Change the outside dimensions and shelf count to turn a generic bookcase idea into a labeled parts list, purchasing estimate, and printable sheet layout.
Live project generator
Bookshelf calculator
01
Project dimensions
Change an input and the parts list rebuilds immediately.
02
Purchased sheet
Use the real stock and measured blade loss.
Local saves stay in this browser, one per calculator. CSV keeps the finished parts; Save locally or a share link also keeps all project and stock inputs.
Current result
Cut list and sheet layout
Assembly reference
Bookshelf
1Bookcase side
2Top / bottom
3Adjustable shelf
4Front / back rail (not positioned)
One assembly shown. Use the cut list for total quantities; joinery, hardware and drilling are not shown.View the front envelope and dimensions
2Sheets
11/11Parts placed
48.5%Part yield
$148Stock cost
0.75 in plywood2 sheets
PartSizeQty
Bookcase sideFull-height sides; lock face grain with height. Entered axes locked; confirm actual stock grain.11.25 × 72 in2
Top / bottomCaptured between the sides. Rotation allowed.11.25 × 34.5 in2
Adjustable shelfReduced for front and side clearance. Rotation allowed.10.875 × 34.375 in5
Front / back railPlanning placeholders; design the structure. Rotation allowed.3 × 34.5 in2
Sheet 148 × 96 in
Part key Finished sizes · in
1Bookcase side11.25 × 72 in
2Bookcase side11.25 × 72 in
3Top / bottom11.25 × 34.5 in
4Top / bottom11.25 × 34.5 in
5Adjustable shelf10.875 × 34.375 in
6Adjustable shelf10.875 × 34.375 in
Sheet 248 × 96 in
Part key Finished sizes · in
1Adjustable shelf34.375 × 10.875 in
2Adjustable shelf34.375 × 10.875 in
3Adjustable shelf34.375 × 10.875 in
4Front / back rail34.5 × 3 in
5Front / back rail34.5 × 3 in
i
Planning estimate: This list describes two sides, a captured top and bottom, adjustable shelves, and two narrow rails. A structural back, fixed shelf, base, face trim, anti-racking details, and anti-tip anchoring must be designed separately.
Reproducible default case
Worked example: 36 × 72 inch plywood bookshelf
With a 36-inch outside width, 72-inch height, 11 1/4-inch depth, 3/4-inch plywood, and five adjustable shelves, the calculator produces the finished rectangles below. The example keeps the back, base, face trim, shelf nosing, and anchoring outside the plywood list until those details are designed.
Captured top and bottom fit between two full-height sides.
Adjustable shelves receive 3/8 inch of front clearance and 1/8 inch of total side clearance.
Two 3-inch rails are placeholders for a design-specific anti-racking system.
PartFinished sizeQty
Bookcase sideFace grain locked with height11 1/4 × 72 in2
Top / bottomCaptured between the sides11 1/4 × 34 1/2 in2
Adjustable shelfReduced for front and side clearance10 7/8 × 34 3/8 in5
Front / back railPlanning placeholders3 × 34 1/2 in2
This list describes two sides, a captured top and bottom, adjustable shelves, and two narrow rails. A structural back, fixed shelf, base, face trim, anti-racking details, and anti-tip anchoring must be designed separately.
Use the generated rectangles as a transparent starting point. The layout does not replace a construction drawing, hardware specification, load calculation, or safe cutting procedure.
Before material purchase
Checks the calculator cannot make from dimensions alone
Check shelf deflection for the intended load and clear span.
Add a structural back or another anti-racking system.
Confirm wall anchoring and anti-tip requirements.
Recalculate after adding a fixed center divider or hardwood shelf nosing.