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Bending Radius CalculatorWood Bending Radius & Method Calculator

Determine whether a wood curve is achievable. Calculate the minimum bend radius for steam, lamination, kerf and cold bending, with ply counts for lamination and springback allowance.

Min Radius by MethodFeasibility CheckLamination PliesSpringback EstimatePDF Report
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Bending Radius Calculator

Wood Bending Radius & Method Calculator

Material & Method
mm
Bend Geometry
mm

Inside radius of the curve.

mm

0 = auto. Only for kerf bending.

OK
Bending Radius Results
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mm
Minimum Radius
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feasible
Feasibility
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ratio
Radius:Thickness
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%
Springback
PropertyValueDetail
Bending Calculation
About Bending Radius Calculator
Wood can be curved by several methods, each with a different minimum achievable radius. This tool checks whether your desired radius is feasible for a given thickness and method, and for bent lamination it calculates the required ply thickness and count. It also estimates springback so you know how much to over-bend the form.
Where Is This Used?
Curved FurnitureBoat BuildingStaircase HandrailsMusical InstrumentsArchitectural CurvesChair Making
Formulas & Rules
Minimum radius = ratio x thicknessBent lamination ~ 2x thickness | Steam ~ 10x | Plywood ~ 12xSolid cold bend ~ 50x thickness (very limited)Lamination ply thickness ~ radius / 50Kerf count = (arc length) / kerf spacing
Frequently Asked Questions
Which method gives the tightest curve?
Bent lamination achieves the tightest radii because you bend thin, flexible plies (each easily curved) and glue them into a rigid curved beam. The thinner each ply, the tighter the possible radius and the less springback. Steam bending comes next, then kerf cutting, with cold-bending solid wood the most limited.
What is springback and how do I compensate?
After bending, wood partially relaxes back toward straight - this is springback. To hit your target radius you must over-bend the form by a few percent. Bent lamination has the least springback (the glue locks the shape); steam-bent solid wood the most. This tool estimates the over-bend allowance per method.
How does kerf bending work?
Kerf bending cuts a series of closely-spaced saw kerfs across the back of a board, leaving a thin face that flexes as the kerfs close up. It allows tight bends in sheet goods without steam or lamination, but the bend is weaker and the kerfs may show or need filling - best hidden inside a structure.
ResourcesView the formulasFormula Library
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