Create a cut plan for sheet material

A cut plan (or cut diagram) shows how to cut parts from standard sheets. With Plaatplan you enter dimensions and quantities, instantly see how many sheets you need, and take a printable work plan with you. Free, no account required.

Kerf width included in the layout
Multiple subprojects in one plan
Offcut stock before new sheets
PDF work plan for hardware store or cutting service

Start planning

Example from the planner

Sheet 5 from the demo plan (Chest, Desk and Cabinet on MDF 2440 × 1220 mm). Panels are colour-coded per subproject.

Ladenblok zijkant

Bureau

Ladenblok zijkant

Bureau

Bovenblad

Kast

Onderblad

Kast

Vaste plank

Kast

Vaste plank

Kast

Lade bodem

Commode

Lade bodem

Commode

Lade bodem

Commode

Lade bodem

Commode

The full demo plan: 5 sheets, 29 parts, 74.5% utilisation (including kerf).

What is a cut plan?

A cut plan is an overview of how rectangular parts are laid out on one or more sheets. You see which cuts are needed, how much waste is left over, and which dimensions to give the cutting service.

Plaatplan is built for DIYers planning multiple projects at once, for example, a cabinet and a desk from the same MDF sheet.

Cut plan, cut list and work plan

The cut plan is the visual layout: how parts sit on the sheet. The cut list is the table of cut sizes and quantities the cutting counter needs. The work plan is the complete package you print or bring: cut list, instructions and a diagram per sheet.

Cut plan or cut diagram?

In practice, cut plan and cut diagram mean the same thing: the layout of parts on a sheet. Hardware stores and cutting services use both terms.

How Plaatplan works

From material to work plan in four steps.

1. Set up your material stockChoose a standard sheet (size, material, grain direction) and set kerf width. Add offcuts you already have if needed.
2. Enter subprojects and partsCreate a subproject per project. Enter panels via the table or the L×W×qty name line format.
3. Review the cut layoutSee how many standard sheets you need, which offcuts are used, and whether everything fits.
4. Export the work planOpen the work plan via Export → Open work plan. Configure under Prepare, review the cut order and export as PDF.

Start planning

Frequently asked questions

Can I take this to the hardware store or cutting service?

Yes. Use Export → Open work plan for the work plan, or What do I need for a purchase overview. See the Print work plan guide.

Does Plaatplan account for kerf (blade width)?

Yes. The layout is accurate to the millimetre and includes kerf. The default is 2.2 mm; adjust this under Saw settings if your blade or cutting service differs.

Where is my plan stored?

Locally in this browser (localStorage). There is no account and no cloud. Back up regularly via Export → Project file (.json). See also Import and export in the guide.

Can I put multiple projects in one plan?

Yes. Each project is a subproject. Parts with the same thickness can share a sheet, colour-coded per project.