Tube cutting optimizer for straight lengths
Tube jobs often combine repeated short pieces with long stock. A cut-list plan shows whether the desired lengths fit before any tube is put in the saw, and whether a leftover is long enough for another future job.
Browser-based · No sign-up · Straight 1D cuts only
Finished parts + cutting allowances + leftover = stock length
What this calculation covers
This page covers straight square, rectangular and round tubes as lengths of stock. The browser planner does not calculate miters, bend allowances, tube end preparation or fabrication tolerances.
A tube cut list must still be checked against cutting-machine capacity, clamping, burr control and measured finished-part tolerances.
A real-number cut list example
Three straight 1,800 mm tube sections require 5,400 mm of finished length. On a 6,000 mm tube with an assumed 3 mm kerf for each of three cuts, the estimated unused tail is 591 mm, before trimming or fixture allowances.
Length balance: 5400 mm finished + 9 mm kerf + 591 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
Separate tube specifications
Create different cutting runs for each diameter, section size, wall thickness, material or finish.
Enter actual tube quantities
Add full commercial lengths and any usable remnants as finite inventory.
Inspect the result
Check saw loss and any unplaced parts, then print or export the plan for review.
Enter stock, parts and saw kerf in the free 1D MetalCut calculator.
Common questions
Does MetalCut optimize angled tube cuts?
No. The web version calculates straight-length cuts only; miters are not modeled.
Can the same job use several tube lengths?
Yes, if the stock rows all represent compatible material and profile sizes.