Watch time: 9 minutes
The Cutlist feature helps you measure multiple framing members, joists, beams, or posts of different lengths in a single measurement and generate a detailed list of pieces to order.
Watch this video to learn more(9 minutes):
How to Use the Cutlist Feature
1. Start Your Measurement
Launch a Line Segment or Area Joist measurement.
Select the framing member you are measuring (e.g., 2×10 joists).
Begin measuring all members of the same size—even if lengths differ or directions change.
Tip:
You can measure all pieces under one tool as long as they use the same material size.
Cutlist Settings & How They Work
2. Access Cutlist Settings
Each tool (Joist, Line Segment, Area → Joist) includes cutlist settings such as:
Rounding
Minimum Cut Length
Ply (for beams)
You can adjust these in your template or on a per-project basis.
3. Rounding Options
Choose how lengths round when generating the cutlist:
None – keeps exact calculated lengths
Round to 1 ft – rounds up to the nearest foot
Round to 2 ft (recommended) – aligns with how most lumber yards stock material
Example:
If a piece is 10' 8”, rounding to 2 ft will order a 12’ board.
4. Minimum Cut Length
Set the shortest board you’re allowed to order.
Common options:
None (no minimum)
8 ft (most common for framing materials)
10 ft
and so on..
This helps BuilderBid group pieces efficiently based on what you can actually order.
Generating the Cutlist
5. View the Cutlist
After you complete your measurement:
Right-click the measurement.
Select View Cutlist.
The cutlist will show:
Each required board length
How many pieces of each length are needed
Groupings based on your rounding + min cut length rules
6. Add the Cutlist to Your Estimate
Click Add Rows to Group.
BuilderBid inserts cutlist rows into your estimate with:
Length
Quantity
Pricing
These rows are useful for:
Lumber orders
Vendor quotes
Clear budgeting
Important Notes
7. Cutlist Rows Are Static
Once you add cutlist rows to your estimate, the numbers do not update automatically.
If you edit measurements afterward:
Delete old cutlist rows
Re-generate the cutlist
Add the new updated rows
Additional Tools That Support Cutlists
8. Line Segment Tool
Useful for:
Beams
Rafters
Kickers
Vaulted ceiling framing
Supports:
Rounding
Minimum cut length
Ply options
9. Area → Joist Tool
Another way to generate cutlists for:
Floor systems
Roof decks
Repetitive framing layouts
Using Material Options to Avoid Extra Rows
10. Switching Between Material Sizes
If a single line item supports multiple sizes (e.g., 2×8, 2×10, 2×12), you will see an Options icon.
You can:
Switch between material sizes
Duplicate rows and change the size for each
Keep pricing organized without needing separate rows for every size option
Use Manage Options to add or edit available sizes.
