Dovetail Joint Calculator
Tail Width
—
Pin Width
—
Half-Pin Width
—
Layout
—
Planning Dovetail Joints
Dovetail joints interlock trapezoidal pins and tails for strong mechanical joints. This calculator divides board width into even spacing.
Standard angles: 14 degrees (1:4) for hardwoods, 10 degrees (1:6) for softwoods. Pin-to-tail ratio controls relative widths.
Begin by marking half-pins at edges, then distribute tails and pins evenly. Use a marking gauge set to board thickness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What angle for dovetails?
14 degrees (1:4) for hardwoods, 10 degrees (1:6) for softwoods. 1:5 is a good compromise.
How many tails?
About one per inch of width. 6-inch board gets 3-4 tails. More tails = more intricate but slower.
What is the half-pin?
Narrow pins at each board edge. Prevents weak short-grain corners and gives clean appearance.
Tails or pins first?
Both work. Tails-first is traditional Western. Pins-first is common in Japanese woodworking.