Comparison

StairSmith vs Cut Optimizer

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

Head to head
About

StairSmith

This app calculates stair dimensions, checks building codes, and generates cut lists for builders and DIYers. It provides live diagrams, lumber information, and framing square layouts, all without requiring an account or subscription. The tool is designed for efficiency at the workbench and offers print-ready PDFs.

Highlights
  • Live elevation diagram
  • Print-ready PDF reports
  • Building code compliance checks
  • Framing square layout diagrams
  • Lumber and cut sheet generation
  • Supports multiple building codes
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

The stair calculator built for builders and DIYers. Type your total rise. StairSmith equalizes the risers, draws the elevation diagram live, runs the building-code checks, and tells you what to cut instantly. No account, no cloud, no subscription. HERO FEATURES • Live elevation diagram — pinch, pan, tap any dimension to learn what it means. • Cut Sheet hero — riser height, code going, riser count, stringer length. Take it to the saw. • Lumber cheat sheet — number of stringers, treads, and risers, with stringer length rounded to the next standard 2×12. • Framing-square layout — "set tongue at 7", blade at 10"" with a beautiful, printable diagram on page 2 of every PDF. • Code compliance built in — IRC 2021, IBC 2021, NBC 2020, UK Part K, and Australia NCC. Pass/fail on riser, going, 2R+T, and headroom. Free handrail and guard reminders. • Print-ready PDF — elevation diagram, cut list, lumber list, framing-square layout, and disclaimer. AirDrop, email, or print directly. DESIGNED FOR THE SHOP StairSmith is built around the moment you're at the workbench, sawdust on your glasses, trying to remember what number to mark. Open the "Show at Saw" sheet — the diagram fills your screen, with the two numbers you need in giant monospace type. Slide the framing square down the board, mark, repeat. WHY ONE-TIME PURCHASE Every other stair calculator on the App Store is either subscription-hostile or ad-ridden. StairSmith is a one-time purchase. Yours forever. No upsells, no nag screens, no "Pro" tier locked behind a paywall. FOR DIY HOMEOWNERS First time building a flight of stairs? Tap the (i) on Total Rise and you'll get a 3-sentence explanation of how to measure it correctly so your stairs don't end up an inch off. Tap any "Cut Number" on the Cut Sheet hero to learn what it means. The app teaches you while you use it. FOR PROS Switch between IRC, IBC, NBC, Part K, and NCC with a tap. Switch between imperial (with fractional input) and metric (mm) instantly. Save unlimited projects locally. The PDF cut sheet is dense, professional, and ready to hand a permit reviewer or a trade partner. PRIVACY StairSmith collects nothing. No account, no cloud, no analytics, no tracking, no ads. Your projects live only on your device. NOT INCLUDED IN v1.0 (coming): multi-flight stairs, winders, landings, and isometric view. Today it's straight single-flight stairs only, done extremely well. Built in California, by a builder who got tired of subscription tools that disrespect their users. Questions: support@cascinobuilders.com

About

Cut Optimizer

Features
Read full description

Cut Optimizer turns your part list into optimized cutting layouts in seconds — for sheet goods AND linear stock, in one app. Stop wasting plywood, MDF, lumber, pipes, and profiles. Enter your stock, add your parts, and get a visual cutting plan that squeezes the most out of every board and bar. WHY CUT OPTIMIZER • Two optimizers in one: sheet/panel (2D) and linear (1D) cutting • Less waste and lower material cost on every project • Clear, visual layouts you can follow right at the saw • Works 100% offline — your projects never leave your device SHEET & PANEL CUTTING (2D) • Optimize plywood, MDF, melamine, particle board, and more • Kerf (blade thickness) and edge trim taken into account • Per-part rotation control for grain direction • Utilization and waste stats for every sheet LINEAR CUTTING (1D) • Optimize lumber, pipes, profiles, rebar, and extrusions • Perfect for framing, decking, fencing, and metalwork • Uses leftover lengths intelligently to cut waste BUILT FOR REAL WORKSHOPS • Millimeters and fractional inches (1/16″) supported • Reusable stock library for your standard panels and profiles • Multiple projects with archiving • Blueprint-style layout view with zoom SHARE & PRINT • Export professional PDF cutting plans • Labeled parts, page numbers, and a full part list • Hand the plan to your team or take it to the panel saw PRIVATE BY DESIGN • No account, no sign-up, no cloud • All cut data stays on your device • Optional anonymous diagnostics you can switch off anytime Whether you're a professional carpenter, cabinet maker, metal fabricator, or weekend DIY woodworker — Cut Optimizer saves you material, money, and time on every single cut. Download now and get the most out of every sheet and every board.

Screenshots

StairSmith4 screens
Cut Optimizer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Cut Optimizer at Free against StairSmith's $6.99. StairSmith's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and chart position (#194 vs unranked). On ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

Cut Optimizer is free to download; StairSmith costs $6.99 up front. Cut Optimizer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. StairSmith asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
StairSmith versus Cut Optimizer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStairSmithCut Optimizer
Price$6.99Free — better
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 days—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid—
Best chart rank#194 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTaylor CascinoGoksel Pirnal

In-app purchases

None

StairSmith

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Cut Optimizer

One-time1
  • Lifetime Pro$4.99

Questions

Is StairSmith free?
StairSmith costs $6.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Cut Optimizer free?
Cut Optimizer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do StairSmith or Cut Optimizer have ads?
Neither StairSmith nor Cut Optimizer shows ads.

Other comparisons