Comparison

Stringer vs Cutlist

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

Head to head
About

Stringer

This app calculates stair stringer dimensions for builders and DIYers. It provides clear options, code references, and visual layouts for accurate timber cutting. All calculations are performed on-device for privacy and offline use.

Highlights
  • Stair stringer calculations
  • Imperial/metric unit support
  • Building code references
  • Visual stair elevation and stringer shape
  • On-device offline functionality
  • Project saving and organization
  • Estimates board length and cut counts
Features
Read full description

Stringer is a focused stair and stair-stringer calculator for builders, remodelers, deck crews, finish carpenters, makers, inspectors, and careful DIYers who want usable numbers before cutting timber. Enter the total rise and the going, choose imperial or metric units, pick the building-code reference you want to compare against, and Stringer turns the job into clear stair options you can read on site. Privacy is built into the workflow: Offline / No Login / Privacy First / On Device / No Cloud Upload. You can open the app in a basement, garage, workshop, rural jobsite, or anywhere without reliable service. Calculations, saved projects, settings, and exported cut sheets stay on the device. There is no account to create, no sync step to wait for, and no project data being uploaded to a cloud service. Use Stringer when you need to decide how many risers fit a stair, what each riser height should be, how many treads are needed, and what total run and pitch that choice creates. The results screen highlights a recommended option, then lists nearby alternatives so you can compare 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19 risers at a glance. Each option shows the riser height, tread count, total run, pitch angle, and code status, making it easier to choose a layout that works for the space instead of guessing from a scrap of paper. The calculator is made for real construction details. Set total rise, going or tread run, maximum available run, stair width, nosing, tread thickness, stringer stock, stock price, standard or flush construction, and whether the bottom stringer should be dropped. Switch between inches and millimetres as needed. The app also estimates board length, cut count, throat depth, first cut, and the framing-square rise and run values you need when laying out a stringer by hand. Code references are available for quick checks against common stair rules, including IRC for US/CA work, NCC for Australia, and Doc K for the UK. Stringer can flag riser height, tread depth, pitch, stair width, and headroom notes in a readable compliance panel. These checks are intended as a field aid, not as a replacement for local code review, permits, or professional judgement. Always verify site conditions, headroom, landings, guards, handrails, and local amendments before final construction. The visual results are designed to reduce mistakes. View the stair elevation, the full stringer shape, or the cut sheet. Dimension callouts show rise, going, total rise, total run, pitch, board length, throat depth, plumb angle, and first cut. The stringer layout view helps you see how the stair will land on the stock before you mark the board. This is useful when checking whether a 2x12 has enough throat, whether the run fits the opening, or whether a different riser count gives a better balance. Projects help keep jobsite numbers organized. Save a project, create a new one, return to previous calculations, and keep your settings ready for the next stair. When the layout is ready, export a professional-looking Stair Cut Sheet PDF with a summary, diagram, code-compliance table, and stringer layout notes. Share it with a crew member, client, inspector, or your own future self before lumber is cut. Stringer is intentionally simple: no login wall, no cloud workspace, no noisy collaboration feed, and no hidden web requirement. It is a practical stair layout tool for people who need fast answers, readable drawings, and repeatable numbers while keeping project information private and local. Stringer now requires an active Stringer Pro subscription to use the app. The subscription unlocks stair layout calculations, code checks, saved projects, and PDF cut sheet export. Privacy Policy https://woodcuttool.com/legal/Stringer/privacy/ Terms of Use https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Cutlist

Features
Read full description

Plan cabinet and woodworking projects from first dimensions to final cut. Cutlist helps you turn cabinet measurements into accurate parts lists and optimized cutting diagrams for plywood, MDF, and dimensional lumber. BUILD CABINETS • Generate parts for cabinet boxes, shelves, face frames, doors, and drawer fronts • Choose common cabinet styles or add custom parts • Work in imperial or metric measurements OPTIMIZE MATERIAL • Nest parts across sheet goods to reduce waste • Optimize boards by length • Account for saw kerf between parts • Track usable offcuts • Follow an ordered cutting sequence READY FOR THE SHOP • View clearly labeled layouts and dimensions • Print plans or save them as PDFs • Import and export project files • Share plans with a link Cutlist includes one free project. A one-time Cutlist Pro purchase unlocks unlimited projects, cloud sync, and shareable plans—no subscription. Always verify dimensions, material, tool settings, and cut sequences before purchasing material or cutting.

Screenshots

Stringer4 screens
Cutlist3 screens

Verdict

The call

Stringer and Cutlist are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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. Stringer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and Cutlist sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Stringer versus Cutlist: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStringerCutlist
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (5 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings5 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 months—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.616.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB42 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer家宝 戴Brennon Overton

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Stringer

Subscriptions2
  • Stringer Pro Monthly7 Days trial$7.991 Month
  • Stringer Pro Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year
1 purchases

Cutlist

One-time1
  • Cutlist Pro — Lifetime$19.99

Questions

Is Stringer free?
Stringer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Cutlist free?
Cutlist is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Stringer or Cutlist have ads?
Neither Stringer nor Cutlist shows ads.

Other comparisons