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Wood Panel Expansion Clearance Calculator

Translate USDA wood movement estimates into free travel and slot width for a centered or edge-fixed floating panel.

Prefilled values are examples. Replace them with measurements and current costs for your project.

Inputs

Panel wood and moisture range

Select a species listed in USDA Wood Handbook Table 13-5.

Choose the coefficient direction matching the panel width and board sawing orientation.

Range: at least 0.01 in

Range: 6–14 %

Range: 6–14 %

Use the highest expected in-service MC within the supported coefficient range.

Mounting restraint

Geometric boundary condition only; this does not recommend a fastening method.

Result

Expansion travel per free side
0.1694 in
Panel width plus calculated expansion travel
12.3389 in
Signed panel width change
0.3389 in
Dimensional change coefficient per MC point
0.00353
Estimated panel width at target MC
12.3389 in
Expansion: reserve the calculated free travel for the selected restraint assumption.

Formula

Signed panel width change
—
Expansion travel per free side
—
Panel width plus calculated expansion travel
—

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Results are planning aids based on the inputs and assumptions shown. Verify dimensions, stock sizes, hardware clearances, kerf, and current prices against your project before cutting or quoting.