1 MDF: actual thickness and weight
A panel averages
0.995–1.005 in
25.4 mm nominal, ±0.13 mm
From the standard, ANSI A208.2-2022
A 4 × 8 ft sheet weighs about
123 lb
115–129 lb across the makers · 46.3 lb/ft³
Only two sources publish this: Weyerhaeuser and Roseburg
How thick 1 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 in MDF measures 0.995 to 1.005 in. A dado cut to 1 in fits it. 1 plywood is held to a wider range.
What 1 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 in. The density used is from two sources, Weyerhaeuser and Roseburg (they span 43 lb/ft³–48.5 lb/ft³).
| Maker | Density | As printed |
|---|---|---|
| Weyerhaeuser | 48.5 lb/ft³ | Density (> .551"): 48.5 lbs/ft³, 780 kg/m³ |
| Roseburg | 43–45 lb/ft³ | El Dorado, AR: > 3/4 in: 43–45 lbs/ft³ |
| Piece | Area | About | Makers’ span |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full sheet, 4 × 8 ft | 32 sq ft | 123.3 lb | 114.7–129.3 lb |
| Half sheet, 4 × 4 ft | 16 sq ft | 61.7 lb | 57.3–64.7 lb |
| Quarter sheet, 2 × 4 ft | 8 sq ft | 30.8 lb | 28.7–32.3 lb |
Weight is density × volume: 3.85 lb per square foot of face at 1 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
- Weyerhaeuser, Specifications for Standard MDF Products: average physical properties, ANSI A208.2-2016 grade 155-F11 (updated July 2016), read 2026-11-08
- Roseburg, Medite MDF technical data, “standard industrial-grade MDF” (El Dorado AR, Medford OR, Pembroke ON), read 2026-11-08