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Plywood Sheet Layout Optimizer

Optimize cutting layouts for plywood, MDF, and OSB sheets to minimize waste using guillotine bin-packing algorithms.

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Applications

Used by woodworkers, cabinet makers, carpenters, and DIY enthusiasts to plan efficient cutting layouts for plywood, MDF, OSB, and other sheet goods. Saves material costs by minimizing waste and reducing the number of sheets needed for a project.

Modified Guillotine 2D Bin Packing

The tool uses a best-fit guillotine cutting algorithm with shelf-based placement. Parts are sorted by area descending, then placed using Best Short Side Fit (BSSF), Best Long Side Fit (BLSF), or Worst Fit heuristics. Each cut runs edge-to-edge (guillotine cut), ensuring every cut is feasible with standard panel saws and track saws. Blade kerf and edge banding allowances are applied to part dimensions for accurate real-world layouts.

Fun Fact: Sheet goods like plywood are expensive ($50-$100+ per sheet of ¾" plywood), and a poor cutting layout can waste 15-30% of the material. An optimized layout can save one or more full sheets per project, which quickly adds up for production shops.

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