SawPlot

Guides

Reference pages for the numbers a cut list depends on, with every figure linked to the standard, manufacturer spec or dealer listing it comes from.

Before you plan a cut list: a checklist

Most cut list surprises come from a handful of assumptions. Check these before you enter anything into the cut list optimizer or the board cut calculator.

  1. Measure the stock you will actually cut. A "4 × 8" sheet can be 1/16 in. or more under size, and MDF and melamine are often sold at 49 × 97 in. Lumber is trimmed to at least its nominal length and can be a little longer. Details in the sheet size guide.
  2. Measure the thickness, then size your parts. Shelves, dividers and backs that fit between two sides depend on the sides' real thickness. Hardwood plywood sold as 3/4 in. can be as thin as 0.703 in. within its standard, and 18 mm birch is 0.709 in. at nominal size and can be a little less.
  3. Know your kerf. Use the published spec for your blade, or better, measure it with a test cut. Full-kerf table saw blades are about 1/8 in., thin-kerf blades about 3/32 in., and many circular and track saw blades less. See the kerf guide.
  4. Decide which parts need grain direction. Lock it only where the grain shows. Every part you leave free gives the optimizer room to save material.
  5. Decide whether you'll trim factory edges. If you need square reference edges or the edges are damaged, set an edge trim for sheets or an end trim for boards.
  6. List every size you could buy, with prices. Half sheets, 4 × 10 ft sheets, 5 × 5 ft Baltic birch, or 8, 10 and 12 ft boards. The tools pick the cheapest combination when they have prices to compare.
  7. Check the plan before you buy. Look at the diagrams, not just the count. If the largest offcut can hold your biggest part, you have room for one mistake.

Which tool answers which question

  • "How should I cut these parts from my sheets?" Use the cut list optimizer for plywood, MDF, melamine and other sheet goods.
  • "How many sheets do I need to buy?" Use the plywood sheet calculator, which counts sheets from a real layout and explains why dividing areas falls short.
  • "How many boards, and which lengths?" Use the board cut calculator for lumber, trim, dowels and anything else cut to length.

How the tools reach their answers, and where they can fall short, is described on the methodology page. New guides are listed in the changelog when they are published.