Wondering how much weight plywood can hold? The load capacity of plywood depends on its thickness, grade, and support structure. Whether you're using it for flooring, shelving, or structural applications, understanding its strength is crucial. Check out our plywood load capacity chart to see how different thicknesses from 1/4 inch to 1 inch perform under weight. Learn how to maximize durability and ensure safety for your projects!
Plywood load capacity chart
Plywood load capacity refers to the maximum amount of weight or force that a piece of plywood can withstand before it fails, either through excessive bending (deflection) or structural damage (breaking). It's a crucial factor to consider when using plywood in any application where it needs to support weight, such as shelving, flooring, roofing, or furniture construction.
> Learn more: The Standard Plywood Sizes
Plywood Load Capacity Chart (Uniform Load in Pounds per Square Foot - PSF)
| Plywood Thickness | Maximum Span (inches) | Load Capacity (PSF) (Assumed Live Load) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4" (6mm) | 12 | 10 – 15 |
| 3/8" (9mm) | 16 | 20 – 25 |
| 1/2" (12mm) | 24 | 30 – 40 |
| 5/8" (15mm) | 32 | 40 – 50 |
| 3/4" (18mm) | 48 | 50 – 60 |
| 1" (25mm) | 60 | 80 – 100 |
How do you calculate the load capacity of plywood?
One highly simplified method for estimating plywood load capacity is to multiply the plywood's length and width by the maximum pressure it's designed to withstand.
Load Capacity (lbs) = Width (ft) * Length (ft) * Max Pressure (psf)
The formula LC = L * W * MP is straightforward to use given the length (L), width (W), and max pressure (MP).
Example: Let's say you have a piece of plywood that is:
- Length (L): 4 ft
- Width (W): 2 ft
- Thickness: 0.250 inches
- The Max Pressure (MP) for 0.250" plywood is 16 psf.
Therefore, the load capacity (LC) is: LC = 4 ft * 2 ft * 16 psf = 128 lbs
Estimated Maximum Pressure for Plywood (PSF) - For Rough Estimates Only!
| Thickness (inches) | Max Pressure (PSF) |
| 0.125" (1/8") | 8 |
| 0.250" (1/4") | 16 |
| 0.375" (3/8") | 22 |
| 0.500" (1/2") | 35 |
| 0.750" (3/4") | 79 |
| 1.000" (1") | 106 |
How much weight can plywood hold
The weight plywood can support per square foot depends on several factors, including its thickness, quality, and support structure. Below are general weight-bearing capacities for different plywood thicknesses under standard conditions:
- 1/4" plywood: Supports approximately 5–15 lbs (2.2–7 kg) per square foot when properly supported.
- 3/8" plywood: Can hold 20–25 lbs (9–11 kg) per square foot under normal use.
- 1/2" plywood: Typically supports 25–40 lbs (11–18 kg) per square foot, making it suitable for flooring and sheathing.
- 5/8" plywood: Holds approximately 40–50 lbs (18–23 kg) per square foot, ideal for structural applications.
- 3/4" plywood: Supports 50–60 lbs (22.5–27 kg) per square foot, commonly used in subflooring and shelving.
- 1" plywood: Can bear 80–100 lbs (36–45 kg) per square foot, making it suitable for high-load applications.
How much weight can plywood hold vertically
When plywood is used as a vertical support, such as for walls, shelving or partitions, its load-bearing capacity depends on multiple factors, including its thickness, wood type, and whether it is reinforced or freestanding.
- 1/4 inch plywood: Can typically support 10–15 pounds per square foot (psf) when installed with proper support at 16-inch intervals.
- 1/2 inch plywood: A moderate thickness that can hold 30–40 psf with adequate stud spacing.
- 3/4 inch plywood: The thickest standard plywood, capable of supporting 50–60 psf or more, depending on the wood grade, species, and support spacing.
For maximum strength, ensure plywood is securely fastened to structural supports, use screws instead of nails for heavy loads, and avoid excessive point loads that could cause stress fractures.
How much weight can 1/4 plywood hold?
A 1/4 inch plywood sheet can typically support 5-10 pounds per square foot when the weight is evenly distributed and properly supported. However, for concentrated point loads, its capacity is lower, and it may bend or break under excessive pressure. Reinforcing it with additional supports or using a thicker plywood sheet is recommended for heavier loads.
How much weight can 1/2 plywood hold?
A 1/2 plywood sheet can generally support 25-30 pounds per square foot when the weight is evenly distributed, making it ideal for light-duty shelving or floor underlayment. However, for concentrated point loads, it can withstand 50-75 pounds, depending on the plywood grade and the strength of its support structure.
How much weight can 3/4 plywood hold?
A 3/4 inch plywood sheet can typically support 50-60 pounds per square foot when the weight is evenly distributed and properly supported. If the plywood has additional reinforcement, such as closer joist spacing or framing, it can handle even heavier loads. For concentrated point loads, high-quality structural or marine-grade plywood can withstand up to 100 pounds or more, depending on the span and support conditions.
How much weight can a plywood floor hold?
A plywood floor's load capacity depends on its thickness, grade, and support structure. Residential plywood floors typically support 40–60 pounds per square foot (PSF), while commercial floors handle 100+ PSF, and industrial floors can bear 250+ PSF with proper reinforcement. Using thicker plywood, closer joist spacing (e.g., 16-inch on-center), and multiple subfloor layers increases strength and durability. For heavy loads like machinery or storage, structural-grade plywood and additional support beams ensure safety and longevity.
Always refer to building codes and manufacturer specifications for precise load-bearing requirements.
> Read more: What type of plywood is best for subfloor?
Understanding how much weight plywood can hold is crucial for ensuring strength and stability in any project. Whether you're using plywood for shelving, flooring, or structural support, selecting the right thickness and ensuring proper reinforcement can maximize its load-bearing capacity. Factors like span, support spacing, and wood grade also play a key role in preventing sagging or failure. Use our plywood load capacity chart as a reliable guide to make informed decisions and build with confidence!
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