1/2 MDF: actual thickness and weight

A panel averages

0.495–0.505 in

12.7 mm nominal, ±0.13 mm

From the standard, ANSI A208.2-2022

A 4 × 8 ft sheet weighs about

65 lb

60–73 lb across the makers · 49 lb/ft³

Median of 3 sources

How thick 1/2 MDF really is

Unlike plywood, MDF is sold at its stated thickness. The MDF standard, ANSI A208.2-2022, lets a panel’s average thickness differ from the specified thickness by no more than 0.005 in (0.125 mm), so 1/2 in MDF measures 0.495 to 0.505 in. A dado cut to 1/2 in fits it. 1/2 plywood is held to a wider range.

What 1/2 MDF weighs

MDF’s weight depends on how densely each mill presses it, so the figure here comes from the makers’ own data sheets for standard (not moisture-resistant or fire-rated) MDF at 1/2 in. The density used is the median of 3 sources (they span 45 lb/ft³–55 lb/ft³).

Maker	Density	As printed
Weyerhaeuser	49 lb/ft³	Density (< .551"): 49.0 lbs/ft³, 788 kg/m³
Roseburg	45–55 lb/ft³	El Dorado, AR: 3/16 in – 15 mm: 45–55 lbs/ft³
West Fraser	46.5 lb/ft³	5/16 – 9/16 in: 46.5 pcf

Piece	Area	About	Makers’ span
Full sheet, 4 × 8 ft	32 sq ft	65.3 lb	60–73.3 lb
Half sheet, 4 × 4 ft	16 sq ft	32.7 lb	30–36.7 lb
Quarter sheet, 2 × 4 ft	8 sq ft	16.3 lb	15–18.3 lb

Weight is density × volume: 2.04 lb per square foot of face at 1/2 in. Sheets are made about 1 in longer and wider than their stated size, so a real sheet weighs a little more. For any part size, use the MDF weight calculator.

Sources

How we source these numbers