Free Woodworking Tool
Free Cut List Calculator
A cut list calculator is a woodworking tool that determines the most efficient way to cut required pieces from available stock lumber, minimizing material waste. Enter your required pieces and stock board dimensions below to generate an optimized cutting layout with visual diagrams and waste analysis.
Cut list calculatorWood cutting optimizerLumber cut list
Unit System
Required Pieces
Add every piece your project needs with its dimensions and quantity.
Piece 2
Stock Lumber
Add the board sizes available at your lumber yard.
Stock 1
How to use the cut list calculator
Follow these steps to get an optimized cutting layout for your next woodworking project.
Add your required pieces
Enter the length, width, and quantity for each piece your project needs. Label them for easy reference on the cutting diagram.
Define your stock lumber
Add the available stock board dimensions from your lumber yard - length, width, and how many boards you have or can buy.
Run the optimizer
Click 'Optimize Cut List' to calculate the most efficient cutting layout using a first-fit-decreasing bin-packing algorithm.
Review and export
Check the visual cutting diagrams, waste percentage, and total boards needed. Export as a printable PDF to take to your workshop.
Cut list FAQ
Common questions about cut list optimization and woodworking planning.
What is a cut list in woodworking?
A cut list is an itemized list of all the individual pieces you need for a woodworking project, including their dimensions and quantities. It serves as a blueprint for cutting raw lumber into the exact parts needed for assembly.
How does cut list optimization reduce waste?
Cut list optimization uses algorithms (like first-fit-decreasing bin packing) to arrange pieces on stock boards in the most space-efficient way. By fitting more pieces per board, you buy fewer boards and send less wood to the scrap bin - often reducing waste by 15-30% compared to manual planning.
What is kerf and why does it matter?
Kerf is the width of material removed by a saw blade during each cut, typically 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) for standard table saw blades. The optimizer accounts for kerf so that your pieces actually fit on the stock boards after cutting.
Can I use this calculator for plywood sheets?
Yes. Enter your plywood sheet dimensions as stock lumber (e.g., 96 x 48 inches for a standard 4x8 sheet) and your required panel sizes as pieces. The optimizer handles 2D cutting layouts the same way.
Should I add extra length for jointing and planing?
Yes, add roughly 1/2 to 1 inch to both length and width for each piece if you plan to joint and plane rough lumber. Enter the oversized dimensions in the calculator so the optimizer accounts for that extra material.
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