Plywood Calculator

Making board and batten from plywood sheets to save money? Enter the wall size and sheet size. You get the sheets to buy for the panels and battens, the top rail and the paint.

Your shopping list

13Panels across the wall
5Plywood sheets to buy
2Top rail pieces to buy
  • Sheets for the panels4 strips per sheet4
  • Sheets for the battens18 strips per sheet1
  • Battens12
  • Wall area to cover96 sq ft
  • PaintCheck the can for exact coverage0.6 gal

Pieces include 10% extra. Leftover strips can be reused. The saw cut is counted as 1/8 in.

How to use the Plywood Panel Calculator

  1. Measure the wall width and height. The wall must not be taller than the sheet.
  2. Pick the sheet size and the width of each panel and batten.
  3. Add windows and doors, if the wall has any.
  4. Read how many sheets to buy and how many strips each sheet gives.

The math behind it

Panels across = wall width / panel width, rounded up
Battens = panels – 1
Strips per sheet = (48 + cut) / (strip width + cut)
Sheets = strips needed / (strips per sheet x pieces per strip), rounded up

A worked example

What we typed in

  • Wall width: 16 ft
  • Wall height: 9 ft
  • Windows and doors (total area): 20 sq ft
  • Plywood sheet size: 4 x 9 ft sheet
  • Panel width: 11.5 in
  • Batten width: 2.5 in
  • Length of top rail boards: 8 ft
  • Coats of paint: 2 coats
  • Extra for mistakes and cuts: 10%

What we got

  • Panels across the wall: 17
  • Plywood sheets to buy: 6
  • Top rail pieces to buy: 3
  • Sheets for the panels: 5
  • Sheets for the battens: 1
  • Battens: 16
  • Wall area to cover: 124 sq ft
  • Paint: 0.78 gal

For a related part of your project, use the Wall Insulation Calculator.

Tips from the job site

  • Paint the sheets before you cut them. It is faster.
  • Use a fine blade so the plywood edges do not splinter.
  • Many stores will cut the sheets for you for a small fee.

Common questions

Why do I need so many sheets?

Each sheet gives a few strips. The calculator counts the strips you need and divides by the strips per sheet.

What thickness should I use?

1/4 in is common inside. Use thicker plywood if you want a deeper look.

Can I use MDF instead?

Yes. MDF is cut and counted the same way, but it must be painted all round.

See all Wall Calculators.

Last checked: (worked example and form display).