{
  "schemaVersion": "1.0",
  "slug": "fixed-shelf-cut-list-calculator",
  "route": "/tools/components/fixed-shelf-cut-list-calculator/",
  "categorySlug": "shelves-and-backs",
  "name": "Fixed Shelf",
  "title": "Fixed Shelf Cut List Calculator",
  "description": "Plan fixed shelf panels from the clear cabinet opening, side-joint engagement, front and back setbacks, material thickness, and shelf count.",
  "searchIntent": "fixed cabinet shelf cut list calculator",
  "modelVersion": "1.0.0",
  "reviewedDate": "2026-07-30",
  "defaultInputs": {
    "insideWidth": 28.5,
    "insideDepth": 23.25,
    "sideDadoDepth": 0.25,
    "frontSetback": 0.25,
    "backSetback": 0.25,
    "shelfThickness": 0.75,
    "shelfCount": 2
  },
  "inputs": [
    {
      "id": "insideWidth",
      "label": "Finished inside width",
      "default": 28.5,
      "min": 3,
      "max": 120,
      "step": 0.0625,
      "unit": "in",
      "help": "Clear width between the two cabinet side reference faces."
    },
    {
      "id": "insideDepth",
      "label": "Finished inside depth",
      "default": 23.25,
      "min": 3,
      "max": 60,
      "step": 0.0625,
      "unit": "in",
      "help": "Clear depth from the front inside reference to the back inside reference."
    },
    {
      "id": "sideDadoDepth",
      "label": "Dado engagement at each side",
      "default": 0.25,
      "min": 0,
      "max": 1.5,
      "step": 0.03125,
      "unit": "in",
      "help": "Verified shelf engagement beyond the clear opening into each side joint."
    },
    {
      "id": "frontSetback",
      "label": "Front setback",
      "default": 0.25,
      "min": 0,
      "max": 12,
      "step": 0.0625,
      "unit": "in",
      "help": "Distance from the inside front reference to the shelf front edge."
    },
    {
      "id": "backSetback",
      "label": "Back setback",
      "default": 0.25,
      "min": 0,
      "max": 12,
      "step": 0.0625,
      "unit": "in",
      "help": "Distance from the inside back reference to the shelf back edge."
    },
    {
      "id": "shelfThickness",
      "label": "Shelf thickness",
      "default": 0.75,
      "min": 0.125,
      "max": 3,
      "step": 0.03125,
      "unit": "in",
      "help": "Measured finished shelf thickness before any separate face build-up."
    },
    {
      "id": "shelfCount",
      "label": "Fixed shelf count",
      "default": 2,
      "min": 1,
      "max": 24,
      "step": 1,
      "unit": "count",
      "help": "Count of identical fixed shelves in the verified opening group."
    }
  ],
  "formulas": [
    {
      "part": "Fixed shelf",
      "quantity": "shelfCount",
      "length": "insideWidth + 2 * sideDadoDepth",
      "width": "insideDepth - frontSetback - backSetback",
      "thickness": "shelfThickness",
      "formulaNote": "Length adds equal verified engagement into both cabinet sides; fit clearance, stopped dado ends, and assembly sequence must be resolved separately."
    }
  ],
  "defaultParts": [
    {
      "name": "Fixed shelf",
      "quantity": 2,
      "length": 29,
      "width": 22.75,
      "thickness": 0.75,
      "materialGroup": "Shelf panel",
      "grain": "Lengthwise across cabinet width",
      "formulaNote": "Length adds equal verified engagement into both cabinet sides; fit clearance, stopped dado ends, and assembly sequence must be resolved separately."
    }
  ],
  "assumptions": [
    "The shelf engages equal-depth side joints and the clear inside width is measured between the jointed side faces.",
    "Front and back setbacks are independent controlled dimensions rather than one generic depth deduction.",
    "Shelf count groups only components with the same span, material, load, grain, edge treatment, and joint setup.",
    "This is a reviewable planning model, not a universal cabinetmaking standard; the shop drawing, approved sample, field dimensions, and contract documents remain authoritative.",
    "Manufacturer hardware dimensions, load ratings, fastener schedules, edge distances, and drilling requirements govern whenever hardware is involved."
  ],
  "checks": [
    "Confirm clear inside width plus both measured joint engagements equals the planned shelf length.",
    "Check shelf span, load, material grade, thickness, face build-up, and support method against the approved requirements.",
    "Verify the shelf can enter the carcass and seat fully without colliding with backs, frames, stretchers, or hardware.",
    "Measure the actual sheet, board, or panel thickness from the material lot and reconcile it with every mating groove, dado, fastener, and hardware allowance.",
    "Build or dry-fit the first assembly, record the verified result, and release the remaining batch only under the same model revision."
  ],
  "stopConditions": [
    "Stop when shelf load, acceptable deflection, material capacity, or support method is unresolved.",
    "Stop when dado depth, groove width, assembly sequence, or installed back position has not been proven on a sample.",
    "Stop when the exact hardware product, current manufacturer data, or required attachment method is unresolved; do not substitute a generic allowance.",
    "Stop when field dimensions, actual material thickness, grain requirement, or model revision cannot be verified before batch cutting."
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "name": "ANSI/AWI 1235-2024 – Specialty Casework",
      "url": "https://awinet.org/standards/specialty-casework/requirements-specialty-casework/3-2-material-6/",
      "scope": "Primary industry standard used here for casework material, component, and hardware-planning context. Its published scope is specialty casework; it does not set universal residential cabinet dimensions or replace project documents."
    },
    {
      "name": "USDA Forest Products Laboratory – Wood Handbook, Chapter 11",
      "url": "https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/documnts/fplgtr/fplgtr282/chapter_11_fpl_gtr282.pdf",
      "scope": "Primary government reference for wood-based composite material characteristics. It supports material-behavior checks, not project-specific span, load, machining, or fastening approval."
    }
  ]
}