Online Tool Store
Dovetail Spacing Calculator
Enter a board width and desired tail count to get evenly spaced dovetail layout marks, complete with half-pins at each edge. Runs entirely in your browser.
🔒 This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your files are never uploaded to a server.
Example
Dovetail Spacing Calculator
- Board width
- 150mm
- Number of tails
- 5
Example shown — replace it with your own board width and tail count.
Result
How it works
- Enter the board width and your desired number of tails.
- The tool divides the width evenly, with half-pins at each edge.
- Get the on-center spacing to mark out your joint.
The method
The board width is split into equal segments based on the tail count, with half-width pins reserved at each edge, giving a symmetrical, evenly spaced layout.
FAQ
What does "number of tails" mean?
It's how many dovetail pins you want across the joint — more tails give a more decorative look but take longer to cut by hand.
Does this account for half-pins at the edges?
Yes — the layout includes half-pins at each edge of the board, which is standard practice for a clean-looking dovetail joint.
Is this for hand-cut or machine-cut dovetails?
The spacing math works for either — it just tells you where to mark the layout lines, regardless of whether you cut with a saw or a router jig.
How we compare
| Feature | Online Tool Store | Manual layout with a ruler | Dovetail marking gauge |
|---|---|---|---|
| No special tool needed | Yes | Yes | No |
| Instant even spacing math | Yes | Manual | Preset |
| Free to use | Yes | Free | Tool cost |
For quick, evenly spaced layout math before marking your board, this beats doing the division by hand.