MTMasterTool

Cut List Optimizer

Pack requested cuts into equal-length stock boards with saw kerf.

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What this tool does

Pack requested cuts into equal-length stock boards with saw kerf. This is a fast heuristic, not a guarantee of the mathematically fewest boards. Cuts are listed in inches even when stock dimensions use metric.

How to use the Cut List Optimizer

  1. Enter or select stock board length in in.
  2. Enter or select saw kerf in in.
  3. Enter or select cut lengths in inches (one per line or comma separated).
  4. Read the calculated result; change any measurement to compare alternatives.

Formula

Sort cuts descending; place each in the first board with space for cut + kerf; start a new board when none fit (first-fit decreasing heuristic).
stock
Stock board length (in, before metric conversion)
kerf
Saw kerf (in, before metric conversion)
cuts
Cut lengths in inches (one per line or comma separated)

This is a fast heuristic, not a guarantee of the mathematically fewest boards. Cuts are listed in inches even when stock dimensions use metric.

Worked example

For cut list optimizer, the following measurements illustrate the exact method: Stock board length: 96; Saw kerf: 0.125; Cut lengths in inches (one per line or comma separated): 36, 36, 24, 24, 18, 18, 12.

Inputs

  • Stock board length96 in
  • Saw kerf0.125 in
  • Cut lengths in inches (one per line or comma separated)36, 36, 24, 24, 18, 18, 12

Result

  • Stock boards required2
  • Uncut remainder23.13 in
  • Kerf loss0.88 in

Results explained

Stock boards required
Stock boards required from the formula above. This is a fast heuristic, not a guarantee of the mathematically fewest boards. Cuts are listed in inches even when stock dimensions use metric.
Uncut remainder
Uncut remainder from the formula above, expressed in in before metric conversion. This is a fast heuristic, not a guarantee of the mathematically fewest boards. Cuts are listed in inches even when stock dimensions use metric.
Kerf loss
Kerf loss from the formula above, expressed in in before metric conversion. This is a fast heuristic, not a guarantee of the mathematically fewest boards. Cuts are listed in inches even when stock dimensions use metric.

Frequently asked questions

First-fit decreasing sorts pieces by length and places each in the first stock board that can hold it, allowing one kerf per cut.

Use actual measured thickness and width unless your supplier explicitly prices on nominal rough dimensions. A nominal 2 × 4 is typically 1.5 × 3.5 inches after surfacing.

No unless a waste input is shown. Add stock for end trimming, defects and kerf rather than treating the computed total as a guaranteed cut plan.

Length inputs with a unit can be switched to metric; internal formulas keep a consistent inch/foot basis. Board foot outputs remain board feet.

Grain, defects, end trimming and angle cuts are not modeled. Check every board before cutting.