📐 Angle Cut Calculator
Calculate angle cut dimensions
Angle from vertical (0-90°)
How to Use This Calculator
Select Calculation Type
Choose single angle cut (simple miter) or compound angle cut (miter and bevel combined). Single angle cut is most common for basic miter cuts.
Enter Cut Angle
Input cut angle in degrees (0-90°). Common angles: 45° (miter corner), 30° (hexagon), 22.5° (octagon). This is the angle from vertical.
Enter Material Dimensions
Input material width in inches. For compound cuts, also enter material thickness. These are the dimensions perpendicular to the cut.
Calculate and Review
Click "Calculate Angle Cut" to see cut length, cut depth, opposite length, complementary angle, and saw tilt setting. Use these for accurate cuts.
Formula
Cut Length = Width / cos(angle)
Cut Depth = Width × tan(angle)
Opposite Length = Width / sin(angle)
Example 1: Single Angle Cut (Angle = 45°, Width = 4")
Step 1: Cut Length = Width / cos(45°) = 4 / 0.707 = 5.657"
Step 2: Cut Depth = Width × tan(45°) = 4 × 1.0 = 4.0"
Step 3: Opposite Length = Width / sin(45°) = 4 / 0.707 = 5.657"
Example 2: 30° Angle Cut (Width = 6")
Step 1: Cut Length = 6 / cos(30°) = 6 / 0.866 = 6.928"
Step 2: Cut Depth = 6 × tan(30°) = 6 × 0.577 = 3.464"
About Angle Cut Calculator
The Angle Cut Calculator is an essential tool for carpenters, woodworkers, and construction professionals who need to calculate angle cut dimensions for miter cuts, bevel cuts, and compound angle cuts. This calculator implements trigonometric formulas to determine cut length, cut depth, and saw settings for accurate angle cuts.
When to Use This Calculator
- Miter Cuts: Calculate cut dimensions for mitered corners and frames
- Bevel Cuts: Determine bevel cut dimensions for angled surfaces
- Compound Cuts: Calculate dimensions for combined miter and bevel cuts
- Saw Setup: Determine saw tilt angle and fence settings
- Educational Use: Learn and understand angle cut calculations
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Multiple Cut Types: Supports single angle and compound angle cuts
- ✅ Accurate Formulas: Uses trigonometric equations for precise calculations
- ✅ Complete Dimensions: Shows cut length, depth, opposite length, and saw tilt
- ✅ Easy to Use: Simple inputs for angle and material dimensions
- ✅ Time Savings: Instant calculations eliminate manual math
Understanding Angle Cuts
Basic Principle: Angle cuts involve cutting material at an angle other than 90°. Cut length is the length along the cut surface, calculated as Width / cos(angle). Cut depth is the perpendicular distance from the edge, calculated as Width × tan(angle). These formulas use trigonometric relationships in right triangles.
Common Angles: 45° (most common miter for corners), 30° (hexagon), 22.5° (octagon), 15° (12-sided polygon), 10° (18-sided polygon). Different angles are used for different polygon shapes and decorative cuts.
Saw Settings: Saw tilt angle equals the cut angle. For 45° miter, set saw to 45°. For compound cuts, both miter angle and bevel angle need to be set. The calculator provides saw tilt for reference.
Tips for Best Results
- Accurate Measurements: Measure material width and thickness accurately
- Correct Angle: Use precise angle measurement for accurate cuts
- Test Cuts: Make test cuts on scrap material before final cuts
- Check Saw Calibration: Verify saw angle settings are accurate
- Account for Blade Width: Consider blade kerf when making precision cuts
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate angle cut length?
Cut Length = Width / cos(angle). For example, 45° angle, 4" width: Cut Length = 4 / cos(45°) = 4 / 0.707 = 5.657". The calculator does this automatically. Cut length is the length along the angled cut surface.
What is the difference between miter and bevel cuts?
Miter cut is a cut made at an angle along the face of the material (like cutting the end of a board at 45°). Bevel cut is a cut made at an angle through the thickness of the material (like tilting the blade). Compound cut combines both miter and bevel angles.
What angle should I use for a mitered corner?
For a standard square corner (90°), use 45° miter angle on each piece (45° + 45° = 90°). For other angles, divide the corner angle by 2. For example, 120° corner uses 60° miter angle on each piece.
How do I set my saw for an angle cut?
Set the saw tilt angle equal to the cut angle. For 45° miter, set miter gauge to 45°. For compound cuts, set both miter angle (rotation) and bevel angle (blade tilt). Use the calculator's saw tilt value for reference. Always verify with test cuts.
Does material thickness affect angle cuts?
For single angle cuts (simple miter), material thickness doesn't affect the calculation. For compound cuts (miter + bevel), thickness affects the bevel depth. The calculator accounts for thickness in compound cut calculations. Use compound cut mode when both miter and bevel are needed.