What does this free cut list optimizer do?

It lays out rectangular parts on sheet goods, accounts for blade kerf, and helps you visualize cuts before you go to the saw. You can work in metric or imperial, export a PDF, and iterate quickly when dimensions change.

Which materials does it support?

It is built for flat panel materials such as plywood, MDF, particleboard, melamine, and similar sheet stock where rectangular nesting applies.

Do I need an account to use the free tool?

No account is required to try the optimizer. Some actions use daily limits on the free tier; signing up unlocks saved projects, inventory, and higher limits in the full app.

How is this different from the linear optimizer?

Sheet optimization places parts on two-dimensional panels. For bars, trim, pipe, or lumber cut from long stock, use the linear cut list optimizer on this site.

Instant Cut List Calculation

Free Cut List Optimizer

Cutlistor is a free cutlist optimizer you can treat like a combined cut list calculator and cutting layout planner: instant nesting for plywood, MDF, melamine, and particleboard panels plus kerf-aware cut layout diagrams. If you searched for optimize cutlist, optimize cut list, or sheet cutting optimizer, this browser tool avoids spreadsheet guesswork—and you can upgrade later for AI plan scans and inventory.

Guides & hubs: Workshop guides hub · Cut list calculators · OptiCutter alternative notes · How to use a cut list optimizer · Plywood cut list calculator · Optimizer vs Excel · Linear stock tool

System

Unit

Currency

Kerf / Blade thicknessLeave empty if you don't want kerf included.

Materials

Full app syncs sheet stock from Materials.

Material preset

Length (in)

Width (in)

Thickness (in)

Price (USD)

Multiple materials — available in paid plans.

Import from plan

Upload a plan, sketch, or photo; we extract panels and add them to your cut list.

PDF, PNG, JPEG, WEBP, HEIC · up to 50 MB · PDFs up to 1 000 pages

Cut List0/50

Sample import format:CSVExcel

Available in paid plans.

#NameLength (in)Width (in)Qty

Optimization Result

Sheets

Yield

0.0%

Enter sheet and panel dimensions to see optimization

Basics

What is a Cut List?

A cut list is a detailed list of all the parts required for a project (dimensions, quantities, and materials) so you know exactly what to cut before you build.

Typically includes

Length, width, and thickness
Quantity of each piece
Material type (plywood, MDF, solid wood, etc.)
Notes such as grain direction or labels

Who uses them

Woodworkers for furniture and custom builds
Cabinet makers for kitchens and storage
Contractors for construction and interiors
DIY builders who want fewer mistakes and less waste

Without a cut list, projects often waste material, miscut parts, and lose time on the shop floor.

How to Make a Cut List

Three common approaches: from paper to optimizer.

Manual method

Review your drawing, list every part, write exact dimensions, group similar pieces, and double-check before cutting.

List every individual part
Exact dimensions per piece
Group similar pieces
Verify before the first cut

Great for small jobs, but harder to scale as complexity grows.

Spreadsheet

Many people use Excel or Google Sheets with columns for size, quantity, and material.

Columns for L × W × qty × material
Formulas for totals
Manual layout guesses

Better than paper, but sheets don’t auto-optimize layouts, so waste adds up.

Cut list optimizer

Enter stock size, parts, kerf, and get an optimized layout in seconds.

Set sheet or panel size
Add parts and quantities
Include kerf
Instant layout

Use the calculator above for a clear plan with less scrap.

Cut List Optimization Explained

Optimization arranges every cut so you use less stock. Instead of guessing how to nest parts on a sheet or board, the tool finds efficient layouts.

For cabinets and furniture, even small yield gains can mean real savings on plywood and time.

Why it matters

Less material waste
Lower sheet and lumber cost
Faster, clearer cutting
Fewer measurement mistakes
Smoother shop workflow

Types of Cut Lists

Sheet, linear, and cabinet-focused workflows.

Plywood / sheet

Used for

· Cabinets
· Furniture panels
· Interior wall panels

Rectangular parts from large sheets (e.g. 4×8 plywood). Optimization is 2D layout on each sheet.

Linear

Used for

· Lumber
· Trim
· Pipes
· Metal bar

Cut lengths from long stock: classic 1D optimization.

Need 1D cuts? Open the linear cut optimizer.

Cabinet

Used for

· Base cabinets
· Wall cabinets
· Kitchen runs

Panels, shelves, backs, and structure: usually many parts that benefit from tight nesting.

Plywood cut list calculator | use cases

Consistent layouts and fewer mistakes on real jobs.

Cabinets

Kitchens, wardrobes, and storage with accurate parts and less sheet waste.

Furniture

Tables, desks, shelves, and one-off builds with repeatable dimensions.

Interior work

Cladding, partitions, and feature panels with optimized panel usage.

Free vs paid cut list software

Pick what matches your shop; many projects only need a fast, accurate free tool.

Free tools

No cost
Quick to open
Fine for small and medium jobs

Tradeoffs

· Fewer advanced features in some apps
· Export options vary by tool

Paid software

Stronger optimization in some products
Project and job features
CAD or design integrations

Tradeoffs

· Subscription or license cost
· Can be heavier to learn

Why use this free optimizer?

No login required
Fast, focused interface
Kerf-aware optimization
Runs in your browser

For most shops, a reliable free tool is enough day to day.

Popular sheet cut list calculators

Landing pages tuned for plywood calculators, cabinetry, melamine—each loops back here for live nesting with PDF export.

Prefer reading first? Browse all calculators or the cut list optimizer guide.

FAQs

Quick answers about cut lists and this tool.

Kerf is the width of the material removed by the cutting blade. It must be included in calculations to ensure accurate final dimensions.