Laser cutter kerf reference table by machine and material

Kerf varies by machine, lens, material, and cut parameters. But having a reference value to start from saves time when you begin with a new material or an unfamiliar machine.

This table compiles reference values used by the laser cutting community. Always do your own kerf test to get the exact value for your specific setup.

How to use this table

The values shown are starting points — the typical range for that machine and material combination under normal cutting parameters. Your actual value may be inside or outside that range depending on:

Cutting speed (slower → more kerf)
Power (more power → more kerf)
Lens condition (dirty lens → irregular kerf)
Focus (incorrect focus → larger kerf)

Diode lasers

xTool D1 Pro 20W

Material	Typical kerf
MDF 3mm	0.15 – 0.20 mm
MDF 6mm	0.18 – 0.25 mm
Birch plywood 3mm	0.15 – 0.20 mm
Birch plywood 6mm	0.20 – 0.28 mm
Colored acrylic 3mm	0.12 – 0.18 mm
Cardboard 3mm	0.20 – 0.30 mm

Reference parameters for MDF 3mm: 500 mm/min, 85% power, 1 pass

Sculpfun S30 Pro / S30 Pro Max (20W)

Material	Typical kerf
MDF 3mm	0.15 – 0.22 mm
MDF 6mm	0.20 – 0.28 mm
Birch plywood 3mm	0.15 – 0.22 mm
Colored acrylic 3mm	0.12 – 0.20 mm
Cardboard 3mm	0.22 – 0.32 mm

Reference parameters for MDF 3mm: 450 mm/min, 90% power, 1 pass

Ortur Laser Master 3 (20W)

Material	Typical kerf
MDF 3mm	0.15 – 0.20 mm
Birch plywood 3mm	0.15 – 0.20 mm
Colored acrylic 3mm	0.12 – 0.18 mm

xTool D1 Pro 10W

Material	Typical kerf
MDF 3mm	0.12 – 0.18 mm
Birch plywood 3mm	0.12 – 0.18 mm
Cardboard 3mm	0.18 – 0.28 mm

Note: The 10W module has a smaller focal point, which generally results in a smaller kerf than the 20W.

CO2 lasers

K40 (generic, 40W)

Material	Typical kerf
MDF 3mm	0.18 – 0.25 mm
MDF 6mm	0.22 – 0.30 mm
Birch plywood 3mm	0.18 – 0.25 mm
Clear acrylic 3mm	0.15 – 0.22 mm
Colored acrylic 3mm	0.15 – 0.20 mm
Leather 3mm	0.20 – 0.30 mm

K40 machines vary greatly in quality between units. Kerf may vary ±0.05mm from these values.

xTool P2 (55W CO2)

Material	Typical kerf
MDF 3mm	0.15 – 0.20 mm
MDF 6mm	0.18 – 0.22 mm
Birch plywood 3mm	0.15 – 0.20 mm
Clear acrylic 3mm	0.12 – 0.18 mm
Colored acrylic 3mm	0.12 – 0.16 mm

General table by material (machine-independent)

If your machine isn't in the list, this table gives you a general range by material that applies to most diode and CO2 lasers of similar power:

Material	20W diode laser	40W CO2
MDF 3mm	0.15 – 0.22 mm	0.18 – 0.25 mm
MDF 6mm	0.20 – 0.28 mm	0.22 – 0.30 mm
Birch plywood 3mm	0.15 – 0.20 mm	0.18 – 0.25 mm
Birch plywood 6mm	0.20 – 0.28 mm	0.22 – 0.28 mm
Colored acrylic 3mm	0.12 – 0.20 mm	0.12 – 0.20 mm
Clear acrylic 3mm	Does not cut	0.15 – 0.22 mm
Cardboard 3mm	0.20 – 0.32 mm	0.22 – 0.35 mm
Leather 3mm	0.18 – 0.28 mm	0.18 – 0.28 mm

How to measure your exact kerf

Cut a square of exactly 100×100mm in the material you'll use
Measure it with digital calipers in both dimensions
Kerf = (100 - actual measurement) ÷ 2

Example: Square measures 99.65mm → kerf = (100 - 99.65) ÷ 2 = 0.175mm

Do this test every time you change material, lens, or significantly adjust speed or power.

Factors that increase kerf

Lower speed: more exposure time → more burned material
Higher power: more energy → more material removed
Dirty or damaged lens: irregular focal point → larger and variable kerf
Incorrect focus: focal point not at the surface → larger kerf
Damp material: water vapor disperses the beam

Factors that reduce kerf

Short focus lens (smaller focal point): smaller spot → smaller kerf
Higher speed: less exposure time
Harder or denser material: more resistance to burning

Once you have your kerf measured, enter it in Box Studio and all finger joints will be calculated automatically with the correct compensation. The result: boxes that fit together with perfect press-fit without needing glue.