Free · no sign-up
Cutting Length Estimator (No DXF)
Enter the outer contour of a single rectangular or circular part, or the segment lengths of a part, and get a rough total cutting length in millimetres and metres.
Geometry
DXF files and inner contours are ignored; use the result as a rough planning figure for a single outer contour or a free sum of segments.
Rough cutting length
What is a rough cutting length used for?
In laser and plasma cutting, the total cut path length is a rough indicator of machine time and consumable wear. Without a DXF file you can still estimate it from simple geometry: the perimeter of a rectangle is 2 × (a + b), the circumference of a circle is π × D, and for more complex contours you add up the individual segment lengths. Example: a 200 × 100 mm rectangle has a cutting length of 600 mm; a 50 mm circle about 157.08 mm.
Dividing the cutting length by the cutting speed gives a first estimate of the cutting time per part; a laser cutting cost calculator can turn that into a price once pierce time and the machine rate are added. For batches, multiply the length per part by the quantity.
Inner contours, hole perimeters, lead-ins and corner radii are not included, so the result is a lower bound. For exact cutting times, use the cutting length reported by your CAD/CAM or nesting software.
How to use the results
The results are technical estimates. For a binding quote, material price, scrap, labour and your own shop rules also have to be taken into account.
Frequently asked questions
How reliable is the result without a DXF file?
It is a rough estimate based only on the geometry you enter. The real cut path in CAD/CAM can be longer because of inner contours, holes and lead-ins.
How do I calculate the cutting length of a rectangle or circle?
Rectangle: 2 × (a + b), so 200 × 100 mm gives 600 mm. Circle: π × D, so a 50 mm diameter gives about 157.08 mm.
How do I enter a complex part or several cuts?
Use the segment mode and type the length of each straight or curved section in mm, separated by commas or line breaks. The tool adds them up.
Should I enter the diameter or the radius for a circle?
Enter the diameter D in millimetres; the circumference is calculated as π × D.
How do I get from cutting length to cutting time?
Divide the cutting length in metres by the cutting speed in m/min and add the pierce time for every start point. A 0.6 m contour at 4 m/min takes about 0.15 min plus piercing.
Related calculators
- Unit converterQuick conversion between mm, inch, cm and m, and between kg and metric tonnes.
- Scrap rate calculatorLinear scrap in mm and as a percentage from bar stock length and the total length cut from it.
- Steel profile weight calculatorApproximate kg/m and total weight for box sections, H/IPE beams, tubes, angles, flat bars and solid squares.
Still quoting in spreadsheets?
LazerCRM reads your Metalix cutting report and prices every quote automatically with your own machine and material rates.