📐 Cut Depth Calculator
Choose your blade size and bevel tilt to see the maximum depth of cut — the full depth square, and how much you lose when the blade is tilted for a bevel.
🪚 Maximum Depth of Cut
What is a Cut Depth Calculator?
A table saw blade only exposes part of its radius above the table, so each blade size has a published maximum depth of cut at 90 degrees. Tilt the blade to bevel and the effective vertical depth shrinks by the cosine of the tilt — this tool does that trigonometry for you.
Use it to check whether your saw can cut through a thick workpiece, or to plan a bevel without stalling on stock that's too tall. These are typical published figures — always verify against your saw's manual and follow safe operating guidance before making the cut.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How deep can a 10-inch table saw blade cut?
A typical 10-inch blade on a full-size contractor or cabinet saw cuts about 3½ inches deep at 90 degrees. An 8¼-inch jobsite saw is closer to 2½ inches, and a 12-inch saw around 4 inches. Exact figures vary by saw, so confirm against your manual — arbor height and throat-plate design change the number.
Why does tilting the blade reduce the cut depth?
When you tilt the blade to cut a bevel, the vertical depth it can reach drops by the cosine of the tilt angle. At 45 degrees you keep about 70.7% of the square depth — so a 3½-inch square capacity becomes about 2.47 inches at a 45-degree bevel.
How high should I set the blade above the workpiece?
A common practice is to raise the blade so the gullets between the teeth just clear the top of the stock — roughly ⅛ to ¼ inch proud. This balances a clean cut against exposing less blade. Follow your saw's safety guidance and use a riving knife and guard where fitted.
Does blade thickness or the throat plate affect maximum depth?
Yes indirectly — kerf width doesn't change depth, but a thicker riving knife, a raised throat plate insert, or a stabilizer can slightly reduce usable height. The published maximum assumes the standard insert; always verify on your own saw before relying on a full-depth cut.