1/4 MDF: actual thickness and weight
A panel averages
0.245–0.255 in
6.35 mm nominal, ±0.13 mm
From the standard, ANSI A208.2-2022
A 4 × 8 ft sheet weighs about
33 lb
30–37 lb across the makers · 49.8 lb/ft³
Only two sources publish this: Roseburg and West Fraser
How thick 1/4 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 1/4 in MDF measures 0.245 to 0.255 in. A dado cut to 1/4 in fits it. 1/4 plywood is held to a wider range.
What 1/4 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 1/4 in. The density used is from two sources, Roseburg and West Fraser (they span 45 lb/ft³–55 lb/ft³).
| Maker | Density | As printed |
|---|---|---|
| Roseburg | 45–55 lb/ft³ | El Dorado, AR: 3/16 in – 15 mm: 45–55 lbs/ft³ |
| West Fraser | 49.5 lb/ft³ | 3/16 – 1/4 in: 49.5 pcf |
| Piece | Area | About | Makers’ span |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full sheet, 4 × 8 ft | 32 sq ft | 33.2 lb | 30–36.7 lb |
| Half sheet, 4 × 4 ft | 16 sq ft | 16.6 lb | 15–18.3 lb |
| Quarter sheet, 2 × 4 ft | 8 sq ft | 8.3 lb | 7.5–9.2 lb |
Weight is density × volume: 1.04 lb per square foot of face at 1/4 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
- Composite Panel Association, ANSI A208.2-2022, Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) for Interior Applications, §3.5 and §4.2.2, read 2026-11-08
- Roseburg, Medite MDF technical data, “standard industrial-grade MDF” (El Dorado AR, Medford OR, Pembroke ON), read 2026-11-08
- West Fraser, WestPine EcoGold MDF specifications (2024), compiled quality-assurance averages, read 2026-11-08