No need to know the vocabulary first
A few words, explained
- Kerf
- The width of material removed by a cut.
- Stock
- The wood or other material you start with.
- Joinery
- The methods used to connect pieces of wood.
- Grain
- The direction and pattern of the wood's fibers.
- Cut list
- A list of the pieces you need, with their sizes and quantities.
Define parts before optimizing stock
Enter the right material, quantity, finished dimensions, and rough allowance. Check thickness, grain direction and trimming allowances before generating the layout.
Use optimization as a purchase and planning aid
The layout can show which stock is likely to work, but confirm defects, show faces, safe cut order, sheet orientation, and the actual material you have before making the first cut.
Label parts as they are cut
Put a part name or code on each piece as soon as it is cut. That preserves the information from the cut list and prevents matched or mirrored parts from getting lost in the stack.
Shop 101
Prepare a complete cut plan
Include rough allowances, grain direction, kerf and the cutting sequence with your finished part list.
- List part quantity, finished size, show face, and grain direction.
- Add rough size, trim, kerf, and a clear label before nesting.
- Write the breakdown order that keeps stock supported and parts traceable.
Try it with your own numbers
Common questions
What does a cut list calculator do?
It helps turn a list of parts into a stock and layout plan, while accounting for inputs such as sheet or board size, part dimensions, and saw kerf.
Can a cut list calculator account for grain direction?
A useful planning process must preserve grain direction and show-face requirements. Confirm those project-specific decisions before accepting any optimized layout.
Do I still need trim allowance with a cut list?
Yes when stock must be squared, jointed, flattened, or brought to final dimensions after machining. Add trim before optimizing the material.