Cutting list template for Excel
Start with a native Excel workbook instead of formatting a blank spreadsheet. It includes a filterable parts table, a frozen header, and 40 blank rows. Fill in the values and import the completed workbook directly. No account, email, or macros are required.
Already filled in your spreadsheet? Import the XLSX or CSV, review units and material groups, then plan the cuts. Your file stays on your device.
.xlsx workbook · 40 blank part rows · no macrosPrintable cut-list PDF: Letter and A4
Prefer a pencil in the shop? Print a one-page manual worksheet with 12 blank part rows, project and material fields, dimensions, quantity, grain, rotation and edge notes, plus a clearly labeled example. Choose the paper size and print at actual size.
Download Letter PDF (8.5 x 11 in) · Download A4 PDF (210 x 297 mm)
The PDF is a manual worksheet, not an optimizer. PDF import is not supported. Enter the parts in the sheet optimizer, or transfer them into the existing CSV/Excel template and import the spreadsheet. Keep blade kerf separate from blank sizes.
Generate the parts, then plan the cuts.
Keep the blank workbook for your own designs, or start online with a worked cabinet or drawer example. Review the dimensions, optimize each material separately, then save or export your plan.
These generators start from dimensions; they do not import your filled spreadsheet.
Start with a worked project
See the dimensions, material groups and stock allowances before changing the example. Each page includes a free CSV and an editable calculator preset.
Two-bay closet shelving
Work through a 60-inch closet shelving cut list: three uprights, four fixed decks and eight adjustable shelves, with exact formulas, CSV and an editable layout.
See the parts and formulas →Worked example · CSV includedCompact plywood workbench
Plan a 48 × 24 inch plywood workbench with a doubled top, nineteen parts, transparent leg and rail formulas, a downloadable CSV and adjustable sheet layouts.
See the parts and formulas →Worked example · CSV includedPaired overlay Shaker doors
Calculate two overlay Shaker doors from one opening, including center gap, rail tongues and panel allowance. Download the ten-part CSV and edit the same example.
See the parts and formulas →One row per unique finished part
Record each unique finished part before trying to place it on a sheet. Enter quantities and finished dimensions in the values-only table. SawNest totals the pieces during import review; stock allowances stay separate.
Preview data is illustrative; the downloaded file is blank.
What each field is for
The workbook has 12 columns and 40 blank rows. Add more table rows as needed, but keep the header names so the list remains easy to scan, filter, and import.
A short, unique label that stays with the physical part.
The cabinet, drawer, door, base, or other group the part belongs to.
The actual stock group used when parts are optimized or purchased.
The final rectangle dimensions, kept separate from kerf and edge trim.
The number of identical parts needed at that size and material.
The required face-grain direction and whether the rectangle may rotate.
Visible edges, mirrored parts, rough-cut allowances, or joinery reminders.
From spreadsheet to cut plan
Save the completed .xlsx workbook, or use the CSV version, then import your spreadsheet cut list. Confirm the source units and that row 1 contains column headers. The part name, finished dimensions, material, thickness and quantity columns are suggested automatically; review them before continuing. Keep the material name and numeric thickness in their separate columns.
Choose an explicit sheet or lumber part type when your table has no Category column. Review each material group, then set measured stock, kerf, trim and grain in the planner. Grain and rotation notes in the spreadsheet remain reference values until you confirm the planner settings.
The 30-inch base cabinet example has seven parts, including two shelves measuring 21.875 × 28.375 inches. Its calculator link loads those dimensions so you can check the parts before changing them.
- Count pieces, not rows.Quantities of 2, 1, 2, and 2 mean seven physical parts across four rows.
- Keep dimensions precise.23¼ = 23.25 inches, ⅝ = 0.625 inches, and ⅛ = 0.125 inches. Keep one unit system throughout each list.
- Preserve grain direction.Keep width and length in the same order, and lock rotation for parts whose grain must follow the sheet length.
- Keep kerf separate.Enter finished part sizes. Set blade kerf and sheet-edge trim in the stock settings instead of adding kerf to every panel.
Cutting list template questions
Does this template work in Microsoft Excel?
Yes. Download the native .xlsx workbook for a filterable table, a frozen header and 40 blank part rows. It contains values only and can be imported directly after you fill it in.
Can I open it in Google Sheets or Numbers?
Yes. Open the Excel workbook or use the plain CSV download. Both versions have the same twelve columns; CSV omits the workbook formatting and filters.
Should finished dimensions include saw kerf?
No. Enter the required finished part dimensions. Keep kerf, edge trim, rough-cut allowance, and joinery notes separate so a blade or stock change does not corrupt the part list.
Does the Excel template optimize a plywood layout?
The workbook records parts; SawNest totals the pieces during import review and places rectangles on sheets in the optimizer. A correct total area does not prove the pieces fit. Project generators calculate parts from dimensions and do not import a completed workbook.
To plan a completed spreadsheet, upload the cut list as .xlsx or UTF-8 CSV. Review the header, column mapping, units and material groups before choosing stock. Keep this template values-only. If you add formulas or use an older formula-based template, export the filled parts table as values-only UTF-8 CSV first.