Linear Cutting List Calculator

Allocate different part lengths to equal-length tube or bar stock. Include cutting loss and end trims, then review each bar before buying material.

Stock and cuts

Inputs are editable examples. Replace them with your job measurements and shop records.

Required parts

Up to 50 part sizes and 1,000 finished pieces. Each piece consumes one kerf allowance, including the last end cut.

Cut list

Stock bars
2
Finished pieces
7
Finished-length utilization
85%
Total remnant
34.58 in

Best-fit decreasing plan. This heuristic does not guarantee the fewest possible bars.

Cut lengths by stock bar in in
BarCuts (in)Remnant (in)
136 / 36 / 3611.32
224 / 24 / 24 / 2423.26
  • Best-fit-decreasing is a heuristic; the minimum possible stock count is not guaranteed.
  • One kerf is charged for every finished part, including the final end cut. Both trims apply to every stock length.

Method

Enter one stock length, the required part lengths and quantities, and allowances from your cutting process. The planner sorts parts longest first and places each in the tightest existing bar that fits, opening a new bar when necessary. This is best-fit decreasing: a repeatable heuristic, not a guarantee of the minimum possible stock count. Use the cut list to plan linear material; use the nesting calculator for two-dimensional sheet layouts.

Per bar: stock length = finished part lengths + kerf × number of parts + start trim + end trim + remnant. Utilization (%) = total finished length ÷ total purchased stock length × 100.

Worked example

For 120 in stock, 0.25 in trim at each end, 0.06 in kerf per piece, three 36 in parts and four 24 in parts, the plan uses two bars. Finished length is 204 in, cutting loss is 0.42 in, total end trim is 1 in, and total remnant is 34.58 in. Finished-length utilization is 85%. These are example dimensions, not recommended cutting allowances.

Limits

This tool accepts one stock length per run, up to 50 part sizes and 1,000 pieces. It charges one kerf for every finished piece, including the final end cut, so its allowance is conservative when a shop can use an existing stock end without cutting. It does not model angled cuts, clamp zones beyond the entered trims, grain direction, weld seams, or machine motion. Check the actual stock, cutting method, and workholding before production.