Richard -

You can download an example of the "Cutting Stock" problem that can be
solved using Excel's Solver.

Browse to www.solver.com, and choose Solutions | Production | Cutstock ...

- Mike Middleton
http://www.DecisionToolworks.com
Decision Analysis Add-ins for Excel


"Richard (a Builder not a Mathematician)" <Richard (a Builder not a
Mathematician) @discussions.microsoft.com wrote in message
...
I have to cut varied lengths of timber out of much longer lengths but I do
not want to end up with any more waste than is necessary. Is there an
Excel
function whereby I could enter say twenty varied lengths and find the most
economic combinations to get out of several given lengths?

Regards Richard (a Builder not a Mathematician)