Free cut plan

Plaatplan
Open planner

Create a cut plan for MDF

MDF is popular for cabinets, alcoves, and interior projects. Plaatplan helps you lay out panels efficiently on standard MDF sheets (usually 2440 × 1220 mm, 18 mm thick) and calculates how many sheets to order.

  • Kerf width included in the layout
  • Multiple subprojects in one plan
  • Offcut stock before new sheets
  • PDF work plan for hardware store or cutting service

Start MDF cut plan

Example from the planner

Sheet 5 from the demo plan (Chest, Desk and Cabinet on MDF 2440 × 1220 mm). Panels are colour-coded per subproject.

Ladenblok zijkant
Bureau
Ladenblok zijkant
Bureau
Bovenblad
Kast
Onderblad
Kast
Vaste plank
Kast
Vaste plank
Kast
Lade bodem
Commode
Lade bodem
Commode
Lade bodem
Commode
Lade bodem
Commode

The full demo plan: 5 sheets, 29 parts, 74.5% utilisation (including kerf).

How many MDF sheets do I need?

Enter all your parts with length, width, and quantity. Plaatplan groups panels by thickness and distributes them across as few sheets as possible. You instantly see whether everything fits and how many standard sheets to buy.

Tip: add leftover material you already have. The planner uses smaller pieces before opening new sheets.

Getting MDF cut at the hardware store

Export your work plan as a PDF or print it. It includes dimensions, quantities, and edge finishing in a vendor-neutral format you can hand in at Hornbach, Gamma, Karwei, or another cutting service.

Kerf and grain direction for MDF

With MDF you can usually rotate panels 90° for a more efficient layout. Set the blade width (kerf) to 2.2 mm or your saw blade's value. Plaatplan accounts for this in the layout.

How Plaatplan works

From material to work plan in four steps.

  1. 1. Set up your material stockChoose a standard sheet (size, material, grain direction) and set kerf width. Add offcuts you already have if needed.
  2. 2. Enter subprojects and partsCreate a subproject per project. Enter panels via the table or the L×W×qty name line format.
  3. 3. Review the cut layoutSee how many standard sheets you need, which offcuts are used, and whether everything fits.
  4. 4. Export the work planOpen the work plan via Export → Open work plan. Configure under Prepare, review the cut order and export as PDF.

Start MDF cut plan

Frequently asked questions

Does Plaatplan account for kerf (blade width)?

Yes. The layout is accurate to the millimetre and includes kerf. The default is 2.2 mm; adjust this under Saw settings if your blade or cutting service differs.

Can panels rotate? What is grain direction?

With MDF and particle board you can usually rotate panels 90°. With visible plywood, lock grain direction so panels do not rotate unexpectedly.

Can I take this to the hardware store or cutting service?

Yes. Use Export → Open work plan for the work plan, or What do I need for a purchase overview. See the Print work plan guide.