 mm sometimes measure 16–17 mm, which weakens joints and throws off hinge and channel fitting. Calibrated plywood is sanded to a tighter tolerance, which helps with modular fittings; see benefits of calibrated plywood. For more checks, read how to spot fake plywood.
Choosing Size to Cut Waste
Plan your cutting list before you order. A wardrobe 7 ft tall wastes about a foot from every 8 × 4 sheet, but that offcut often becomes shelves or a loft. For narrow sides, an 8 × 3 ft sheet can save paying for width you will throw away. Heavier boards also cost more to carry; see how much plywood weighs.
Buying in Ahmedabad
At Samta Plywood Centre, Lati Bazar, we stock commercial, MR and marine plywood from 4 mm to 18 mm, plus blockboard in 19 mm and 25 mm. Send us your carpenter's cutting list on WhatsApp and we will confirm sheet count, sizes and today's rates, with delivery across the city. Related thickness guides: blockboard thickness and flush door thickness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard size of plywood in India?
The standard plywood sheet in India is 8 x 4 ft (2440 x 1220 mm), which is 32 sq ft. 8 x 3, 7 x 4, 7 x 3, 6 x 4 and 6 x 3 ft sheets are also made, depending on brand and grade.
What thickness of plywood is best for furniture?
18 mm is the standard for load-bearing parts such as wardrobe sides, kitchen carcasses and bed frames. 12 mm suits shelves and partitions, and 6 mm suits backs and drawer bottoms.
How many sq ft are in one plywood sheet?
An 8 x 4 ft sheet is 32 sq ft and an 8 x 3 ft sheet is 24 sq ft. Multiply the price per sq ft by these figures to get the sheet price.
Is 18 mm plywood the same as 3/4 inch?
Nearly. 3/4 inch is 19.05 mm, so 18 mm plywood is slightly thinner. 19 mm is the closest metric size and is usually blockboard.
What is the price of 18 mm plywood in Ahmedabad?
At Samta Plywood Centre, 18 mm plywood is ₹65 per sq ft in commercial grade, ₹74 in MR and ₹110 in marine BWP, ex-godown with GST extra. That is about ₹2,080, ₹2,368 and ₹3,520 per 8 x 4 ft sheet.
What is the thinnest plywood available?
At our store, the thinnest plywood is 4 mm marine BWP at ₹44 per sq ft. 4 mm and 6 mm are used for curved work, backs and cladding.
Is 16 mm plywood good for furniture?
Yes for modular kitchen and bathroom cabinets and shutters, in BWP grade for wet areas. For wardrobes, beds and long shelves, 18 mm is stronger and is the standard size.
Which plywood thickness is used for kitchen cabinets?
Use 16 to 18 mm BWP (marine) plywood for kitchen carcasses and shutters, 9 mm for drawer bottoms and 6 to 9 mm for backs.
Need Help With Sizes and Sheet Count?
WhatsApp us your cutting list and we will confirm sizes, thickness and sheet count with today's rates.