Bookshelf cut list and plywood layout
A full cut list for a classic 72-inch tall, 36-inch wide, 11 1/4-inch deep bookcase in 3/4-inch plywood with a 1/4-inch back. The layout below is loaded into the optimizer — change any size and it recalculates.
Parts
| Label | Length in | Width in | Qty | Grain | Material | Remove |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stock sheets
| Name | Length in | Width in | Qty | Grain | Price | Remove |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 sheets, 52.2% waste, 10 of 10 parts placed.
You need: 2 × 3/4 Plywood (96″ × 48″), 1 × 1/4 Plywood (96″ × 48″)
Cut sequence (12 cuts)
- Rip 11 1/4″ from the 96″ × 48″ piece
- Crosscut 72″ from the 96″ × 11 1/4″ piece
- Rip 11 1/4″ from the 96″ × 36 5/8″ piece
- Crosscut 72″ from the 96″ × 11 1/4″ piece
- Crosscut 34 1/2″ from the 96″ × 25 1/4″ piece
- Rip 11 1/4″ from the 34 1/2″ × 25 1/4″ piece
- Rip 11 1/4″ from the 34 1/2″ × 13 7/8″ piece
- Rip 3″ from the 61 3/8″ × 25 1/4″ piece
- Crosscut 34 1/2″ from the 61 3/8″ × 3″ piece
- Rip 11″ from the 61 3/8″ × 22 1/8″ piece
- Crosscut 34 3/8″ from the 61 3/8″ × 11″ piece
- Crosscut 34 3/8″ from the 61 3/8″ × 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 (5)
- 26 7/8″ × 11″
- 26 7/8″ × 11″
- 23 7/8″ × 11 1/4″
- 23 7/8″ × 11 1/4″
- 26 3/4″ × 3″
Cut sequence (3 cuts)
- Rip 11″ from the 96″ × 48″ piece
- Crosscut 34 3/8″ from the 96″ × 11″ piece
- Crosscut 34 3/8″ from the 61 1/2″ × 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″ × 36 7/8″
- 27″ × 11″
Cut sequence (2 cuts)
- Crosscut 72″ from the 96″ × 48″ piece
- Rip 36″ from the 72″ × 48″ 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)
- 23 7/8″ × 48″
- 72″ × 11 7/8″
Bookshelf cut list
With a 1/8-inch kerf, the optimizer places all 10 parts on 2 sheets of 3/4 Plywood and 1 sheet of 1/4 Plywood — 52.2% waste and 17 cuts.
| Part | Length × width | Qty | Material | Grain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side | 72″ × 11 1/4″ | 2 | 3/4 Plywood | Along length |
| Top/bottom | 34 1/2″ × 11 1/4″ | 2 | 3/4 Plywood | Along length |
| Shelf | 34 3/8″ × 11″ | 4 | 3/4 Plywood | Along length |
| Toe kick | 34 1/2″ × 3″ | 1 | 3/4 Plywood | Along length |
| Back | 72″ × 36″ | 1 | 1/4 Plywood | Any |
Assumptions
- Sides run full height; top, bottom and shelves fit between them (butt joints, dados or pocket screws).
- Shelves are 1/8 inch shorter than the inside width so adjustable shelves drop in easily.
- The 1/4-inch back is applied to the back edges and covers the full case.
- All 3/4-inch parts follow the face grain along their length.
Planning tips
Bookshelves are a perfect first plywood project: every part is a rectangle and almost every part is the same 11 1/4-inch depth, so the case is cut from long rip strips. Four 11 1/4-inch strips fit across a 48-inch sheet with a 1/8-inch kerf; the 72-inch sides leave a 23 7/8-inch offcut at the end of their strips that is too short for a 34 1/2-inch shelf, which is why the grain-locked layout needs a second sheet.
Shelves longer than about 36 inches start to sag under books. If you widen the case, add a solid-wood edge strip glued to the front of each shelf (1 1/2 inches tall makes a big difference), or add a center divider.
Planning a different size? How much plywood for a bookshelf lists sheet counts for bookcases from 30 to 84 inches tall.
New to cut lists? Read how to make a cut list and plywood grain direction.
FAQ
How many sheets do I need for a bookshelf?
With a 1/8-inch kerf, the optimizer places all 10 parts on 2 sheets of 3/4 Plywood and 1 sheet of 1/4 Plywood — 52.2% waste and 17 cuts. Change any size in the optimizer to recalculate.
Can I change the dimensions?
Yes. Edit any length, width or quantity in the parts list above and the layout updates instantly. Your changes are saved in your browser, and you can export the list as CSV or copy a link.
Does the cut list include the saw kerf?
The part sizes are finished sizes. The optimizer adds the kerf between parts when it lays them out, so you do not need to add it yourself.