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Sheet yield calculator

Counts parts per sheet in both orientations with the kerf and the unusable margin included — the two terms people leave out, and the two that decide whether the last row fits.

The question this answers: “How many of these come out of one sheet, and how many sheets do I order?”

A standard British sheet is 2440 × 1220.

Width the cut itself removes. Equal to the cutter diameter on a router.

Border you cannot cut into — clamps, damaged edges.

Result

Parts per sheet
15
Best as drawn. 15 as drawn, 14 rotated.
Sheets for 12 parts
1
Leaving 3 spare.
Sheet used
60.5%
By area, counting only the parts. The rest is kerf, margin and offcut.

Worth knowing about this answer

  • This is a plain grid rather than a nesting algorithm. Irregular parts, shapes that interlock and offcuts from earlier jobs will all beat this figure, sometimes by a lot — treat it as the floor rather than the answer.
  • Orientation matters here: 15 parts as drawn against 14 rotated. If the material has a grain direction or a finished face, the rotated option may not actually be available to you.
Show the working
  1. Usable area after the margin2440 − 2×20 by 1220 − 2×202400 × 1180 mm
  2. Rows, as drawn(2400 + 6) ÷ (400 + 6)5
  3. Columns, as drawn(1180 + 6) ÷ (300 + 6)3
  4. Best of the two orientationsmax(15, 14)15 per sheet

Parts per sheet: 15. Sheets for 12 parts: 1. Sheet used: 60.5%

How it works

A grid fit in each orientation. The usable area is the sheet less twice the margin on each side; rows are the usable length plus one kerf divided by the part length plus one kerf, rounded down, and columns likewise. The better of the two orientations is reported along with both figures.

What it assumes

  • Parts are rectangular and laid out on a grid, all the same way up.
  • One kerf is lost between every pair of adjacent parts, and the outermost cut also takes one — which is why the arithmetic adds a kerf before dividing rather than after.
  • The margin is the same on all four edges.

Where it stops being reliable

  • It is a grid, not a nesting algorithm. Irregular shapes, parts that interlock and offcuts from earlier jobs all beat this figure, sometimes substantially, so treat it as a floor.
  • It assumes a plain sheet. A directional grain or a finished face removes the rotated option entirely, and the tool reports both orientations rather than modelling that for you.
  • It counts area utilisation only from the parts, so the percentage does not distinguish a usable offcut from sawdust.

Runs entirely in your browser — nothing you type is sent anywhere. Last reviewed 2026-08-14. More on CNC routing.