Woodworking Cut List Optimizer

Enter your pieces. Get optimized cuts. Minimize waste.

A free browser-based tool that calculates the most efficient way to cut pieces from standard lumber boards, minimizing waste. No account or download required.

Board Settings

This tool optimizes by length only — board width and thickness (1x4, 2x6, etc.) don't affect the calculation.

Cut List

Enter the pieces you need to cut. Lengths accept decimals (24.75) or fractions (24 3/4).

Qty Length (in) Label

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cut list optimizer?

A cut list optimizer is a tool that figures out how to arrange your woodworking cuts across standard-length boards to minimize waste. Instead of manually planning which pieces go on which board, the optimizer uses an algorithm to pack pieces efficiently — saving you money on lumber and time at the saw.

How do I use this tool?
  1. Select your board length (or enter a custom length). Board width/thickness doesn't matter — this tool optimizes by length only.
  2. Set the kerf width for your saw blade (default is 1/8").
  3. Optionally enter the price per board to estimate total cost.
  4. Enter each piece you need: quantity, length, and an optional label.
  5. Click Calculate to see optimized cut diagrams.
  6. Click the Print button (or use Ctrl+P / your browser's share menu) for a workshop-ready shopping list and cut order.
How does kerf affect my cuts?

Kerf is the width of material removed by the saw blade during each cut — typically 1/8" (0.125") for a standard table saw blade. If you're cutting multiple pieces from one board, each cut between pieces consumes that much material. Ignoring kerf can leave your last piece too short. This tool accounts for kerf automatically so your measurements are accurate.

How can I minimize lumber waste?

This tool uses a First Fit Decreasing (FFD) algorithm, which sorts your pieces from longest to shortest and packs them efficiently. You can also reduce waste by adjusting your design dimensions slightly to fit standard board lengths, combining pieces from different parts of your project on the same board, and choosing the board length that best matches your longest pieces.