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Steel Stock Cutting and Waste Calculator

Dividing stock length by part length can overstate the number of pieces you can cut. Blade kerf and end trimming consume material too. This tool estimates stock requirements for identical straight cuts and separates the types of loss.

Your dimensions

For equal-length parts and straight cuts. This is not a mixed-length optimizer and does not model angled cuts, bending or two-dimensional sheet nesting. Verify actual machine settings.

Calculation results

Stock lengths required
5
Maximum pieces per stock
4
Useful length yield
93.33%
Total remaining offcuts
1,940mm
Total blade loss
60mm
Total end trim
0mm

How to use this tool

  1. Enter stock and finished part lengths in millimetres; a 6 m stock length is 6000 mm.
  2. Enter the number of parts, actual blade kerf and combined material lost at both ends of each stock.
  3. Check stock count, reusable offcuts and blade loss. End trim must include any kerf consumed by the end-trimming cuts.

Calculation formula

usable = stock − trim; N = floor(usable ÷ (piece + kerf))

After end trim is deducted, each part normally consumes one kerf. If the last piece ends exactly at the stock end, it needs no extra separation cut. Stock count rounds up, and offcuts include the partly used final stock.

Worked example

For twenty 1400 mm pieces from 6000 mm stock, a 3 mm kerf and no end trim allow four pieces per stock. Five stocks are needed, with 60 mm of blade loss, 1940 mm of remaining offcuts and about 93.33% useful-length yield.

Frequently asked questions

Can I cut two 3 m pieces from exactly 6 m of stock?

Not with a positive kerf. Two 3000 mm parts use all 6000 mm, leaving no material for the blade. Measure actual stock overlength and permitted part tolerance before planning the cut.

How are offcuts different from blade loss?

Blade loss is material removed during cutting. Offcuts are lengths left over that may be reusable for other jobs. The calculator lists both separately and also reports combined end-trimming loss.

Continue planning your order

Sources and calculation basis

Industry references for density and planning tools; this calculator’s method and limitations are explained above.

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