Parts list

Enter parts to cut

Label?	Length (mm)?	Width (mm)?	Qty?	Rotate?	Actions

Cut plan

Sheet: —Blade kerf: —Rotation: —Sheets: —Parts: —Efficiency: —

Parts list

Label	Length (mm)	Width (mm)	Qty	Rotate

How to create a cut plan?

Four simple steps to an optimized panel cut list

Enter sheet dimensions

Enter the length and width of your sheet in millimetres. Standard sheet: 2500 × 1250 mm. Any dimensions are supported.

Set the blade kerf

The kerf is the material lost to the saw blade – typically 2–4 mm. Your cutting service or machine manual will confirm the exact value.

Add your parts

Enter the label, length, width and quantity for each part. Enable rotation for any part that can be turned 90° for a better fit.

Optimize and get your cut plan

Click "Calculate cut plan". The tool instantly generates a visual layout for each sheet with efficiency indicators.

Wood grain and sheet direction

One of the most important factors when cutting wood panels is grain direction – especially in furniture making, where visible surfaces need to match visually.

Standard direction (2500 × 1250)

Grain runs along the long edge – in the 2500 mm direction. For tabletops or cabinet doors, the long edge of the part should align with the grain direction (parallel to the 2500 mm axis).

Rotated direction (90°)

If parts are cut across the sheet (e.g. horizontal shelves), the grain will run across. This may be undesirable for cabinet doors and visible fronts, but perfectly fine for structural parts.

💡 Tip: If grain direction matters – disable "Allow 90° rotation" globally or for specific parts. This ensures all parts are cut in the correct grain direction.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about sheet cutting optimization

What algorithm is used for optimization?

This sheet cutting tool uses the MaxRects (Maximum Rectangles) algorithm – one of the most efficient 2D bin-packing solutions available. Parts are placed using a best-fit strategy: each new part is placed in the free space that leaves the smallest unused area. The result is a high material yield with minimal off-cut waste.

Why should I enter the blade kerf?

The kerf is the material removed by the saw blade. Without it, parts may come out oversized. For example, with a 3 mm kerf and a 500 mm part, you need to reserve 503 mm of space. Circular saws typically cut 2–4 mm, CNC routers 3–8 mm. Check with your cutting service for the exact value.

How many parts can I add?

Technically unlimited. However, browser performance may slow with very large lists (500+ parts). We recommend using the Qty field to group identical parts rather than entering each one separately. This speeds up calculation and keeps the layout clean.

What does the efficiency percentage mean?

Efficiency = (total area of all parts ÷ total sheet area) × 100%. 90%+ = excellent (green), 60–90% = good (orange), below 60% = high waste (red). 100% is never achievable because kerf cuts, edge trimming and geometric layout always leave some off-cut.

Can I use non-standard sheet sizes?

Yes! The sheet cutting optimizer works with any dimensions – from small boards (e.g. 600 × 300 mm shelf) to large format sheets (e.g. 3050 × 1250 mm). The visualization scale is adjusted automatically. Common formats: 2500×1250, 2800×2070, 3050×1250 mm.

Is my data saved? Do I need to register?

The tool runs entirely in your browser – no data is sent to any server. No registration required. All calculations happen on your device. Data is lost when the page is refreshed, so we recommend printing or saving your results before closing.

Why is allowing 90° rotation useful?

Enabling rotation typically improves efficiency by 10–25%. The algorithm tests both orientations and picks the better fit. However, for grain-sensitive materials (e.g. veneered MDF fronts, patterned melamine, planed solid wood), rotation can ruin the visual result – disable it for those specific parts.