Calculator page · 3 min read
Tube cutting calculator
Tubing jobs mirror pipe planning. A tube cutting calculator workflow lists each segment, then finds efficient multi-cut patterns on standard stock lengths.
How Cutlistor optimizes tube and tubing
The free linear cut list optimizer accepts multiple tube and tubing stock lengths, part lengths, quantities, and kerf. Review stick count and yield before you buy.
Material-specific blades
Kerf changes with wheel thickness and process. Update kerf per material to keep predicted lengths accurate.
Tube vs pipe planning
Both use the linear optimizer — enter purchased stick length and finished cut lengths.
| Factor | Tube | Pipe |
|---|---|---|
| Typical process | Cold saw, abrasive | Fine tooth, fusion |
| Kerf | Often wider | Process-specific |
| Optimizer | Same 1D tool | Same 1D tool |
Step-by-step tube and tubing linear workflow
List every finished tube and tubing length and quantity. Enter stock lengths you actually buy — 6 m mill length or 20 ft bar. Set kerf to 2–4 mm abrasive or cold saw kerf.
Run the optimizer and read stick count plus offcuts. Compare full mill length vs pre-cut sticks 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 tube and tubing
Metal and plastic tube share 1D math. Kerf varies widely by wheel and wall thickness.
Deburr allowances can be folded into finished lengths if your shop standard includes them.
| Stock option | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 6 m (20 ft) | Mill tube stock |
| 3 m | Half-length purchases |
| Custom cut | Remnants from inventory |
Worked example: steel tube frame segments
Eight 1.5 m and four 0.8 m segments from 6 m square tube with 3 mm abrasive kerf — read bar count before saw shift.
Import, export, and verification
Import linear CSV or XLSX from /samples/cutlist-import/ when Excel already holds tube and tubing 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 tube and tubing: checklist
Confirm tube and tubing stock length matches the bundle on order. Confirm kerf for your cutting process.
Link sheet and linear PDFs when one job uses both material forms.
FAQ
- Is this tube and tubing linear calculator free?
- Yes. The linear cut list optimizer runs in the browser with free-tier daily limits.
- Can I use multiple tube and tubing stock lengths?
- Yes. Enter every stick length you buy — 6 m mill length or 20 ft bar — and compare yield.
- How do I set kerf for tube and tubing?
- Measure once on scrap. For tube and tubing, 2–4 mm abrasive or cold saw kerf is a common starting point until tooling changes.