Cabinet Cut List Calculator

Calculator Inputs

Example Data Table

Sample base cabinet, frameless, overlay doors, one shelf.

Formula Used

• Span width (between sides): SpanW = W − 2t
• Shelf width: ShelfW = SpanW − Ease (small clearance)
• Back panel (full): BackW = SpanW, BackH = H (or H − ToeH for base)
• Back panel (inset): BackW = BackW − 2t, BackH = BackH − 2t
• Inset door width: DoorW = (OpeningW − Gap·(Doors+1)) / Doors
• Overlay door width: DoorW = (OpeningW + 2·Overlay − Gap) / Doors
• Drawer box width: BoxW = OpeningW − 2·SlideClearance
• Sheet area estimate: Area = Σ(L·W·Qty) / 144 (sq ft), then add waste percent

These formulas provide a practical starting point. Confirm joinery, edge banding, and hardware specs for your shop method.

Technical Guide

1) What a cabinet cut list includes

A complete cut list breaks the cabinet into repeatable parts: sides, top, bottom, back, shelves, doors, and drawer components. Each part needs a quantity, material, and finished size. This calculator outputs those essentials so you can move quickly from measurements to reliable shop paperwork.

2) Working in consistent units

Accuracy starts with consistency. Choose one unit system for all inputs, then keep it through the full workflow: measuring, cutting, and checking fit. The calculator normalizes values internally and returns sizes in your selected unit, helping reduce conversion mistakes that can compound across multiple parts.

3) Panel sizing logic and thickness effects

Carcass thickness drives most deductions. The top and bottom are typically sized to fit between side panels, so the internal span becomes cabinet width minus two thicknesses. A small shelf “ease” is often applied to prevent binding, especially with edge banding or slightly out-of-square boxes.

4) Back panel choices: full or inset

A full back is fast to install and can add racking strength when glued and nailed. An inset back requires a rabbet or dado, reducing the back dimensions by joinery capture on both sides. The calculator supports both, so you can match the output to your preferred method.

5) Toe kick planning for base cabinets

Standard base cabinets commonly use a toe kick around 4 inches high with a 3 inch recess, but variations depend on leveling feet, finished flooring, and design. Subtracting toe kick height from back height keeps the back panel clear of the notch area and helps maintain a clean installation.

6) Door sizing with overlay or inset gaps

Door fit is defined by overlay and gap. Overlay doors add coverage beyond the opening, while inset doors fit inside the opening and rely on a consistent reveal around the perimeter. The calculator distributes gaps between multiple doors to produce practical widths and heights you can fine-tune for hinges and edge treatments.

7) Drawer box sizing and slide clearance

Drawer boxes must clear slides and the cabinet opening. A common approach is subtracting slide clearance on both sides from the clear opening width. Depth allowances help prevent interference with the back panel and hardware. Output dimensions are a strong baseline, but always confirm the slide manufacturer’s required clearances.

8) Kerf, rounding, and waste for purchasing

Kerf represents the material removed by the blade. While a detailed nesting optimizer is beyond a quick estimator, acknowledging kerf and adding waste percentage improves purchasing decisions. Rounding increments help you standardize measuring and cutting, especially when working in fractions or metric increments. Small decisions here reduce rework significantly.

FAQs

1) Does the calculator replace a full sheet nesting program?

It estimates part sizes and total sheet area, but it does not optimize layouts on sheet goods. Use it for planning and then apply a nesting tool or manual layout for final cutting.

2) How do I choose a waste percentage?

For straight panels with simple edging, 8–12% is common. If you expect defects, grain matching, or complex cuts, increase to 15–20%. Always consider your shop’s typical offcut reuse.

3) Why are shelves slightly smaller than the span?

Shelves often need clearance to avoid binding, especially with edge banding or minor cabinet squareness errors. A small “ease” helps shelves slide in cleanly and reduces sanding or trimming during assembly.

4) Can I use this for face-frame cabinets?

Yes. Select face-frame construction and set rail and stile widths. The calculator accounts for the reduced opening, which affects door and drawer sizing, while the carcass panel logic remains straightforward.

5) What if my back panel is captured in a groove?

Choose inset back and confirm your groove depth and placement. If your groove is shallow or offset, you may need minor adjustments. Always dry-fit a test piece before cutting the full batch.

6) Are the drawer dimensions final for every slide brand?

They are a practical baseline using side clearances, but slide specs vary. Check your slide documentation for exact clearance, mounting method, and box height constraints before committing material.

7) How should I handle edge banding in the cut list?

Add edge banding thickness where it affects fit, and consider trimming allowances for flush routing. Many shops cut panels slightly oversize, apply banding, then trim to final dimensions for consistency.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Select units, cabinet type, and construction style.
2. Enter finished cabinet width, height, and depth.
3. Set material thickness, back style, and toe kick values.
4. Choose doors and drawers, then set overlay or inset gaps.
5. Adjust slide clearance, kerf, rounding, and waste percent.
6. Press Calculate Cut List to see results above.
7. Download CSV for spreadsheets or PDF for shop reference.

Accurate cut lists save time, money, and mistakes daily.