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Scant Sizing

It is common knowledge that a 2 x 4 does not measure two inches by four inches. This logic extends to plywood sizing as well. The thickness of a half-inch sheet of plywood typically measures about 15/32 inch. In the industry, this is referred to as "scant sizing."

Plywood must meet performance standards and manufacturers found that they could meet the standard for half-inch plywood with an actual dimension of 15/32 inch. In addition, a tolerance of 1/32 inch is allowed, so half-inch plywood can actually vary between 7/16 inch and 1/3 inch. While the difference in measurement doesn't cause any problems structurally, difficulties can arise when there is a transition between plywood and some other material that really is one-half inch.

Note: Scant sizing applies to all the common plywood thicknesses.

- Stephen Corwin

-- Anonymous, September 17, 2001