Simple plywood bookcase: dimensions and cut list
Turn the outside dimensions of a small bookcase into a usable cut list. This open unit is 900 mm high, 600 mm wide and 300 mm deep, made from 18 mm plywood. Two full-height sides enclose the top, base and one fixed shelf; two more shelves are adjustable. It is a straightforward example of calculating parts before buying or cutting material.
Cut list
All measurements are in millimetres. The table gives each panel’s length and depth; check grain direction separately.
| Part | Length (mm) | Depth (mm) | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sides | 900 | 300 | 2 |
| Top and base | 564 | 300 | 2 |
| Fixed shelf | 564 | 280 | 1 |
| Adjustable shelves | 560 | 280 | 2 |
From outside dimensions to panel sizes
The sides set the full height and depth: each is 900 × 300 mm. The top and base fit between them with butt joints, so their length is not 600 mm. Subtract two material thicknesses from the outside width: 600 − 18 − 18 = 564 mm. The fixed shelf uses the same length.
The shelves are 280 mm deep, leaving a 20 mm setback at the front. The two adjustable shelves are 560 mm long, 4 mm shorter than the 564 mm opening. This total clearance makes them easier to insert and remove; check it against your chosen shelf supports. If you make these shelves fixed instead, use 564 mm and decide the joint before cutting.
Before you optimise
Measure the actual plywood thickness in several places. Nominal 18 mm material may differ, changing the length of every panel between the sides. Replace 18 with your measured thickness in the formula: inside length = 600 − two thicknesses. Choose the visible face and mark a front reference on your project drawing.
The public calculator rotates parts freely. That suits material without a dominant grain, but can change the appearance of veneered plywood. Use the full app’s grain controls, or check every rotation manually, if the faces must follow the same grain. Enter your actual sheet size and saw kerf rather than assuming nominal dimensions are exact.
Marking out and cutting
Label each part as you cut it and keep a consistent reference face for measuring. Cutting 300 mm and 280 mm strips before cutting final lengths can be practical, provided the optimised plan supports that sequence. Support the material, follow your tool’s instructions and allow for the blade width on every pass.
Dry-fit the sides, top, base and fixed shelf on a flat surface. Check the 600 mm outside width, 900 mm height and equal front diagonals. Mark positions and drill points with a square. Correct a marking error now, before the parts are glued together.
Assembling the carcase
Join the top and base between the sides using a fixing system suitable for 18 mm plywood, such as screws with pilot holes or dowels. These dimensions assume butt joints: housings, rebates and mitres require different lengths. Fit the fixed shelf during the same assembly to help maintain the shape and remove excess adhesive before it sets.
For adjustable shelves, use a jig and consistent stops to drill matching rows of support holes. Test the setup on an offcut first. Install the supports and try the 560 × 280 mm shelves: they should sit securely without force or excessive movement. Sand the edges, ease exposed corners and apply a finish suitable for the material.
Backing, positioning and final checks
A back panel is not included: its dimensions depend on whether it is applied to the rear or fitted into a rebate. If you leave the bookcase open, keep it square and choose an appropriate method to resist sideways movement. Secure the unit to a suitable wall with fixings appropriate for that wall and installation.
Check for exposed screw points, splinters and rocking parts. Test the shelf supports before loading them. You can change the number or position of shelves, but update the cut list and optimise again before cutting.
Planning example: this is not an engineered or load-tested furniture design. Verify the material thickness, dimensions, joints, hardware and installation before cutting. Changes to the joints or backing can change the required parts.
Try this cut list
Open all seven parts in the free calculator. They fit on one 2440 × 1220 mm sheet with the initial 3 mm kerf. Adjust the dimensions for your material and check rotations before cutting.
Open cut list in calculator