See how much tube you will have left.
⚙️Calculation Parameters
📊Calculated Output
How Sonotube Offcut Calculator Works?
To find offcuts, the Sonotube Offcut Calculator subtracts the cut lengths taken from each tube and reports what is left. The process takes 4 steps.
Enter stock length
Type the tube length, such as 12 ft (144 in, 3.66 m).
Enter the cuts
Type the pier lengths cut from that tube.
Subtract with kerf
The calculator subtracts every cut plus about 1/8 in (3 mm) saw loss per cut.
Read reusable pieces
The tool shows the offcut length, the waste percent and whether the piece is long enough to reuse.
Sonotube Offcut Calculator Formula
The Sonotube Offcut Calculator subtracts cuts from stock.
Offcut
O = S − Σ hᵢ − c × kerfc is the number of cuts.
Waste share
W = O ÷ S × 100%Percent of the tube unused.
Reusable
O ≥ h_minh_min is the shortest useful pier or pad.
Worked example: 12 ft tube cut into 3 pieces of 42 in
- O = 144 − 3 × 42 − 3 × 0.125 = 17.6 in
- W = 17.6 ÷ 144 = 12%
- A 17.6 in (45 cm) piece fits a 12 in to 16 in splash pad or a short form
Sonotube Offcut Calculator Conversion Table
The offcut conversion table lists the leftover from a 12 ft (144 in) tube cut into equal pier lengths.
| Pier length | Cuts per tube | Offcut | Waste | Reusable (≥ 12 in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 in | 4 | 24 in (61 cm) | 17% | Yes |
| 36 in | 4 | 0 in (0 cm) | 0% | No |
| 42 in | 3 | 18 in (46 cm) | 12% | Yes |
| 48 in | 3 | 0 in (0 cm) | 0% | No |
| 54 in | 2 | 36 in (91 cm) | 25% | Yes |
| 60 in | 2 | 24 in (61 cm) | 17% | Yes |
| 72 in | 2 | 0 in (0 cm) | 0% | No |
Kerf is ignored in the table. Subtract about 1/8 in per cut.
What is Sonotube Offcut Calculator?
A Sonotube Offcut Calculator is a form tool that calculates the unused tube length left after cutting pier forms from stock tubes.
Every cut plan leaves pieces. Some are scrap and some are useful short forms. A 12 ft tube cut into 54 in piers leaves 36 in, enough for another short pier. Cut into 48 in piers, the tube leaves nothing. The calculator shows which pier lengths waste the most.
Short fiber-tube offcuts keep for later use when stored dry and flat-end up.
What are the uses of Sonotube Offcut Calculator?
There are 4 main uses of the Sonotube Offcut Calculator.
Waste checks
Builders compare cut lengths by waste.
Offcut reuse
Crews use leftover pieces for pads and short piers.
Cut length tuning
Designers adjust reveal to fit stock lengths.
Disposal planning
Contractors estimate cardboard for recycling.
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