Cut List Optimizer
Enter your available stock length and required cuts. The optimizer groups cuts into stock boards to help estimate material quantity and reduce waste.
Material inputs
Enter one cut size per line using: length, quantity. Example: 48, 2 means two 48-inch pieces.
Suggested cut layout
How to use the cut list optimizer
Start with the length of the lumber or stock material you plan to buy.
Enter the width of the material removed by your saw blade as the kerf allowance.
Add every required cut length and its quantity. The optimizer sorts longer cuts first and attempts to place them efficiently into available stock.
Review the suggested board layouts before cutting material. Real-world defects, grain direction and safety margins may require adjustments.
Example
Stock length: 96 in
Saw kerf: 0.125 in
48 in × 2
36 in × 2
24 in × 4
The optimizer groups these pieces into stock boards, accounts for saw kerf between cuts and reports the remaining material.
Frequently asked questions
What is a cut list?
A cut list is a list of required material lengths and quantities for a woodworking or construction project.
What is saw kerf?
Saw kerf is the width of material removed by the saw blade during each cut.
Does the optimizer guarantee the absolute minimum waste?
No. It uses a practical first-fit decreasing method that produces useful layouts quickly, but some complex cut lists may have a better mathematical arrangement.
Can I use this for lumber?
Yes. The tool is designed for one-dimensional stock such as lumber, trim, molding and similar materials.