The width of material a saw blade removes with each cut. Table saw ~1/8", bandsaw ~1/32", laser ~1/100".
Kerf is the width of the slot a saw blade cuts through material. Every cut destroys a strip of material equal to the kerf width. Over many cuts it adds up — 10 cuts with a 1/8" kerf removes 1.25" of material from your stock.
Kerf width varies by tool: table saw 0.125" (1/8"), miter saw 0.118", circular saw 0.094" (3/32"), bandsaw 0.032" (1/32"), Japanese pull saw 0.016", laser 0.004"-0.02" depending on power, waterjet 0.04".
8-ft stock, 10 rip cuts at 1/8" kerf
10 × 0.125" = 1.25" of material gone
Same on a bandsaw (1/32")
10 × 0.031" = 0.31"
Kerf Allowance
How much material a saw blade eats across multiple cuts — ripping, crosscuts, bandsaw, laser.
Plywood Sheet Layout
Maximize pieces per 4x8 or 5x5 sheet — best orientation, kerf allowance, and waste percentage.
Board Feet
Convert lumber dimensions to board feet and project cost — the standard unit for buying rough lumber.