Comparison

Stair Calculator vs Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Stair Calculator

This app calculates essential parameters for stair construction, offering flexibility in input and providing multiple step set options. It supports various units and allows results to be easily copied.

Highlights
  • Calculate stair construction parameters
  • Flexible input for Run or Total Run
  • Determine largest and smallest step sets
  • Support for various units
  • Copy results to clipboard
Features
Read full description

Stair Calculator helps you calculate and compare staircase dimensions. FEATURES • Calculate using Run, Total Run, or Stair Angle • Enter a specific number of Runs or explore all calculated options • Support Metric and Imperial units • View detailed measurements and stair diagrams • Export results as a PDF or image • Copy results to the clipboard IMPORTANT Results are generated based on user-provided values and general calculation models. The app is intended for reference and educational purposes only. Please verify all measurements, local building requirements, and safety standards before actual construction. SUBSCRIPTION This subscription package offers unlimited access to all app features throughout the subscription period. • Payment will be charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. • The subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. • Your Apple Account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours before the end of the current period, and the renewal cost will be identified. • Subscriptions may be managed and auto-renewal may be turned off in your Apple Account Settings after purchase. • Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription, where applicable. PRIVACY POLICY https://13520178.github.io/StairCalc/policy.html TERMS OF USE https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ CONTACT If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact us. Email: phannhatd@gmail.com

About

Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut

This app optimizes material usage by generating efficient cut list diagrams. It supports various material types and cutting scenarios, helping users save money and reduce waste. Export cut plans to PDF for workshop use.

Highlights
  • Sheet/2D/boards/panels optimization
  • Linear/1D/bars/rods optimization
  • Decimal & fraction support
  • Blade width and grain direction consideration
  • Edge banding and trim options
  • Infinite stock option
  • PDF export for workshop
Read full description

SmartCut is a cutlist optimizer for iPhone and iPad. Enter your parts and the sheets or lengths you can buy, and it works out how to cut them with the least waste. You get the cutting diagrams, the number of sheets you need, where every offcut falls, and a cut-by-cut sequence you can follow at the saw. MATERIALS Sheet materials such as plywood, MDF, chipboard, acrylic, glass and sheet metal, and linear stock such as construction timber, bar, pipe and extrusion. Work in decimals or fractions, in whichever units you use. CUT TYPES • Guillotine — for saws that cut edge to edge in a straight line, such as a table saw or beam saw. Choose length cuts for ripping, or width cuts for cross-cutting on a mitre saw or a cross-cut sled. • Efficiency — the default. Prioritises the fewest cuts and the least waste, ideal for a jigsaw, laser cutter or CNC. REAL-WORLD DETAIL The plan matches how the material will actually be cut: • Blade width, so the kerf is not quietly ignored • Grain direction, with a per-part lock to length or width • Edge banding on any side of a part • Stock trim, to skip damaged or unsquare edges • Infinite stock, when you can buy as many sheets as you need FEATURES • Fast and accurate layouts • Sheet / 2D / boards / panels • Linear / 1D / bars / rods • Decimals and fractions, with quick fraction entry • Colour-coded materials, so a mixed job stays readable • Stack identical layouts • Save and reopen projects • Export to PDF to print for the workshop AT THE SAW Step through the cuts one at a time, with measurements shown from both sides so you can check yourself against either edge. Or print the PDF and take it to the bench. ALSO AVAILABLE Cutlist Evolution runs the same optimizer in any web browser, on Windows, Mac, Linux and Chromebook, with nothing to install. cutlistevo.com FEEDBACK hello@cutrevolution.com TERMS OF USE https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Stair Calculator3 screens
Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut4 screens

Verdict

The call

Stair Calculator and Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut both sit at 4.1 stars, but that hides the real split: 63% of Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut's written reviews are positive against 21% of Stair Calculator's. Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 3 months). Stair Calculator's advantage is ratings volume (740 vs 45). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Stair Calculator sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per year and Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Stair Calculator has 740 ratings behind it against 45, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 21% of Stair Calculator's written reviews are positive against 63% of Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Stair Calculator ships an update every 3 months, Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut every 4 days. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Stair Calculator versus Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStair CalculatorCutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (740 ratings)4.3 (45 ratings) — better
Positive reviews21.4% of reviews62.8% of reviews — better
Number of ratings740 — better45
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPhan Nhat ĐangJG Media Limited

Customer experience

Stair Calculator

All ratings738 ratings
Positive77.2%
Neutral5.0%
Negative17.8%
Written reviews28 reviews
Positive21.4%
Neutral7.1%
Negative71.4%

Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut

All ratings40 ratings
Positive77.5%
Neutral10.0%
Negative12.5%
Written reviews43 reviews
Positive62.8%
Neutral16.3%
Negative20.9%

Bugs and requests

Stair Calculator

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Subscription numbers don't add up
  • Doesn't provide promised features after purchase

Requested features

3 requests
  • Option to uninstall app
  • Ability to calculate run based on rise and landing space
  • Provide more detailed diagrams and visuals

Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Stair Calculator

Subscriptions1
  • Annual Premium Package7 Days trial$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • Unlock all features$5.99
1 purchases

Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut

Subscriptions1
  • Premium$1.991 Month

Questions

Is Stair Calculator free?
Stair Calculator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut free?
Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Stair Calculator or Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut?
Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut is rated higher. Stair Calculator averages 4.1 out of 5 from 740 ratings, while Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut averages 4.3 from 45 ratings.
Do Stair Calculator or Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut have ads?
Neither Stair Calculator nor Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Stair Calculator or Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut?
Stair Calculator ships an update every 3 months, and Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut every 4 days. Most recently, Stair Calculator was updated on November 3, 2026 and Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut on November 3, 2026.

Other comparisons