How to make a cut list and cutting plan
A good cutting plan uses fewer sheets, avoids miscut parts and leaves measured offcuts for the next job. Here is the step-by-step process cabinet shops use, from drawing to saw.
Step by step
Write the parts list
For every part note a name, length, width and quantity. Length runs with the grain. Group parts by material and thickness: 3/4" plywood, 3/4" MDF, 1/4" backs.
Pick the sheet and check its real size
Plywood is usually 96 × 48 in (4 × 8 ft); MDF and melamine are often 97 × 49 in. Allow for edge trim if the factory edges are damaged.
Enter the blade kerf
Every cut removes the width of the blade, typically 1/8 in (3.2 mm). Leave it out and parts come out short and the sheet count is wrong.
Mark the edge banding on each side
Say which edges get banding and whether its thickness comes off the cut size. Thick banding (1–3 mm) changes the finished size.
Set the grain direction
Doors and drawer fronts on veneered or woodgrain sheets must not rotate. Plain parts can rotate and fit better.
Optimize the layout
For table and panel saws use through-cuts (guillotine). For CNC, free nesting works. Compare fewest sheets with fewest cuts and pick what pays off.
Print and cut in order
Take the plan to the saw with the cut sequence and fence setting. Label every part and store offcuts with their size written on them.
Tips that save sheets
- Use stocked offcuts first: shelves and small sides often fit in them.
- Cut several jobs of the same material together to lower waste.
- Check suspicious sizes before cutting: 3 in instead of 30 in ruins a sheet.
- Enter your sheet price to see what each plan saves in money.
Cut list questions
How many sheets of plywood do I need?
Add up the area of all parts and divide by the usable area of a sheet for the theoretical minimum. The real number depends on layout, kerf and grain. A cut list optimizer gives the exact count and draws every sheet.
Is there a free cut list optimizer?
Yes. On Verneer’s Free plan you can optimize as often as you like and open one full plan per week, with drawing, printing and operator mode, on desktop and phone.
What is the difference between saw and CNC layouts?
A saw only makes straight through-cuts, so the layout is guillotine. A CNC can cut anywhere, so parts can be nested freely, allowing for the bit diameter.