What grit sequence should I follow?

Never skip more than one grit level. A typical progression for furniture is 80 → 120 → 180 → 220. For ultra-smooth finishes, continue to 320 or 400. Starting at 120 is fine for pre-planed timber.

How much sandpaper do I need?

As a rough guide, one sheet covers about 2 m² before wearing out. Coarser grits wear faster in hardwood. Always buy extra — running out mid-project is frustrating.

When should I start with 60 grit?

Only use 60 grit for removing paint, heavy scratches, or flattening rough-sawn timber. On pre-planed wood, start at 80 or 120 grit. Using too coarse a grit creates deep scratches that are hard to remove.

WoodCalcs

Sanding Schedule Calculator — Grit Progression

Plan grit progression and sandpaper quantities for wood preparation.

Surface Area

Total surface area to cover

Starting Grit

Start coarse and work to fine for best results

Finishing Grit

Select the finish type for your project

How We Calculate This

The calculator builds a grit progression from your start to finish grit, following the standard sequence: 60 → 80 → 100 → 120 → 150 → 180 → 220 → 320 → 400.

Sheets per grit ≈ Surface area ÷ 2 (one sheet covers ~2 m²)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify measurements and material quantities before cutting or purchasing.