Cut List Optimizer

Enter your sheet stock size and the parts you need. The optimizer uses a guillotine bin-packing algorithm to minimize waste — then shows an SVG layout and lets you download a printable PDF cut sheet. Everything runs in your browser; no data leaves your device.

Step 1 — Stock sheet size

in  subtracts from each cut
Sheet: 48 × 96 in = 4,608 in²

Step 2 — Parts list

Label Width Height Qty Rotate?

Results

    Layout preview

    Each color is a unique part. Labels show part name and dimensions. White space = waste.

    How it works

    The optimizer uses a guillotine bin-packing algorithm — the same technique used by professional CNC nesting software, simplified for single-board manual cuts.

    1. Sort by area (largest first) Bigger pieces are placed first. This dramatically reduces wasted corner space versus random order.
    2. Guillotine split After placing a piece, the remaining free space is split into two rectangles (horizontal or vertical). This mirrors real sawmill cuts — every cut goes all the way across.
    3. Best-fit selection Each piece is tried in both orientations (if "Rotate?" is checked). The placement that leaves the smallest unusable leftover is chosen, reducing fragmentation.
    4. Multi-sheet overflow If pieces don't fit on one sheet, the optimizer opens a new sheet automatically and continues. You see exactly how many sheets you need.

    Kerf allowance: Real saw blades remove material. The kerf width (typically 1/8" for a circular saw) is subtracted from the available space after each cut. Enter your blade's kerf in Step 1 to get accurate results.

    Units: All inputs are in inches by default (matching standard US lumber dimensions). The optimizer works in whatever unit you set — the algorithm is unit-agnostic.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is a cut list optimizer and why do I need one?
    A cut list optimizer takes a list of pieces you need to cut from sheet goods (plywood, MDF, OSB, acrylic, etc.) and figures out how to arrange them on your stock sheets to minimize offcuts and wasted material. Without optimization, it's common to waste 20–40% of a sheet. A good layout can cut waste to under 10%. For a DIY cabinet project using five 4×8 sheets at ~$60 each, that's a real saving of $60–$120 in lumber.
    What is guillotine cutting and is it the right algorithm for woodworking?
    Guillotine cutting means every cut goes from one edge of the remaining board all the way to the other edge — exactly how a table saw or track saw works. You cannot make an isolated "island" cut. This constraint is intentional: the resulting cut sequence is practical to execute at a job site or in a small shop. More advanced algorithms (non-guillotine, rotational nesting) can squeeze out a few more percent of efficiency, but they produce cut sequences that require repositioning the workpiece many times — impractical for hand tools or single-operator setups.
    How do I account for saw blade thickness (kerf)?
    A standard 7¼" circular saw blade removes about 1/8" (0.125") of material per cut. A thin-kerf blade removes about 3/32" (0.094"). Enter this value in the "Saw kerf" field in Step 1. The optimizer deducts the kerf from the available width or height after each guillotine cut, so your parts will fit in the real board even after the blade passes through. If you skip this field (kerf = 0), the layout is geometrically correct but may be 1/8" tight in practice.
    Can I rotate parts to use grain direction?
    Yes — but carefully. The "Rotate?" checkbox per part lets the optimizer try the piece in both orientations and pick whichever wastes less material. If grain direction matters (e.g., cabinet door panels where all grain must run vertical), uncheck "Rotate?" for those parts. Structural pieces like shelves can usually be rotated freely.
    What sheet sizes should I enter for common lumber?
    Standard US plywood and MDF comes in 4×8 ft (48 × 96 in) and 4×10 ft (48 × 120 in) sheets. Metric: 1220 × 2440 mm is the standard internationally. Half-sheets are 24 × 48 in. Solid lumber boards are typically described in nominal inches but actual sizes differ (a 2×4 is actually 1.5 × 3.5 in); measure the actual dimension before entering. The "Preset" dropdown in Step 1 covers the most common sheet goods.
    Is my project data saved or sent anywhere?
    No. This tool runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No part dimensions, project data, or results are transmitted to any server. You can even run it offline after the page loads. The PDF is generated client-side using pdf-lib.