Formula
Parts per sheet (one orientation) = floor((sheet width − 2 × margin) ÷ (part width + kerf)) × floor((sheet length − 2 × margin) ÷ (part length + kerf)). The tool tries both orientations and keeps the better one. Yield = parts × part area ÷ sheet area. Offcut = sheet area − parts × part area (including kerf and margin waste).
Standard / source
Standard rectangular nesting arithmetic; no code standard governs layout yield. Grain direction, clamp zones and the supplier's usable sheet area are shop variables, not constants, so confirm them before ordering.
Worked example
Sheet 1500 × 3000 mm, part 500 × 600 mm, kerf 3 mm, margin 5 mm. As drawn: floor(1490 ÷ 503) × floor(2990 ÷ 603) = 2 × 4 = 8 parts. Rotated: floor(1490 ÷ 603) × floor(2990 ÷ 503) = 2 × 5 = 10 parts. Best = 10 parts, yield = 10 × 300,000 ÷ 4,500,000 = 66.7%, offcut = 1.50 m² per sheet, and 100 parts need 10 sheets. These are the calculator's default inputs, so it shows 10 parts per sheet on load.
Safety note
RECTANGLES ONLY. This tool does not nest irregular shapes, mixed part sizes or grain direction — true irregular nesting needs CAD nesting software, and this result must not be presented as such. Planning estimate for ordering; confirm usable sheet size with your supplier.