Calculator page · 3 min read
Lumber cut list calculator
Dimensional lumber jobs still benefit from a lumber cut list calculator when you are trying to buy the fewest 2×4×96 bundles or minimize waste on a long wall run. The same workflow applies to wood cut lists, board cut lists, and general wood cutting planner jobs on stick stock.
How Cutlistor optimizes dimensional lumber
The free linear cut list optimizer accepts multiple dimensional lumber stock lengths, part lengths, quantities, and kerf. Review stick count and yield before you buy.
Stock lengths
Enter the actual lumber length you buy - 8 ft, 10 ft, 12 ft, or metric equivalents - so the optimizer’s yield matches the yard.
Wood cut list vs sheet cut list
Lumber and trim use 1D linear optimization. Plywood cabinet parts use the sheet optimizer. Many jobs need both - link each tool from your project notes or saved dashboard on paid plans.
Common lumber cut list mistakes
1D optimization answers how many bundles — not sheet nesting.
- Using 96 in when you buy precut 92-5/8 in studs
- Ignoring kerf on dense stud packs
- Modeling lumber as fake plywood rectangles
Step-by-step dimensional lumber linear workflow
List every finished dimensional lumber length and quantity. Enter stock lengths you actually buy — 92-5/8 in precut studs, 8 ft, 10 ft, 12 ft. Set kerf to 1/8 in framing blade.
Run the optimizer and read stick count plus offcuts. Compare precut studs vs 8 ft bundles on the same cut list when price per foot differs.
For mixed jobs, run panels in the sheet optimizer and sticks here. Link both PDFs in the job folder.
Kerf and stock lengths for dimensional lumber
Framing kerf adds up on 16 in on-center walls — enter measured blade width, not zero.
Precut studs at 92-5/8 in are a different SKU than 96 in — enter what you purchase.
| Stock option | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 92-5/8 in precut | Wall studs at 8 ft plate height |
| 96 in (8 ft) | Plates, blocking, short members |
| 120 in (10 ft) | Long plates, fewer splices |
Worked example: interior wall stud pack
Fourteen studs at 92-5/8 in plus top and bottom plates at 144 in from 10 ft stock — optimizer reports bundle count before layout day.
Import, export, and verification
Import linear CSV or XLSX from /samples/cutlist-import/ when Excel already holds dimensional lumber lengths.
Export PDF cut sequences for the crew. Paid plans add saved projects and mitered ends on linear parts in the dashboard.
Free anonymous use includes 3 calculations per day, up to 15 part rows, and CSV imports of up to 5 rows.
Before you cut dimensional lumber: checklist
Wood cut list and lumber cut list are the same 1D workflow for stick stock.
Link sheet optimizer PDF for plywood sheathing on the same job.
FAQ
- Can I use this as a wood cut calculator?
- Yes. Any stick stock with a meaningful length dimension - studs, boards, trim - fits the linear optimizer workflow.
- Is this dimensional lumber linear calculator free?
- Yes. The linear cut list optimizer runs in the browser with free-tier daily limits.
- Can I use multiple dimensional lumber stock lengths?
- Yes. Enter every stick length you buy — 92-5/8 in precut studs, 8 ft, 10 ft, 12 ft — and compare yield.
- How do I set kerf for dimensional lumber?
- Measure once on scrap. For dimensional lumber, 1/8 in framing blade is a common starting point until tooling changes.