Cut List Optimizer
Plan the fewest boards or plywood sheets to buy and the exact lowest-waste way to cut them. Works for linear lumber and 2D sheet goods — kerf, materials and cost included. Nothing is uploaded.
Your cut list
Updates liveResults
Fewest boards, least wasteAdd at least one part and a stock board length to see your optimized cutting plan.
Copy & print summary
Panels & stock
Updates liveResults
Fewest sheets, least wasteAdd at least one panel and one stock sheet size to see your nested cutting layout.
Cutting layout
Copy & print summary
How it works
In Boards mode, add each part with its finished length and quantity and set your stock board length — the optimizer packs the cuts onto as few boards as possible. In Sheets mode, add panels as width × length and choose stock sheet sizes (e.g. 4×8 plywood) — it nests the panels onto the fewest sheets with a guillotine-friendly layout. Both modes subtract saw kerf between cuts so the plan matches reality.
Can it optimize plywood and sheet goods?
Yes — switch to Sheets mode to nest rectangular panels onto full sheets. It supports multiple stock sizes, materials, grain direction, used/wasted area, and exports the layout as an image or printable PDF.
What is saw kerf and why does it matter?
Kerf is the width of material removed by the saw blade on each cut, typically about 1/8". The optimizer subtracts it between cuts so the layout fits on real boards and sheets.
Is it free?
Yes — no signup, and everything runs in your browser. None of your measurements are uploaded. You can also share a project as a link or download the layout.