Laser kerf compensation calculator
Size a slot and matching tab from measured material thickness, total fit clearance and a real kerf test.
Your measurements
01 / INPUTUse the units shown beside each field. Whole counts must be whole numbers.
Your result
02 / PLANNo saved baseline.
What changes when…
Baseline comparison
Save a baseline, then change your inputs. The difference is current minus baseline. Saved values stay in this browser.
| Result | Baseline | Current | Difference |
|---|
Use the result
Cut a test slot and tab, measure both after cooling, then adjust the measured full kerf rather than guessing a machine-wide constant.
Assumptions that matter
- A centerline cut removes half the kerf on each side. An internal opening grows by one full kerf; an external tab shrinks by one kerf.
- Clearance here is total width clearance, not clearance per side. A 0.10 mm total clearance means 0.05 mm on each side when centered.
- If your laser software already applies kerf compensation, use the target finished size there instead of compensating twice.
- Test a small comb on the same sheet, grain direction, lens setting and cut speed before committing the full sheet.
Common questions
How is the result calculated?
The formula reference shows every equation and defines the input variables. Whole-item results explicitly round to whole quantities where needed.
How should I use the example?
The initial numbers are a worked example. Replace them with measurements from your own project before making a plan. Three calculated scenarios appear on the examples page.
Can I compare two plans?
Yes. Save a baseline, change one or more inputs, and compare the result table. The chart changes only one input at a time.
Does this upload my measurements?
No. Calculations run in this browser. Saving a baseline uses local browser storage; the scenario-link button includes entered numbers in a URL fragment you choose to share.
Need a paper record? Use the measurement worksheet.