Cut List Optimiser
CutWize is a free online cut list optimizer for turning your stock sizes and required parts into practical cutting layouts. Enter sheets, panels, boards or linear material, then see the cutting plan, kerf allowance and reusable offcuts in one workflow. Whether you search for a cutlist optimizer or cut list optimizer, the goal is the same: plan the job before you start cutting.
No account needed to try it. See a real cutting plan below, then create a free account to save your work.
Comparing options? See CutWize vs OptiCutter.
This Is the Real CutWize App
No stock photos. This is an actual cutting plan generated by CutWize, with real waste and offcut tracking.
Try a Simplified Preview
This lightweight, in-browser preview runs the same nesting logic as the full app. Enter your sheet size and required cuts to see an optimized layout, sheets needed, reusable offcuts, and waste instantly.
Empty areas 300mm or larger on both sides are reusable offcuts, anything smaller is waste.
Your cutting plan is ready — save it with a free account
You've already done the hard part. Create a free CutWize account to keep your jobs, return to them later and continue optimising. No credit card required.
What Is a Cut List Optimizer?
A cut list optimizer is a tool that takes your list of required parts and stock material and calculates the most efficient way to cut them with the least waste.
When you have dozens of parts to cut from larger sheets or lengths, manually figuring out layouts leads to unnecessary scrap and wasted time. This is known as the bin-packing or nesting problem. A cut optimizer automates this by evaluating possible arrangements and delivering a visual cutting diagram. CutWize lets you switch between 2D Sheet Optimization, 1D Linear Length Optimization, and Roll Cutting Optimization within the same project workflow, with job tracking and offcut management built around the optimization process.
Whether you call it cut list software, a cut planner, a cutlist optimiser (or cut list optimiser), it is an essential tool for any modern workshop.
Sheet & Panel Optimization
For standard 4×8 (2440 × 1220 mm) sheet goods like plywood, MDF, or melamine, using a dedicated sheet optimizer or panel optimizer is critical. A reliable plywood cut optimizer automatically rotates parts to fit while accounting for kerf (blade thickness) settings for true precision, and respects grain direction when aesthetics matter.
Pairing our built-in plywood calculator and cut sheet calculator ensures you always know exactly how many full sheets you need before you even visit the lumberyard.
Linear & Length Cutting
In addition to flat panels, CutWize provides 1D/linear optimization for lumber, bars, pipes, trim, and extrusions. Whether you are cutting 2×4s to length, working with aluminium bars, or sizing PVC pipe, maximizing linear yield is incredibly important to keep material costs down.
Use our dedicated linear cutting optimizer or the board foot calculator to dial in your materials perfectly.
Cut Sheet vs Cut List — What's the Difference?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a technical distinction. A cut sheet is a list of all the parts you need to cut from your material, with their dimensions and quantities. A cut list acts as your input — the parts you need — while the cutting diagram or visual cut sheet is the optimized output showing you exactly how to arrange those parts on your stock material.
If you just want the math, our cut sheet calculator can help clarify exactly what you need.
Free Cutting Optimization Software
Finding a free cut list optimizer doesn't mean sacrificing the core workflow. CutWize is browser-based, requires no install, and works across desktop, tablet and phone in the workshop.
Unlike desktop-only workflows, there is nothing to install or maintain locally. CutWize is available wherever you have a browser, whether you search for a cutlist optimizer or a cutting optimiser.
How to Use the Optimizer
Follow these simple steps to get started:
- Enter your stock sizes — add sheet dimensions or bar lengths and quantities.
- Enter your required parts — add the dimensions, quantities, and job names for every piece you need.
- Set blade kerf — enter your saw's blade thickness for precise calculations.
- Run the optimizer — CutWize calculates the most efficient layout instantly.
- Read the cutting diagram — follow the color-coded patterns at your saw, ticking off each cut as you go.
Ready to try another job? Use the Sheets optimizer to continue.
What to Look For in Cut List Software
- Persistent offcut management — the best tools don't just solve today's job; they save your leftover pieces so they're prioritized for the next one, instead of getting cut into scrap.
- Cloud collaboration — because CutWize lives in the browser, the front office can build a cutting plan and the workshop floor can pull it up on a tablet immediately, with no file to send back and forth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Optimizing Your Cut Lists Today
Try the cutting optimiser with your own stock and required parts — it's free to start.
No account needed to try
Also optimize: Sheet Cutting Optimizer | Plywood Calculator | MDF & Melamine Optimizer | 2x4 Calculator
Cut Lists: Cut List Calculator | How to Create a Cut List
Resources & Guides: Reduce Plywood Waste | Material Cutting Best Practices | Cabinet Panel Layouts
Custom Planning for Woodworkers | Calculator Waste Minimization | Optimizer vs Calculator