Steel cutting calculator for bar stock
Plan steel bar stock before the saw starts. This free browser tool takes the steel lengths you already own, the finished parts you need and the width lost to each saw cut, then proposes a practical bar-by-bar cutting layout.
Browser-based · No sign-up · Straight 1D cuts only
Finished parts + cutting allowances + leftover = stock length
What this calculation covers
Use it for straight-length stock such as flat bars, round bars, angle sections or structural shapes when only their linear lengths need planning. Keep different material grades and cross-sections in separate runs; one run does not automatically distinguish or segregate profiles.
The optimizer solves a one-dimensional length problem; it does not check steel grade, wall thickness, material orientation, clamp zones or angled cuts.
A real-number cut list example
For a 6,000 mm steel bar, three finished parts of 2,300, 1,800 and 1,200 mm total 5,300 mm. With three 3 mm cuts, the allowance is 9 mm, leaving 691 mm. This calculation assumes each piece needs a cut and no head or tail allowance.
Length balance: 5300 mm finished + 9 mm kerf + 691 mm leftover = 6000 mm stock.
This illustrative example assumes zero head trim and tail reserve. Always enter your actual machine allowances.
How to prepare a cutting plan
Match stock to parts
Use millimeters or inches consistently and enter the available quantity of each steel bar length.
Account for the saw
Set the blade kerf, head trim and tail reserve for the equipment actually used.
Check the cut map
Review placements and leftover lengths; an incomplete result means some requested pieces were not allocated.
Enter stock, parts and saw kerf in the free 1D MetalCut calculator.
Common questions
Can I plan multiple steel stock lengths?
Yes. Add separate available-stock rows with lengths and quantities, including reusable remnants.
Does this prove the least possible waste?
No. MetalCut uses a multi-strategy heuristic and reports a feasible plan, not a mathematical global optimum.