Wood Cut List Optimizer

Optimizer tool

Enter stock lengths, cuts and kerf

Start from the page-specific sample data, then plan the stock lengths, required pieces and cutting allowance for your job.

Stock lengths

1 stock input entered. Leave quantity blank for unlimited stock.

No.LabelLength (mm)QuantityCost per stock pieceDelete row
1

Cut list

4 cut inputs entered.

No.LabelLength (mm)QuantityPriorityDelete row
1
2
3
4

Options

How it works

From cut list to cutting plan

1

Enter stock lengths

Add available stock lengths and quantities.

2

Add cut list

Enter each required part length and quantity.

3

Set kerf

Include blade thickness or cutting allowance.

4

Generate plan

Review stock usage, layout and waste.

Use cases

Wood Cut List Optimizer use cases

Use wood cut list optimizer workflows for real cutting jobs, not just a generic calculator screen.

Furniture boards

Lay out shelf, side rail, support and cleat cuts across standard board lengths.

Trim and moulding

Plan repeated trim lengths while leaving room for saw kerf and end cleanup.

Timber and framing

Estimate stock boards needed for framing members, rails and small carpentry jobs.

Workshop batching

Prepare a printable sequence before moving material to the saw.

Benefits

Plan before material reaches the saw

A clear linear cutting plan helps estimate stock requirements, reduce waste and avoid manual trial-and-error.

Reduce board waste before cutting expensive timber.

Keep labelled furniture parts grouped in a readable plan.

Account for saw kerf instead of relying on rough mental math.

Print a shop-friendly cut list for the saw station.

Sample problem

Wood board cut list example

A furniture-style board cutting problem using 2400 mm boards, labelled parts and saw kerf.

Stock

  • 2400mm Board: 2400 mm x unlimited

Cuts

  • Shelf: 900 mm x 4
  • Side Rail: 720 mm x 4
  • Support: 450 mm x 6
  • Cleat: 300 mm x 8

Kerf: 3 mm

Wood Cut List Optimizer FAQs

Answers to common questions about this cutting workflow and material type.

Can this optimize a woodworking cut list?

Yes. It is designed for linear wood cuts such as boards, timber, planks, trim and moulding. It works best when the project can be represented as lengths rather than full sheet layouts.

What saw kerf should I enter?

Use the width of material removed by your saw blade. Many woodworking blades remove around 2 mm to 4 mm, but you should use the value for your actual blade and setup.

Can I label parts like shelf or side rail?

Yes. Labels help keep the cutting plan readable, especially for furniture projects with repeated parts such as shelves, rails, supports and cleats.

Is this the same as a plywood sheet optimizer?

No. This page is for one-dimensional board and timber lengths. Sheet goods need a two-dimensional nesting optimizer.