Sheet Goods Yield
Calculator
Results
- Parts per panel, lengthwise
- 12
- Parts per panel, rotated
- 12
- Best parts per panel
- 12
- Panel area used by the parts (mm²)
- 2,880,000
- Yield (%)
- 96.748185
Results
| Parts per panel, lengthwise | 12 |
| Parts per panel, rotated | 12 |
| Best parts per panel | 12 |
| Panel area used by the parts (mm²) | 2,880,000 |
| Yield (%) | 96.748185 |
formula-map diagram
- Parts per panel, lengthwise
- 12
- Parts per panel, rotated
- 12
- Best parts per panel
- 12
- Panel area used by the parts (mm²)
- 2,880,000
- Yield (%)
- 96.748185
Formula map
Formula
n = floor((panel + kerf) ÷ (part + kerf)) in each direction= 12
Note
This result is a simplified model; verify against your shop's own tolerances and material data before cutting.
More in Woodworking and metalwork
See all →Frequently asked questions
What does 'yield' mean for a sheet of plywood or MDF?+
Yield is how many usable parts of a given size you can cut from a standard sheet (commonly 4x8 feet or 1220x2440 mm), accounting for the kerf lost at each cut and the sheet's fixed dimensions.
Why can't I just divide sheet area by part area?+
Simple area division ignores that parts are rectangular and must be nested without overlapping, plus the material lost to saw kerf between cuts. Real cutting layouts (nesting) almost always yield fewer parts than the area math alone suggests.
Does rotating parts 90 degrees improve yield?+
Often yes. Because sheets and parts are both rectangular, a layout that mixes some parts rotated 90 degrees frequently fits more pieces than an all-one-orientation layout, especially when part dimensions don't divide evenly into the sheet size.
How much should I budget for kerf loss?+
A typical table saw or panel saw blade removes about 1/8 inch (3 mm) per cut, and a CNC router bit can be narrower. Kerf loss compounds fast with many small parts, since each cut consumes material that would otherwise be part of a finished piece.
Should I account for sheet defects or a damaged edge?+
Yes, factory sheets often have a slightly rough or damaged edge, and grain or veneer defects can appear anywhere on the sheet. Experienced cutters trim a small margin off usable dimensions or plan defect areas into offcuts and edges that won't show.