Compound Miter Calculator for Crown and Trim Cuts

Dial in crown, base, and casing joints fast. Get miter and bevel settings with clear direction. Save results as exports for jobsite notes today.

Inputs

deg
Included angle between walls/planes (typical: 90).
deg
Angle crown sits between wall/ceiling (common: 38 or 45).
If radians selected, values are converted internally.
Used when not displaying degrees-minutes-seconds.
Helps you label the setup for your cut list.
Seconds precision
DMS = degrees, minutes, seconds.
Reset

Example Data

Corner angle (deg) Spring angle (deg) Miter (deg) Bevel (deg) Typical use
90 38 ≈ 31.62 ≈ 33.86 Crown molding inside corner
90 45 ≈ 35.26 ≈ 30.00 Common 45° spring profiles
135 38 ≈ 16.62 ≈ 37.39 Open corner / bay conditions

Values are approximate and depend on the selected profile and field measurement accuracy.

Formula Used

This calculator uses standard compound miter relationships for crown and trim installed at a spring angle. Let C be the included corner angle, and S be the spring angle.

  • Miter (table): miter = atan( sin(S) / tan(C/2) )
  • Bevel (blade): bevel = asin( cos(S) * cos(C/2) )

Angles are computed in radians internally, then converted to degrees for display.

How to Use

  1. Measure the included corner angle with an angle finder or template.
  2. Identify the profile spring angle from the trim specs (often 38° or 45°).
  3. Enter both angles, choose your preferred output format, then calculate.
  4. Set the saw miter (table rotation) and bevel (blade tilt) to the results.
  5. Make a test cut on scrap, fine-tune for material thickness and fit.
  6. Download CSV or PDF to attach to your cut list or job record.

Field Notes

  • Real corners may be out of square; measure each location.
  • Keep the workpiece orientation consistent for repeatable cuts.
  • For nested cuts, use the same angles but follow your saw’s nesting guide.
  • Always verify bevel direction on your specific saw model.

Measure carefully, cut once, and verify fit before fastening.

Professional Article

Why compound miters matter on site

Compound cuts appear when a profile meets a corner while held at a spring angle, like crown moulding, fascia returns, or boxed beams. A simple 45° miter rarely fits because the stock is rotated and tilted in two planes. Correct angles reduce gaps, save filler time, and keep assemblies square.

Key inputs: corner and spring angles

The included corner angle is the angle between two walls or members. Inside corners are often near 90°, but renovation work can vary several degrees. The spring angle is the profile’s installation angle relative to wall or ceiling, commonly 38° or 45°. Accurate measurement beats extra decimals. For outside corners, keep magnitudes but reverse orientation.

What the calculator outputs

The tool returns saw miter (table rotation) and saw bevel (blade tilt) needed for the joint. It can also show “nested” equivalents for setups where the work is held against the fence. Confirm left/right and inside/outside orientation for your saw before cutting. Some crews label results as left-hand and right-hand cuts to prevent swapping pieces mid-install.

Interpreting miter vs bevel

Miter changes the cut in plan view; bevel changes it in elevation. Steeper spring angles or out-of-square corners typically push the bevel higher. When a corner opens wider, miter often decreases while bevel increases, helping the cut wrap cleanly around the corner.

Field tolerances and verification

Drywall buildup, framing twist, and material cupping affect fit. Capture the actual corner with an angle finder, then cut short test pieces. Tight at the heel but open at the toe suggests a small miter tweak; a uniform face gap points to bevel. Record final settings per location. Adjust in steps; one degree can change the joint line dramatically.

Typical construction use cases

Use this for crown on vaulted ceilings, outside corners on window heads, handrail returns, column wraps, and soffit trims. In roof carpentry, compound angles show up at hip and valley intersections where members meet at different pitches. Keep one reference face to avoid mirrored mistakes.

Documenting cuts for crews

Exporting CSV helps store corner location, measured angle, spring angle, and final saw settings. Print the PDF for the site folder so crews can match left/right pieces, note bevel direction, and track which corners were measured rather than assumed. Consistent rounding prevents crew mix-ups.

Safety and workflow best practices

Lock detents, verify the bevel scale, and support long stock so it cannot roll. Keep hands clear of the blade path when changing bevel. Mark the profile’s top edge and wall edge, then dry-fit before committing to production cuts.

FAQs

What is a compound miter cut?

A compound miter combines a miter angle and a bevel angle so the cut works in two planes. It’s common for crown, trim returns, and any profile installed at a spring angle.

Should I use the inside or outside corner angle?

Measure the included angle where the pieces meet. Use the inside angle for inside corners. For outside corners, measure the outside included angle and keep your saw orientation consistent with your layout marks.

Which spring angle should I enter for crown moulding?

Use the spring angle specified by the crown profile, typically 38° or 45°. If unknown, place the crown in its installed position and measure the angle between the back face and the wall or ceiling.

Why do I still see gaps after using correct angles?

Corners can be out of square, and stock can twist. Cut test pieces, then adjust miter for toe/heel gaps and bevel for uniform face gaps. Also confirm your saw’s bevel direction and scale accuracy.

Can this help with hip or valley trim work?

Yes for finish elements that behave like a sprung profile meeting an included angle. For structural rafters, dedicated roof-framing calculators are better because pitch and plumb/seat cuts add constraints.

How much rounding is acceptable?

On most trim work, rounding to 0.1° is fine, but long runs amplify error. If the joint is critical, use higher precision, test-cut, and record the final tuned settings for that location.

How do I choose bevel direction on the saw?

Bevel direction depends on whether the piece is left/right and inside/outside. Mark the top edge and reference face, then mirror the setup for the opposite hand. Always confirm on scrap before production.

Confirm angles on scrap, then cut final pieces confidently.

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