A half-pin is the narrow pin at each end of a dovetail board. It is typically half the width of a full pin and sits flush with the edge of the board, providing a clean termination for the joint.

Which dovetail angle should I use?

Use 1:5 (about 11°) for softwoods like pine; 1:6 (about 9.5°) for medium hardwoods; 1:7 (about 8°) for fine hardwoods like cherry or walnut; 1:8 (about 7°) for very hard or dense species. Steeper angles grip better in soft grain; shallower angles are stronger in dense wood.

What does "tail spacing" mean?

Tail spacing is the center-to-center distance between adjacent tails. Equal spacing ensures the joint looks balanced and is the standard starting point for most dovetail layouts.

How do I transfer the marks to my board?

Use a sharp marking gauge or a steel ruler with a marking knife. Set the gauge to each measurement in turn and score a line across the end grain of the board at that distance from the left edge.

What is pin width at face vs. at baseline?

The baseline is the depth line scribed across the face of the board. At baseline the pin is widest. At the face (the end grain surface you are marking) the pin is narrower because the dovetail angle cuts inward. The calculator shows both so you can mark both ends of the cut.

Dovetail Layout Calculator

Name: Dovetail Layout Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter board width, tail count, dovetail angle, and half-pin size to get precise layout marks for hand-cut dovetail joints.

Joint Parameters

Board width

Number of tails: 4

220

Dovetail angle

Half-pin size (same unit as board width)

Typical: 3/8" (0.375 in) to 1/2" (0.5 in). In mm: 9–13 mm.

Layout Marks — left edge to right edge

#	Label	Distance from left

Set parameters and click Calculate Layout

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