How to use this calculator
- Enter the stock board. Set the purchased board length, actual width, thickness and cost per stock board.
- Set kerf and trim. Enter the blade kerf and any end trim reserved for squaring rough or damaged board ends.
- Enter part groups. Add up to four finished part lengths and quantities. Set unused quantities to zero.
- Review yield and buy quantity. Use the stock boards to buy, yield, offcut length, board feet and cost as the material takeoff.
How it works
A linear cut list is a one-dimensional stock-packing problem. This calculator sorts the entered cut lengths from longest to shortest, then places each part into the first stock board with enough remaining usable length. usable length = stock length - end trim Each finished part consumes its part length plus one saw-kerf allowance.
The board count is then converted into material metrics: yield = net part length / purchased stock length and board feet = thickness(in) x width(in) x length(ft) / 12 x boards For a pure lumber-volume estimate, use the board feet calculator. For sheet goods, use the plywood sheet calculator.
Worked example
Verified against the live calculator
Suppose an 8 ft board is cut into eight 24 in parts and four
18 in parts, with 1/8 in kerf and 1/2 in
end trim. The total finished length is 264 in. The packing pass
fits those parts into 3 stock boards, with about
21 in of unused length after kerf and trim. If each board
costs $12, the estimated stock cost is $36.
Frequently asked questions
What does this cut list calculator do?
It packs up to four repeated part lengths into stock boards, then estimates boards to buy, board feet, saw kerf, unused length, yield and cost.
Is this a plywood or cabinet sheet optimizer?
No. This is a one-dimensional stock-board cut list. Sheet nesting, cabinet panels, grain direction, edge banding and two-dimensional layouts need a dedicated optimizer.
How is saw kerf counted?
The calculator charges one saw-kerf allowance for each finished part. That is a conservative estimating method for repeated crosscuts.
Why does the result include board feet?
Board feet connect the cut list to lumber pricing and rough-sawn material buying. The board-foot total uses the full stock boards you plan to buy.
Can this handle different board widths or species?
Use one stock size at a time. If a project uses several stock widths, species or grades, run each stock size separately and combine the results.
Method & assumptions
- Uses one-dimensional stock length only; it does not solve sheet nesting, panel orientation or two-dimensional cabinet cut plans.
- Cut lengths are sorted longest-first and packed with a first-fit pass, which is a practical estimator but not a guaranteed global optimum for every list.
- Kerf is charged once per finished part, and end trim is charged once for each stock board used by the packed list.
- Waste/overage rounds up to additional whole stock boards for defects, mistakes, grain match, site cuts or sorting.
- Final woodworking still needs stock grading, actual moisture condition, milling allowance, grain direction, joinery, finish requirements and test cuts.