Linear cut list optimizer

Enter the lengths you need and the boards you have. Get a cutting order that includes the width of your saw blade.

Your measurements

Editable example. Use measured sizes, all in the selected unit. Use boards with the same material and cross-section in one plan. This tool makes square crosscuts, not miters.

UnitsBlade kerfTrim from each end

Kerf is the width removed by the blade. Replace the example with your measured cut width.

Trim includes the blade loss for preparing each edge. Zero uses the existing edges. Dimensions accept decimals; inches also accept 1/8 or 12 1/2.

Material and cross-section

Parts you need

Boards you have

Enter each stock size and the quantity available. A rectangular offcut can be another stock row.

Up to 200 parts, 100 stock pieces and 40 rows per list. No files or measurements are sent to us. Opened project files are read in browser memory.

Open saved inputs

Inputs save as a project file on your device. Reopen it here to edit them. Reloading this page starts with the example.

Example plan. Replace the measurements before using it.

Cutting plan

6 of 6 parts placed

2 boards used · 0 stock pieces untouched · 81.3% of used stock in parts

Boards, one cross-section · Blade kerf 0.125 in · Trim 0 in from each end.

Parts: 156 in
Blade loss: 0.75 in
Edge trim: 0 in
Offcuts left: 35.25 in
Rounding adjustment: 0 in
Used stock total: 192 in

Totals are rounded to 0.001 in. Parts, blade loss, edge trim, offcuts and the rounding adjustment add up to the used stock total.

Not in finished parts: 36 in. This is blade loss, edge trim and offcuts plus the rounding adjustment. Offcuts may be reusable.

Parts are tried longest first. This is a workable layout, not a guarantee of the least waste. Changing stock sizes may improve it.

S1.1 · Board 96 in

Each identifier matches a finished size below. A label outside a part points to its centre. Pale parts are labelled in another drawing of the same stock. The remaining area includes offcuts, trim and blade loss. Read the dimensions below, not distances on the page. Drawing is not a full-size template.

Parts on S1.1
Part	Finished size	From start
P1.1 · Long rail	42 in	0 in
P1.2 · Long rail	42 in	42.125 in

Cutting order

Start with the stock size shown above. Name the starting board S1.1. Each distance below is measured from the left or top edge of the named piece. Keep the blade on the offcut side of the line.

On S1.1 (96 in), cut 42 in from the left edge, straight across the board. Keep S1.1a (42 in); the remainder is S1.1b (53.875 in).
On S1.1b (53.875 in), cut 42 in from the left edge, straight across the board. Keep S1.1ba (42 in); the remainder is S1.1bb (11.75 in).

Final part labels: S1.1a = P1.1 (Long rail); S1.1ba = P1.2 (Long rail).

Offcuts to keep or discard

S1.1bb · 11.75 in

S1.2 · Board 96 in

Parts on S1.2
Part	Finished size	From start
P2.1 · Short rail	18 in	0 in
P2.2 · Short rail	18 in	18.125 in
P2.3 · Short rail	18 in	36.25 in
P2.4 · Short rail	18 in	54.375 in

Cutting order

Start with the stock size shown above. Name the starting board S1.2. Each distance below is measured from the left or top edge of the named piece. Keep the blade on the offcut side of the line.

On S1.2 (96 in), cut 18 in from the left edge, straight across the board. Keep S1.2a (18 in); the remainder is S1.2b (77.875 in).
On S1.2b (77.875 in), cut 18 in from the left edge, straight across the board. Keep S1.2ba (18 in); the remainder is S1.2bb (59.75 in).
On S1.2bb (59.75 in), cut 18 in from the left edge, straight across the board. Keep S1.2bba (18 in); the remainder is S1.2bbb (41.625 in).
On S1.2bbb (41.625 in), cut 18 in from the left edge, straight across the board. Keep S1.2bbba (18 in); the remainder is S1.2bbbb (23.5 in).

Final part labels: S1.2a = P2.1 (Short rail); S1.2ba = P2.2 (Short rail); S1.2bba = P2.3 (Short rail); S1.2bbba = P2.4 (Short rail).

Offcuts to keep or discard

S1.2bbbb · 23.5 in

Before you cut

Check the part sizes, quantity, material and grain direction against your project. The layout arranges the parts you enter; it does not work out joints, hardware clearances or structural strength. Plan around defects separately.

Print with your browser's normal print settings or choose Save as PDF. The printout includes the stock, finished parts, offcuts, cutting order and any shortage. The CSV lists positions and dimensions; use the printout for the cut sequence.

For parts that need both a length and width, use the sheet cutting planner. Keep material quantities separate from installation work in a written quote comparison.