How to calculate pieces per sq yard?
We need to calculate how many 8.5"x11" pieces we can get out of a 43"x48" piece of material. The goal is to minimize waste, although we realize there will be some waste. What is the formula for this? Is there a link to a good calculator? Also, with 43" as a fixed measurement, what would the other measurement need to be to minimize waste. For example, if to get exactly 20 pieces, a 40x40 piece would work, but we must have one size = 43".
Comments
5 x 8.5 = 42.5,
so position all the pieces with the 8.5" side along the 43" width.
You can have 5 rows across.
An optimal length (instead of 48") would then be any exact multiple of 11".
From a 43"x44" piece you would get 20 of the smaller pieces,
but you're not going to get any more than that out a 43"x48" piece
"no matter how you slice it" (!)
Do you need any room for "saw kerfs" ?
In that case an optimal length might be 44.5" or 45".