OSB cut list optimizer
Oriented strand board is a structural panel made from layered wood strands. It is the most common sheathing for walls, roofs and subfloors, and a cheap choice for shop walls and shed floors.
Parts
| Label | Length in | Width in | Qty | Grain | Remove |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stock sheets
| Name | Length in | Width in | Qty | Grain | Price | Remove |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 sheets, 49% waste, 8 of 8 parts placed.
You need: 2 × 23/32 in OSB (96″ × 48″)
Cut sequence (11 cuts)
- Crosscut 36″ from the 96″ × 48″ piece
- Rip 12″ from the 36″ × 48″ piece
- Rip 12″ from the 36″ × 35 7/8″ piece
- Crosscut 24″ from the 36″ × 23 3/4″ piece
- Rip 16″ from the 24″ × 23 3/4″ piece
- Rip 24″ from the 59 7/8″ × 48″ piece
- Crosscut 48″ from the 59 7/8″ × 24″ piece
- Crosscut 24″ from the 59 7/8″ × 23 7/8″ piece
- Rip 16″ from the 24″ × 23 7/8″ piece
- Crosscut 24″ from the 35 3/4″ × 23 7/8″ piece
- Rip 16″ from the 24″ × 23 7/8″ 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 (6)
- 11 7/8″ × 23 3/4″
- 11 3/4″ × 24″
- 11 5/8″ × 23 7/8″
- 24″ × 7 3/4″
- 24″ × 7 3/4″
- 24″ × 7 5/8″
Cut sequence (4 cuts)
- Crosscut 48″ from the 96″ × 48″ piece
- Rip 24″ from the 48″ × 48″ piece
- Crosscut 24″ from the 48″ × 23 7/8″ piece
- Rip 16″ from the 24″ × 23 7/8″ 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 (3)
- 47 7/8″ × 48″
- 23 7/8″ × 23 7/8″
- 24″ × 7 3/4″
OSB thickness: nominal vs actual
| Sold as | Typical actual | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| 7/16 in | 0.437 in | 11 mm |
| 15/32 in | 0.469 in | 12 mm |
| 19/32 in | 0.594 in | 15 mm |
| 23/32 in | 0.719 in | 18 mm |
Thicknesses vary by mill and batch. Measure your own sheets with calipers before cutting dados, rabbets or setting joinery.
OSB is labelled by its real thickness — 7/16, 15/32, 19/32 and 23/32 inch are common. Its outer strands run along the 8-foot length, which is the strength axis: on floors and roofs the long side should run across the joists or rafters. Keep Grain ticked on the stock so structural parts are not rotated.
For sheds and shop walls, sheets usually go up whole, so the optimizer is most useful for the cut pieces around doors, windows and gables. Enter those pieces and let it find which offcuts can be reused.
OSB edges swell when wet. Store sheets flat and off the ground, and leave the recommended 1/8-inch gap between sheathing panels for expansion — which you can model as extra kerf when planning a wall.
Laying whole sheets on a floor, roof or wall? Count them with the subfloor, roof sheathing or wall sheathing calculator.
Sheet weight
| Typical density | 37–41 lb/ft³ (593–657 kg/m³) |
|---|---|
| 23/32 in 4×8 sheet | 71–79 lb (32–36 kg) |
| Grain | Yes — lock visible parts |
Cutting osb
General-purpose 24–40 tooth framing or combination blade; OSB contains glue and wax, so clean the blade regularly. 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 osb weigh?
A 23/32 in 4×8 sheet weighs roughly 71–79 lb (32–36 kg), based on a typical density of 37–41 lb/ft³. Check the supplier's data for your exact product.
Does osb have a grain direction?
Yes. The outer strands run along the 8-foot length, which is the strength axis. Tick Grain on parts that must follow it.
What blade should I use to cut osb?
General-purpose 24–40 tooth framing or combination blade; OSB contains glue and wax, so clean the blade regularly.