Lumber Cut Calculator
Turn a cut list into a stock-board plan before you buy. Enter the cuts, board length and saw kerf, then compare the result with lumber you already own.
Use the calculator →Your cut-list estimate
Enter your measurements to calculate.
Use a cut list instead of total footage alone
Total board footage can look sufficient while an individual long cut still does not fit. This calculator keeps every requested cut intact, accounts for saw kerf between cuts, and groups cuts onto whole stock boards. It is especially useful for 2×4s, 2×6s and other straight lumber where the cross-section is already known.
The packing method sorts the longest cuts first and fits them into the earliest board with enough remaining length. It is a practical planning heuristic, not a certified global optimum. Verify grain, defects, end checks, structural grade and real saw setup before cutting.
Lumber Cut Calculator FAQ
Can I use this as a 2x4 cut calculator?
Yes. Set the stock length to the 2x4 length you have or plan to buy, then enter each finished cut length in inches.
Does the calculator include saw kerf?
Yes. Kerf is applied between cuts on the same stock board.
Why is a cut list better than total linear feet?
Because total footage cannot prove that each individual requested length physically fits a stock board.