MDF cut list optimizer
Medium-density fiberboard has no grain, so every part can be rotated to fill the sheet — usually giving better yield than plywood. Plan painted cabinets, doors, speaker boxes and shelving below.
Parts
| Label | Length in | Width in | Qty | Grain | Remove |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stock sheets
| Name | Length in | Width in | Qty | Grain | Price | Remove |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 sheet, 19% waste, 9 of 9 parts placed.
You need: 1 × 3/4 in MDF (96″ × 48″)
Cut sequence (12 cuts)
- Rip 30″ from the 96″ × 48″ piece
- Crosscut 29″ from the 96″ × 30″ piece
- Crosscut 12″ from the 66 7/8″ × 30″ piece
- Crosscut 11 1/4″ from the 54 3/4″ × 30″ piece
- Crosscut 11 1/4″ from the 43 3/8″ × 30″ piece
- Rip 29 3/4″ from the 32″ × 30″ piece
- Crosscut 14 7/8″ from the 32″ × 29 3/4″ piece
- Crosscut 14 7/8″ from the 17″ × 29 3/4″ piece
- Rip 11″ from the 96″ × 17 7/8″ piece
- Crosscut 28 1/2″ from the 96″ × 11″ piece
- Crosscut 28 1/2″ from the 67 3/8″ × 11″ piece
- Crosscut 28 1/2″ from the 38 3/4″ × 11″ piece
Every cut goes straight through the piece. Distances are measured from the top or left edge of the piece as drawn; the kerf is on the waste side of each line.
Reusable offcuts (2)
- 96″ × 6 3/4″
- 10 1/8″ × 11″
MDF thickness: nominal vs actual
| Sold as | Typical actual | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 in | 0.25 in | 6 mm |
| 1/2 in | 0.5 in | 12 mm |
| 5/8 in | 0.625 in | 15–16 mm |
| 3/4 in | 0.75 in | 18–19 mm |
| 1 in | 1 in | 25 mm |
Thicknesses vary by mill and batch. Measure your own sheets with calipers before cutting dados, rabbets or setting joinery.
MDF is made from wood fibers and resin pressed into a uniform panel, so it is flat, stable and paints beautifully, but it has no grain to worry about. The tool switches Grain off for MDF stock, which lets the optimizer turn any part 90°.
MDF is close to its nominal thickness — 3/4-inch MDF is usually a full 0.75 inch — and some suppliers sell sheets slightly oversize, for example 49 × 97 inches, so you can trim a clean edge. If yours is oversize, enter the real size and an edge trim.
A 3/4-inch 4×8 sheet of MDF weighs around 90–100 lb. It sags more than plywood on long shelves: keep 3/4-inch MDF shelves to about 24–30 inches between supports, or add a solid-wood front edge.
Sheet weight
| Typical density | 44–50 lb/ft³ (705–801 kg/m³) |
|---|---|
| 3/4 in 4×8 sheet | 88–100 lb (40–45 kg) |
| Grain | No — parts rotate freely |
Cutting mdf
60–80 tooth carbide blade (ATB or triple-chip grind). MDF dulls steel quickly and creates fine dust, so use dust collection and a respirator. Measure your blade's kerf and enter it in the optimizer — see saw kerf explained — and follow the cut sequence from how to break down a sheet of plywood.
FAQ
How much does a sheet of mdf weigh?
A 3/4 in 4×8 sheet weighs roughly 88–100 lb (40–45 kg), based on a typical density of 44–50 lb/ft³. Check the supplier's data for your exact product.
Does mdf have a grain direction?
No. MDF is uniform in every direction, so parts can be rotated freely — which usually improves yield.
What blade should I use to cut mdf?
60–80 tooth carbide blade (ATB or triple-chip grind). MDF dulls steel quickly and creates fine dust, so use dust collection and a respirator.