Glossary
Cut list
Also called: cutting list, production cut list
Reviewed
A cut list is the production list of how many pieces of each size must be cut for an order: parts per pallet multiplied by the number of pallets. For 1,000 GMA-style 48x40 pallets it reads 8,000 pieces at 5/8 x 3-1/2 x 40, 4,000 at 5/8 x 5-1/2 x 40 and 3,000 stringers at 1-3/8 x 3-1/2 x 48.
On this page
Example cut list: 1,000 GMA-style 48x40 pallets
| Pieces | Size (in) | From the BOM |
|---|---|---|
| 8,000 | 5/8 x 3-1/2 x 40 | 5 top + 3 bottom interior boards |
| 4,000 | 5/8 x 5-1/2 x 40 | 2 top + 2 bottom lead boards |
| 3,000 | 1-3/8 x 3-1/2 x 48 | 3 notched stringers |
| 84,000 | 2-1/4 in helical nails | 84 per pallet |
Identical sizes are grouped even when they sit in different places on the pallet, because the saw only cares about size.
Cut list vs bill of materials
The bill of materials describes one pallet. The cut list scales it to the order and groups by size for the sawyer and the purchasing team. In PDS it is part of the production order, alongside assembly setup data such as board positions and nails per joint.
Why it matters
The cut list drives shook orders, saw setups and nail purchasing. It also makes material substitutions visible: swapping two butted boards for one lead board changes the piece counts. palletdesign.ai produces the cut list from the design automatically. See how to read a pallet drawing.
Questions
- How do you make a pallet cut list?
- List each part size on one pallet, then multiply its count by the number of pallets ordered and group identical sizes.