How is wood measured?

Question

say a piece of wood is 24" X 48" would the 24" be width or length.

and would the 48" be width or length.

Answer 1

I'm guessing you are using either plywood or particle board. Doesn't matter which is Length or Width. Your only concern as how many smaller squares can be made from the larger one. Make a pattern or template out of cardboard and place this onto the larger sheet to determine best way to utilize the sheet. Keep in mind what you are using to cut the board with since the width of the cutting tool will take away some of the material.

For simple picture frames I've used corrugated material and cut with a utility knife. Used a framing square for a straight edge. Then used postal accepted tape to secure the backing to the frame.

Answer 2

the first number (24) would be the width and the second (48) the length.

Answer 3

does it matter but i think its width then length

Answer 4

length, width, height are always confused, there is no standard. Except a drawing.

What difference does it make in this case? 24" X 48" is definitive.

Answer 5

Wood is measured by the "board-foot".

With wood, the length is usually measured in the direction the grain is running.  So, if the grain is running in the direction that is 48", that would be the length and the 24" direction would be the width.

But, if the grain is running in the 24" direction, then that would be the length and 48" would be the width.

Best wishes.