Calculate cut length for equal pieces, how many pieces fit in a stock length or how many stock lengths you need, with optional saw kerf and end trims.

Saw kerf, trims and result unit
Width the blade removes, charged once per piece. Blank means zero; many saw blades cut about 3 mm (1/8 in).

Blank means zero. Include any trim-cut loss in this allowance.

Blank means zero. Reserved on every stock length.

Cut Length Formula

The following two example problems outline the steps and information needed to calculate the Cut Length.

CL = (L - Tstart - Tend) / P - K
  • Where CL is the Cut Length
  • L is the stock length; Tstart and Tend are reserved trim allowances, including trim-cut losses; K is the kerf charged for each finished piece.
  • P is the total number of pieces needed 

For equal pieces, subtract both trim allowances, divide the remaining length by the piece count, then subtract one kerf per finished piece. The examples below assume zero trim and zero kerf, with all lengths in the same unit.

How to Calculate Cut Length?

The following example problems outline how to calculate Cut Length.

Example Problem #1:

  1. First, determine the total length of material.
    • The total length of material is given as 400.
  2. Next, determine the total number of pieces needed.
    • The total number of pieces needed is provided as 10.
  3. Finally, calculate the Cut Length using the equation above: 

CL = (L − Tstart − Tend) / P − K

The values provided above are inserted into the equation below and computed.

CL = 400 / 10 = 40.00

Example Problem #2: 

For this problem, the variables required are provided below:

total length of material = 300

total number of pieces needed = 20

Test your knowledge using the equation and check your answer with the calculator.

CL = (L − Tstart − Tend) / P − K = ?