Cut List Optimizer
Minimize lumber waste — plan efficient cuts from stock boards using a smart optimization algorithm.
Add your required pieces, set stock length, and optimize.
Required Pieces
Cut Plan Visualization
Each bar represents one stock board with cuts shown.
Add pieces and click “Optimize” to see the cut plan.
What Is a Cut List Optimizer?
A cut list optimizer calculates the most efficient way to cut required pieces from standard stock boards, minimizing waste and the total number of boards you need to buy.
Instead of guessing which pieces to cut from each board, the optimizer uses a first-fit-decreasing algorithm that sorts all pieces from longest to shortest, then fits each piece into the first available stock board with enough remaining length.
How Does the Cutting Optimization Work?
1
List All Required Pieces
Enter the length and quantity of every piece you need to cut for your project.
2
Set Stock Board Length
Select the standard lumber length you’ll buy (8, 10, 12, 14, or 16 feet).
3
Algorithm Optimizes
The optimizer arranges pieces to minimize waste and reduce the total boards needed.
4
Review Cut Plan
See a visual cut plan showing exactly which pieces come from each stock board.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is saw kerf and why does it matter?
Kerf is the width of material removed by the saw blade, typically 1/8 inch (3mm). Each cut wastes kerf-width of material. For 10 cuts, that’s 1.25 inches of lost material. The optimizer accounts for kerf to ensure accurate results.
Is this optimizer 100% optimal?
The first-fit-decreasing algorithm produces near-optimal results for most practical cases. Finding the absolute minimum waste is an NP-hard problem (bin packing), but this greedy approach typically achieves 95%+ efficiency for woodworking cut lists.
Should I buy longer stock boards to reduce waste?
Sometimes yes. Try running the optimizer with different stock lengths (8 ft vs 10 ft vs 12 ft) and compare waste percentages. Longer boards often reduce waste but cost more per board.
Optimize Your Cut List
Stop wasting lumber — plan every cut before you pick up the saw.
Optimize Cuts →