How many grits do I need?

For most furniture work, 3-4 grits: 80/120/180/220. For ultra-smooth finishes, add 320 and 400. For rough timber, start at 60. Never skip more than one grit step.

How many sheets per square metre?

Roughly one sheet covers 2 m² before wearing out. Coarser grits wear faster in hardwood. Sand with the grain and replace sheets when they stop cutting efficiently.

Should I use a sanding block?

Always use a sanding block for flat surfaces — hand sanding without a block creates uneven pressure and dips. Use flexible pads for curves. Cork blocks are gentler than hard rubber.

WoodCalcs

Sandpaper Grit Calculator — Quantities

Plan grit sequences and calculate sandpaper sheet quantities.

Surface Area

Number of Grits

How We Calculate This

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

Total sheets = Sheets per grit × Number of grits

Packs = Total sheets ÷ 5 (standard 5-sheet packs)

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.