Local-first · kerf-aware · printable
Why Two 24 Inch Panels Do Not Fit on a 48 Inch Sheet
A kerf-focused explanation of why two exact 24 inch panels exceed a 48 inch sheet once the saw cut is included.
Why Two 24 Inch Panels Do Not Fit on a 48 Inch Sheet
Two exact 24 inch panels sound like they should fit on a 48 inch sheet, but the cut between them removes material. With a 1/8 inch blade, the total need is 48 1/8 inches.
- Finished part widths plus kerf must be less than or equal to stock width.
- Exact-fit arithmetic without kerf is a common source of first-cut mistakes.
- Use the saw kerf calculator or set kerf in the sheet optimizer before buying material.
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.