Plywood area is typically measured in which unit?

• A. Board feet
• B. Cubic feet
• C. Square feet
• D. Linear feet

Answer: (C)

The concept tested is recognizing that area, not volume or length, is the appropriate measure for a sheet material like plywood. Plywood is sold in standard sheets, typically 4 feet by 8 feet, which equals 32 square feet per sheet. When you’re figuring out how much material will cover a surface, you multiply the number of sheets by 32 square feet to get the total area.

Board feet is a volume measure (thickness × width × length) used for lumber; cubic feet is also a volume unit, not surface area; linear feet measures length only. Since plywood deals with covering surface area, square feet is the best and most common unit.