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.
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.
Measure each cut from the start of the piece and keep the blade on the waste side of the line. Every piece on the drawings is named, and each one comes off as named.
S1.1 · Board 96 in
| Part | Finished size | From start |
|---|---|---|
| P1.1 · Long rail | 42 in | 0 in |
| P1.2 · Long rail | 42 in | 42.125 in |
Cutting order
- Cut the board (96 in) 42 in from the start: Long rail (42 in). The rest is a 53.875 in piece for cut 2.
- Cut the 53.875 in piece 42 in from the start: Long rail (42 in). The rest is an 11.75 in offcut.
Offcuts to keep or discard
- 11.75 in (S1.1bb)
S1.2 · Board 96 in
| 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
- Cut the board (96 in) 18 in from the start: Short rail (18 in). The rest is a 77.875 in piece for cut 2.
- Cut the 77.875 in piece 18 in from the start: Short rail (18 in). The rest is a 59.75 in piece for cut 3.
- Cut the 59.75 in piece 18 in from the start: Short rail (18 in). The rest is a 41.625 in piece for cut 4.
- Cut the 41.625 in piece 18 in from the start: Short rail (18 in). The rest is a 23.5 in offcut.
Offcuts to keep or discard
- 23.5 in: enough for 1 more short rail (S1.2bbbb)
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. The picture holds every drawing on one image, to post in a forum or send to whoever does the cutting.
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.