How to read a cut list: boards, pieces, kerf, and offcuts
A cut list assigns each finished part to a board. Here is how to read one, using the 32-inch, 5-shelf bookshelf example.
Each row is one board
The bookshelf example needs 4 boards of 96-inch 1 × 10 pine boards. Row 1 reads "Side panel, Shelf" with lengths "60 + 30 in" and a remaining offcut of 5.25 in. That means one 96-inch board is cut into a 60-inch side panel and a 30-inch shelf, leaving 5.25 in of scrap.
Lengths add up to less than the board
The two pieces in row 1 total 90 inches, but the board is 96. The rest is 0.25 inch trimmed from each end (0.5 inches), 0.125 inch of saw kerf lost between the two pieces, and the 5.25 in offcut. Kerf and trim are why a set of parts that adds up to exactly the board length still does not fit.
Read the last row for the leftovers
Row 4 holds "Back cleat, Back cleat" at "30 + 30 in" with 35.25 in left. A long offcut on the last board is the packer's way of showing that this board is mostly unused, which is useful when deciding whether to drop an optional part or buy one fewer board.
Check the totals before you buy
The whole list uses 330 inches of parts across 4 boards, so 85.9% of the wood becomes finished parts. The shopping list then multiplies the 4 boards by the entered price of $13.00. Prices here are example inputs, not quotes; use your local price.