Plywood Calculator

4×8 sheets of plywood, sheathing or subfloor by area.

Plywood sheets

11 sheets

Area to cover

320 sq ft

4×8 sheets

11 sheets32 sq ft each, +10% waste

Cost (est.)

$385~$35/sheet

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Plywood and OSB sheathing skin a building — subfloors, walls, and roofs. Sheets go down fast; the details that matter are staggering the seams, gapping for expansion, and gluing-and-screwing subfloor so it never squeaks.

DifficultyIntermediate

TimeA few hours per room of subfloor; longer for walls/roof

SkillsComfortable with a circular saw and working off a layout

PermitsStructural sheathing is part of permitted framing work and gets inspected — follow the nailing schedule on the plans.

Tools you'll need

Circular saw and a straightedge
Drill/driver or framing nailer
Chalk line and tape measure
Subfloor construction adhesive
Spacers (8d nail works for the gap)

Step by step

Plan the layoutRun sheets perpendicular to joists/studs and stagger end seams so they don't line up row to row.
Glue subfloor to the joistsBead construction adhesive on each joist before setting subfloor sheets — glue is what kills squeaks.
Gap for expansionLeave a 1/8" gap at panel ends and edges so sheets don't buckle when humidity rises.
Fasten on a scheduleScrew or nail every ~6" on edges and ~12" in the field (follow the plan's schedule). Screws beat nails for squeak-free subfloor.
Check the surfaceSet any proud fasteners and sand high seams before flooring goes on top.