How to use panel glue-up board planner
What this calculation does
A panel glue-up estimate converts measured rough board widths into the count needed after jointing both edges and reserving final trim.
Measure the finished panel width and rough stock, then enter total final trim and edge loss for each board edge.
Enter the measurements
- Finished panel width: Enter the required finished panel width.
- Total final width trim: Use the combined trim removed from the glued blank.
- Rough board width: Measure each board before jointing.
- Jointing loss per edge: Enter the material removed from each of two edges.
Formula and variables
Usable board width = rough width − 2 × loss per edge. Boards = ceil((finished width + total final trim) ÷ usable width). Blank width = boards × usable width.
Usable width subtracts two edge losses. The purchase count rounds the required blank width up to whole equal-width boards.
Read the result
Eight boards provide 26 in of glued blank width; the requested finished width plus final trim is 24.5 in.
Worked example
Inputs: 24 in finished panel, 0.5 in total trim, 3.5 in rough boards and 0.125 in jointing loss at each edge
- Usable width is 3.5 − 2×0.125 = 3.25 in.
- Boards = ceil((24 + 0.5) ÷ 3.25) = 8; blank width = 8×3.25 = 26 in.
Expected result: 8 boards, each 3.25 in usable, making a 26 in blank
Frequently asked questions
Does the count include thickness loss?
No. The calculation concerns width only; thickness, defects and glue-line cleanup are separate.
Is the 0.125 in edge loss a recommendation?
No. Enter the measured or planned loss for your stock and jointing process.
Conditions, presets and technical notes
All boards have the same usable width after jointing. Enter measured losses and reject stock that leaves no usable width. Thickness, defects, grain selection, glue spread, clamp pressure and wood movement are separate decisions.