I need to look at the code and my absolute ranges and numbers to make it more generalized. The workbook and code I gave you was just a quick example of how I'd do that specific problem. Yes - I was afraid you would want a generalized solution. I have been using Excel for many years and I have some huge workbooks (60 sheets) that I use for estimating in my line of work but, I am new to using these types of complicated equations, my knowledge stops at What-If-Statements. I am assuming you used the Solver add in?Ĭan I see a screenshot maybe of what you input into it? How do I see what calculations are taking place so I can recreate this within my existing spreadsheet? I really like how this runs, my only question is. It works well, I have a downloaded but ugly shareware optimizing program which I cannot integrate into my spreadsheet that gets 51 lengths as a best result, so well done. My formula might be called answer by exhaustion but computers don't get tired, do they? If you ever come up with a number of 49 or 48 I'd stop and use that as my answer. The attached never gets to the formula part but simply makes guesses and keeps track of how many pieces of stock are needed with random cutting of slices. If your guess is wrong then you make another guess, until/if you can come up with a formula. I took a math class on 'How to Solve It' which said you need to make a guess for an answer as a start. It will copy to the range on the right the best guess. Click the button and watch it guess your answer 20 times. cut will no longer work on the same 10 ft.I've been noodling on your problem a while and I really like it. * Add your saw blade width (kerf) and Cut Calculator is smart enough to know that a 3 ft. Cut Calculator is going to figure out how to minimize waste with any combination

* Add all of your cuts in feet, inches, centimeters, and millimeters. Cut Calculator will plan your cuts to save you money!Ĭut Calculator is a contractor's, a carpenter's and do-it-yourself'ers must have!! Perfect for linear cuts such as baseboard molding, crown molding, pipe, lumber AND area cuts such as plywood or drywall.

Cut Calculator will help minimize the amount of material you need to buy, accommodating all of your cut sizes. Not any more with Cut Calculator!ĭon't get caught with wrong material estimates again. ' - This Old House MagazineĮver get to the end of a project and you don't have a piece big enough to finish the job? Guess what, you didn't plan the cut combinations and now you're heading back to the home improvement store to buy more material. 'Enter the lengths of lumber, sheet goods, crown molding, pipe, and other materials for a project and this app produces a cutting plan that gets the most out of your stock, minimizing waste. *** Winner of This Old House's Top 100: Best New Home Products ***

Optimizing plywood cut