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

Total surface area to sand

Wood TypeAffects starting grit and sheet wear rate

Finish LevelDetermines the final grit in the sequence

How We Calculate This

Sheets per grit = Surface area ÷ coverage per sheet (one sheet covers ~2 m², less in hardwood)

Total sheets = Sheets per grit × Number of grits

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

The grit sequence is automatically determined by your wood type and desired finish level. Hardwood needs starting at a coarser grit and wears sheets faster.

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.