Local-first · kerf-aware · printable
How to Read a Plywood Cutting Diagram
Guide-path explanation of sheet diagrams, labels, kerf spacing, and offcuts.
How to Read a Plywood Cutting Diagram
A plywood cutting diagram shows each sheet, placed part labels, rotated parts, empty offcut regions, and a top-left to bottom-right cut sequence checklist.
- Labels identify part names and instance numbers.
- The R marker means the part was rotated during placement.
- Shaded regions are remaining offcuts; verify that any offcut is large enough before planning reuse.
Small interactive example
Use the kerf calculator below to test the guide's exact-fit example before switching to a full layout optimizer.
Saw Kerf Calculator
Required raw stock: 48.125 in
Kerf loss: 0.125 in
This does not fit once kerf is included.
Example: two 24 in panels from a 48 in sheet require 48 in plus one blade kerf. With a 1/8 in blade, that is 48 1/8 in, so it does not fit.
Use the live StockCut tools to test the same assumptions with your own dimensions, unit system, stock size, strategy, and kerf.
Workshop planning notes
Tools commonly used with a cut list
Review your blade kerf, clamps, measuring setup, stock support, and protective equipment before cutting. This informational block is intentionally separate from the input table, Optimize button, layout viewer, and export controls.
What StockCut does
It creates practical rectangular sheet and straight-stock layouts with kerf, labels, waste, offcuts, cut sequence tables, and print-friendly output.
What it does not do
No accounts, cloud save, CNC, DXF, G-code, angle cutting, circular parts, triangle parts, polygon nesting, enterprise inventory, or AI cabinet design.
Privacy model
Cut lists are processed in the browser. Autosave uses localStorage. The tool does not upload or cloud-save your project data.