Kerf Calculator - Kerf Width & Cutting Compensation Tool

Free kerf calculator for accurate cutting compensation. Calculate kerf width, material loss, and adjust cutting dimensions for precise results. Includes blade thickness guide for table saw, circular saw, and band saw. Improve cutting accuracy and reduce material waste!

Kerf Analysis Material Loss Cut Planning Precision Cuts

Cutting Specifications

Blade Type

Blade Specifications

Blade Kerf Width

Blade Diameter

Tooth Count

Blade Configuration

Material & Project

Material Type

Material Thickness

Number of Cuts

Average Cut Length

Cost Analysis

Material Cost

Precision Level

Cutting Analysis

Enter blade specifications and cutting parameters to calculate kerf compensation, material loss, and dimensional adjustments for your project.

Safety: Use proper safety equipment. Verify blade specifications. Account for kerf width in all precision operations. Test cuts on scrap first.

Disclaimer: Kerf width varies by blade condition, material, and cutting technique. Measure actual kerf on test cuts for critical work.

Kerf Compensation & Precision Cutting Guide

Kerf compensation ensures accurate dimensions in precision woodworking by accounting for material removed during cutting. This guide covers kerf width measurement, compensation formulas, blade selection, and cutting techniques. Use our kerf compensation calculator for accurate dimension adjustments.

Kerf Width by Blade Type

Thin-Kerf Blade (Table Saw): 0.090-0.100" (3/32")

Standard Blade (Table Saw): 0.125" (1/8")

Full-Kerf Blade (Heavy Duty): 0.142-0.156" (5/32")

Band Saw (3/8" blade): 0.020-0.035"

Compensation Formula

For Multiple Cuts: Final Length = Desired Length + (Number of Cuts × Kerf Width)

Example: Cutting 5 pieces from one board (1/8" kerf)

5 pieces need 4 cuts (between pieces)
Total kerf loss = 4 × 0.125" = 0.5"
Add 0.5" to raw material length

Precision Cutting Techniques

Kerf Compensation Best Practices:

Mark Blade Side: Draw X on waste side of cut line
Cut to Line: Blade edge touches line, kerf removes waste
Test Cuts: Verify actual kerf width on scrap
Consistent Blade: Use same blade for precision projects

Frequently Asked Questions

Kerf is the width of material removed by a saw blade during cutting. It matters because this material is lost and must be accounted for in measurements, especially for precision work where parts must fit together accurately.

Make a test cut in scrap material, then measure the cut width with calipers. Alternatively, cut a piece in half and measure the gap when pieces are pushed back together. Typical table saw blades have 1/8" (0.125") kerf.

Thin-kerf blades (typically 3/32" or 0.094") remove less material than standard blades. Band saw blades have very narrow kerfs (1/16" or less). Laser cutting produces the narrowest kerf but isn't practical for most woodworking.

For pieces that must fit together, add half the kerf width to each piece. For example, with a 1/8" kerf, add 1/16" to each piece. Always cut on the waste side of your layout line and test fit before final assembly.

Material type can slightly affect kerf width due to different cutting characteristics. Harder materials may cause more blade deflection, while softer materials may compress. The blade specification is the primary factor determining kerf width.

Material loss depends on the number of cuts and kerf width. For example, 10 cuts with a 1/8" kerf removes 1.25" of material. In production work, this can represent significant material cost and should be factored into pricing.