If you work with wood, lumber, or boards, you know how crucial accurate measurements are. Every fraction of an inch matters when cutting boards for furniture, cabinetry, or construction projects. Even a slight miscalculation can lead to wasted material, added cost, and lost time. To make your woodworking process faster, more accurate, and efficient, our Cutlist Calculator tool is designed to help you determine the number of cuts you can make from a single board, the total used length, and how much material will be left over.
This simple yet powerful online calculator saves time and reduces waste by ensuring you make the most out of every board. Whether you’re a professional carpenter, a hobbyist woodworker, or a DIY enthusiast, this tool will quickly become an essential part of your workshop routine.
Cutlist Calculator
What Is a Cutlist Calculator?
A Cutlist Calculator is a digital tool that helps woodworkers and builders figure out how many pieces of a specific size can be cut from a given board length. It also calculates the total used length and remaining leftover wood after all cuts, taking into account the kerf—the width of the saw blade that is lost during each cut.
Kerf plays a critical role in woodworking because every cut removes a thin portion of the board. Ignoring this can lead to inaccurate cuts, misalignment, or running short on material. With the Cutlist Calculator, these details are automatically factored in, ensuring precise and optimized cutting plans.
How to Use the Cutlist Calculator
Using this tool is incredibly easy. You don’t need to download anything or perform complex calculations—everything happens right in your browser. Follow these simple steps:
- Enter the Board Length (in inches):
This is the total length of the board or material you’re cutting from. For example, if you have an 8-foot board, enter96(since 8 feet = 96 inches). - Enter the Cut Size (in inches):
This represents the length of each piece you want to cut. For instance, if you need pieces that are 20 inches long, type20. - Enter the Saw Kerf (in inches):
The kerf is the width of your saw blade — typically between 0.08" and 0.125". If you’re unsure, check your saw’s specifications or measure a sample cut. - Click “Calculate”:
Once you hit the Calculate button, the tool instantly computes three key values:- Number of Cuts – how many pieces can be made.
- Used Length – total length of material used (including kerf loss).
- Leftover – how much of the board remains unused.
- View the Results:
The calculator will display your results clearly below the form, so you can plan your cuts accordingly. - Use the “Reset” Button (Optional):
To start a new calculation, simply click Reset, and all input fields will be cleared instantly.
Example: How the Cutlist Calculator Works
Let’s go through a quick real-world example.
Suppose you have a 96-inch board (8 feet long).
You want to cut pieces that are 20 inches long, and your saw kerf is 0.125 inches (⅛").
- Board Length = 96
- Cut Size = 20
- Kerf = 0.125
The calculator will compute:
- Number of Cuts: 4
- Used Length: (4 × 20) + (3 × 0.125) = 80.375 inches
- Leftover: 96 - 80.375 = 15.625 inches
So, from your 8-foot board, you can make 4 perfect 20-inch pieces, and you’ll have 15.625 inches left over for another project or smaller parts.
Benefits of Using a Cutlist Calculator
1. Save Time and Avoid Manual Errors
Manual calculations are prone to mistakes, especially when working with decimals or kerf values. This tool performs all computations instantly and precisely.
2. Reduce Material Waste
By accurately calculating the number of possible cuts and leftover material, you can minimize waste and plan your materials more effectively.
3. Improve Project Efficiency
Whether you’re cutting boards for cabinetry, flooring, or framing, having a precise cut plan helps you stay organized and on schedule.
4. Budget-Friendly
Wood and lumber can be expensive. Knowing exactly how many cuts you can get from each board helps you buy only what you need.
5. Beginner-Friendly Interface
The calculator’s simple design ensures that anyone can use it—no technical knowledge required. It’s ideal for both professionals and beginners alike.
Practical Applications of the Cutlist Calculator
This tool is versatile and can be used in a wide range of woodworking and construction projects, including:
- Furniture Making: Designing tables, chairs, cabinets, or frames with precise cut lists.
- Home Improvement: Cutting trim, molding, or flooring boards with minimal waste.
- DIY Projects: Planning custom shelving, picture frames, or outdoor furniture.
- Professional Carpentry: Managing lumber inventory and optimizing material use on job sites.
- Educational Use: Teaching woodworking students about kerf and efficient material use.
Tips for Accurate Results
- Always measure your saw kerf accurately before calculating.
- Double-check the board length—use inches for consistency.
- If working with multiple board sizes, calculate each one separately.
- Consider small errors from warped or uneven boards.
- For metric units, convert centimeters to inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm) before entering.
Why This Tool Is Perfect for Woodworkers
Our Cutlist Calculator is designed with precision, ease of use, and speed in mind. It’s lightweight, responsive, and works seamlessly on both desktop and mobile devices. The calculator visually presents your results in a clear, organized layout so you can focus on the cutting rather than the math.
Since the calculator runs directly in your browser, it doesn’t require any downloads or installations. All calculations happen instantly and locally on your device, ensuring speed and privacy.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a cutlist calculator used for?
It’s used to determine how many equal-length cuts can be made from a board and how much material will remain.
2. Do I need to download software to use it?
No, this calculator runs directly in your browser—no installation required.
3. What units does the calculator use?
The calculator works in inches, the standard unit for woodworking in North America.
4. Can I use it for metric measurements?
Yes, but convert your measurements to inches first for accurate results.
5. What is a kerf?
Kerf is the width of material removed by the saw blade during cutting.
6. Why is kerf important in woodworking?
It affects how many cuts you can make from a board—ignoring kerf can lead to errors.
7. How do I find my saw’s kerf size?
Check your saw blade’s label or measure a test cut with a caliper.
8. What happens if I enter zero kerf?
The tool will assume there’s no material loss between cuts, which is unrealistic but possible for rough estimates.
9. Can I use this tool on mobile devices?
Yes, it’s fully responsive and works perfectly on smartphones and tablets.
10. Is this calculator accurate?
Yes, it performs precise mathematical calculations to two decimal places.
11. Can I calculate multiple board sizes at once?
Not at the same time—calculate each board individually for clarity.
12. Can I save or print my results?
Currently, you can take a screenshot or copy the results manually.
13. What if my leftover length is negative?
That means your cut sizes are too large for the board length—adjust and recalculate.
14. Does this tool account for angled cuts?
No, it calculates straight cuts only.
15. Is this tool free to use?
Yes, the Cutlist Calculator is 100% free for everyone.
16. Can I use it for metal or plastic cutting?
Yes, as long as you know your material’s kerf and measurements.
17. Does the calculator support fractions?
You can convert fractions to decimals (e.g., ⅛ = 0.125) before entering values.
18. Will my data be saved?
No, for privacy reasons, the data is not stored—it’s temporary in your browser.
19. What if I make a mistake in input?
Simply click the Reset button and re-enter your data.
20. Is the Cutlist Calculator updated regularly?
Yes, we continuously improve the tool for accuracy and usability.
Final Thoughts
The Cutlist Calculator is an indispensable tool for anyone who values precision, efficiency, and waste reduction in woodworking. Whether you’re tackling a small home project or managing a professional carpentry business, this tool simplifies your workflow and ensures that every cut counts.
By using it regularly, you’ll not only save money on materials but also gain the confidence that every measurement is accurate. Try it out today and take your woodworking precision to the next level.