Material planning

Count equal cuts from one strip

Reserve both end trims and the saw kerf before counting equal-length blanks from a fixed strip.

Dividing the stock length by the finished length ignores the material removed between pieces. This worksheet counts a single row of identical blanks. It is useful when preparing repeated dividers or labels from an already sized strip. It makes no claim about arranging different parts on a sheet; use the project planner for that job.

How to use the result

1. Measure the usable stock before trimming. Reserve an allowance at both ends for the defects or out-of-square edges you will actually remove.
2. Enter the required finished length and the kerf measured with the intended blade and setup.
3. Compare the count with the parts list. If it is short, prepare another suitable strip or change the design before cutting; the calculator never adds stock.

Worked example

A 600 mm strip with 5 mm reserved at each end has 590 mm left. Five 100 mm blanks with five full 3 mm separation cuts use 515 mm and leave 75 mm. Six blanks cannot fit. If a 203 mm usable strip exactly equals two 100 mm blanks plus one 3 mm cut, no extra cut is added at the existing end.

Before making

• The count assumes full kerf for a final cut that leaves a remnant; it can undercount layouts that trim with the blade partly outside the stock.
• The remainder is a material balance, not a claim that it is safe to hold or cut.
• Stock width, grain, thickness and workholding must also suit the intended blank.

Continue your plan

• kerf and trim
• use offcuts