Lumber & Woodworking · Material planning

Lumber Cut Calculator

Estimate stock boards for repeated equal-length cuts. Include saw kerf and end trim, and compare optional stock-board purchase costs.

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Example values are filled in. Replace them with your measurements.

ft
ft
in
in
$

Enter your measurements

The calculation

Pieces per stock = floor((stock length − two end trims) ÷ (finished length + saw kerf)).

  • Identical cuts only. One kerf is reserved for every piece; mixed cut lists need a cutting plan.

Saved on this device

Only estimates you choose to save are stored here.

    Measure with a little context

    How to use this lumber calculator

    This is a one-length cutting plan. Enter actual usable stock length and the finished length of every identical piece.

    Yield includes a conservative saw kerf for each piece plus trimming at both stock ends. Mixed cut lengths require a separate cutting optimization.

    Pieces per stock = floor((stock length − two end trims) ÷ (finished length + saw kerf)).

    A worked example

    With the example values shown below, the calculated result is 4 boards. These are demonstration inputs, not installation specifications.

    View the example measurements
    • Stock board length: 8 ft
    • Finished piece length: 2 ft
    • Finished pieces needed: 10
    • Saw kerf: 0.125 in
    • Trim allowance at each end: 0.25 in

    From estimate to order

    Whole packages and pieces round up; measured lengths, areas and volumes keep full precision during calculation. Match the product dimensions and units to your quote, and check cuts, minimum orders and delivery before purchasing.

    Read our formulas, rounding rules and limitations →

    Lumber planning questions

    How does saw kerf change the lumber cut count?

    Each finished piece consumes its length plus a conservative kerf allowance, after trim at both stock ends. A cut length that appears to divide exactly into a board may not fit once those losses are included. Enter usable stock length rather than relying on its name alone.

    Can it optimize mixed cut lengths or calculate lumber weight?

    No. This tool estimates repeated pieces of one finished length. A mixed cut list requires a cutting optimizer; board-foot volume and weight are different calculations. Use the board foot calculator for volume and supplier information for species-specific weight.

    Calculation notes updated . Formulas, sources and limitations.