Sheet Settings
Cut List
Enter the pieces you need to cut. Width should be the shorter dimension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Blade kerf is the width of material removed by the saw blade during a cut. A standard table saw blade removes about 1/8" (0.125") of material. When planning multiple cuts, this adds up significantly. For example, if you're making 10 rip cuts, you'll lose 1.25" of material just to kerf. Our calculator accounts for this to ensure your pieces actually fit on the sheet.
Allow rotation when grain direction doesn't matter - this gives the optimizer more flexibility to minimize waste. Disable rotation for face-frame pieces, door panels, or any visible component where grain direction is important. For painted or laminated materials, rotation usually doesn't matter.
This calculator uses a first-fit decreasing algorithm that provides good results for most workshop projects. For complex projects with many pieces, commercial software may achieve slightly better optimization. However, for typical projects with 10-30 pieces, this calculator will give you a practical, efficient cut plan that's easy to follow.
For most projects, 15-25% waste is typical and acceptable. Under 15% is excellent and usually means your pieces happened to fit well. Over 30% waste suggests you might rethink piece dimensions or see if offcuts can be used for other projects. Remember that some waste is inevitable due to kerf and the need to start cuts from sheet edges.