Free · no sign-up
Scrap Rate Calculator for Linear Stock
Enter the stock length of a bar, tube or profile and the total length of the parts cut from it; see the remaining scrap in mm or m and as a percentage.
Linear stock
Single-axis model for profile, tube or bar stock length; sheet area and nesting layouts are not calculated with this tool.
Result
How do you calculate and interpret the scrap rate?
For linear stock such as profiles, tubes, bars or strips, the scrap rate compares the stock length with the total length of the parts cut from it: scrap length = stock length − total length used, and scrap rate (%) = scrap length ÷ stock length × 100. Example: from a 6,000 mm bar, parts with a total length of 5,200 mm leave 800 mm of scrap, a scrap rate of 13.33%.
The scrap rate is a quick indicator of material efficiency and a basis for rough material costing: the higher the rate, the more stock you pay for per usable part. In practice, saw kerf, clamping lengths and end trims add to the theoretical value, so include them in the used length if you want a realistic figure.
This tool covers one axis only. Sheet metal scrap from nesting, inner cut-outs and remnant plates is not part of the calculation; for sheet jobs, the scrap rate depends on the nesting layout in your CAM 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 is the scrap rate calculated?
Scrap rate (%) = (stock length − total length used) ÷ stock length × 100. A 6,000 mm bar with 5,200 mm used gives 800 mm of scrap and a scrap rate of 13.33%.
Does the calculator work for sheet metal?
No. It is designed for linear stock such as bars, tubes and profiles. Sheet area, inner cut-outs and nesting layouts are not included.
What happens if the used length is greater than the stock length?
The calculator shows an inconsistency warning. In practice this usually means a measurement or unit error, so check whether all values are in the same unit.
Should the saw kerf be included?
For a realistic value, yes: add one kerf width per cut, plus clamping and end-trim lengths, to the used length. Otherwise the result is the theoretical minimum scrap.
When is the scrap rate zero?
When the total length used equals the stock length, the theoretical scrap is zero. Kerf losses and tolerances make a small difference in real production.
Related calculators
- Unit converterQuick conversion between mm, inch, cm and m, and between kg and metric tonnes.
- Cutting length estimatorRough cutting length in mm and m from a rectangle or circle outline plus free segments — no DXF needed.
- Laser cutting cost calculatorCutting time, cost and price per part from cut length, number of pierces, material and thickness.
Still quoting in spreadsheets?
LazerCRM reads your Metalix cutting report and prices every quote automatically with your own machine and material rates.