Kerf / Blade Width Calculator
Calculate how much material your saw blade removes per cut. Know exactly how much you waste across your entire cut list.
Kerf / Blade Width Calculator
Most versatile, smooth cuts
Common Kerf Widths by Saw Type
| Saw Type | Typical Kerf | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bandsaw | 1.5-2.5mm | Metal, wood, plastic |
| Cold Saw | 2.5-3.5mm | Steel bars, high volume |
| Abrasive Chop Saw | 3-5mm | Rebar, structural steel |
| Circular Saw | 3-4mm | Plywood, MDF, lumber |
| Table Saw | 3-4mm | Cabinetry, furniture |
| Track Saw | 2-3mm | Precise panel cuts |
| Plasma Cutter | 2-4mm | Sheet metal |
| Laser Cutter | 0.1-0.3mm | Thin material, precision |
| Waterjet | 0.5-1mm | Any material, no heat |
Tips for Working with Kerf
Measure Your Actual Kerf
Don't rely on manufacturer specs. Make a test cut and measure the kerf with calipers. Actual kerf varies with blade wear and feed rate.
Kerf Increases with Wear
A new blade may have 2mm kerf, but after heavy use it can widen to 2.5-3mm. Re-measure periodically.
Thin Kerf = Less Waste
Thin-kerf blades (1.5-2mm) waste 30-50% less material than standard blades. Worth the extra cost on expensive materials.
Factor Kerf into Planning
On a 6m bar with 20 cuts at 3mm kerf, you lose 60mm. That's enough to lose one small part if you don't account for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kerf in cutting?
Kerf is the width of material removed by the cutting tool. It's the gap left behind after a cut. A 3mm kerf blade removes 3mm of material per cut.
Does kerf affect material cost?
Yes. More kerf = more waste = more material needed. On expensive materials like glass or stainless steel, even 1mm extra kerf per cut can add significant cost.
How do I measure kerf?
Make a test cut, then measure the width of the cut (the gap) with calipers. Alternatively, measure the stock before and after cutting — the difference divided by number of cuts is the kerf.
What's the difference between kerf and blade width?
They're essentially the same. Blade width determines kerf. However, vibration, feed rate, and blade condition can make actual kerf slightly larger than the blade's nominal width.
Factor Kerf into Your Cut Plans
The optimizer accounts for kerf automatically. Just enter your blade width.
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