Tools for Woodworkers

Linear stock planning

Cut list optimizer

Create a first-pass cutting plan for rails, stiles, trim, and other linear stock. The optimizer uses a best-fit decreasing strategy and reports every board, cut, and offcut.

Bench calculator

Enter your measurements

No account. No upload. Your entries stay in this tab.

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Verify critical dimensions and machine setups independently before cutting project material.

01 / METHOD

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter stock length, saw kerf, and total end trim per stock board.
  2. List one part per line as length × quantity, for example “24 x 4”.
  3. Calculate, then review each board before cutting.

02 / APPLICATION

Useful in the workshop

  • Plan rails and stiles from fixed stock lengths
  • Estimate how many boards to buy
  • Reduce avoidable linear offcuts

03 / MODEL

Assumptions

  • All dimensions use inches.
  • One kerf is charged for each listed part.
  • Parts may be reordered freely and stock boards are identical.

04 / CHECKS

Limitations and safety

  • Heuristic packing is not guaranteed to be the mathematical optimum.
  • Does not account for defects, grain, sequential cuts, or reusable offcut inventory.

Before cutting: independently verify important dimensions, angles, clearances, material behavior, and machine settings. Use safe procedures appropriate to your tools and material.

05 / QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

How should I type the parts?

Use one line per size: length x quantity. Decimals and common fractions such as 23 1/2 are accepted.

Is the result guaranteed optimal?

No. Best-fit decreasing is fast and usually useful, but another arrangement can occasionally use fewer boards.

Where is the kerf applied?

The plan reserves one full kerf for every part cut from a stock board.