Lengths accept inches as decimals or fractions, such as 37.5, 37 1/2, or 3/4. The example above is the 2x6 cut list from our raised garden bed plan: six 29″ and six 65″ boards fit on six 8-foot 2x6s.
How the calculator works
For each board, the calculator picks the combination of remaining cuts that fills it most completely, counting one saw kerf between cuts and trimming the board’s end first, then repeats until every cut is placed. It also runs first-fit decreasing (longest cuts first, each on the first board with room) and keeps whichever result needs fewer boards. For typical woodworking cut lists, this finds the minimum number of boards or comes very close.
Tips for buying lumber
- Buy one extra board for a project with many parts. A split end, a knot in the wrong place, or one miscut can cost you a board.
- Check actual sizes. Lengths here are what you cut, but widths and thicknesses are smaller than the label: see our lumber sizes chart.
- Longer boards can waste less. Try 10, 12, or 16 feet: a set of long cuts that wastes a lot on 8-foot boards may fit better on longer stock, if you can transport it.
- Cut the longest parts first. Offcuts from long boards often cover the short parts.
Questions
How do I calculate how many boards I need for a cut list?
Fill one board at a time with the combination of cuts that leaves the least waste, counting the saw kerf between cuts, then repeat with the cuts that are left. A simpler method, first-fit decreasing, sorts the cuts from longest to shortest and places each on the first board with room. Both give a near-minimal number of boards for typical woodworking cut lists.
How much should I allow for saw kerf?
Most full-kerf table saw and miter saw blades remove about 1/8 inch per cut. Thin-kerf blades remove about 3/32 inch. Allowing 1/8 inch per cut is a safe default.
Why does the calculator trim the board ends?
Board ends from the lumberyard are often rough, checked, or not square. Trimming a small amount, 1/4 inch by default here, gives you a clean, square starting edge.
Does this work for plywood sheets?
No. This calculator handles linear cuts from boards such as 2x4s and 1x6s. Sheet goods need a two-dimensional layout.
Read how to make a cut list, or start from one of our free plans, which include a complete cut list and shopping list.