The basic columns
Most cut lists include part name, quantity, thickness, width, length, and sometimes material. For example: side panel, quantity two, 3/4 inch plywood, 12 inches by 30 inches.
Part names matter during assembly. Label pieces as you cut them so side, top, bottom, and stretcher do not become a mystery later.
Nominal size is not actual size
A 2x4 is not actually 2 inches by 4 inches. In most US stores it is about 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches. A 1x6 is usually about 3/4 inch by 5.5 inches.
Plans often use nominal names because that is how lumber is sold. When precision matters, check the actual dimensions printed on the shelf tag or measure the board.
Kerf changes the math
Kerf is the material removed by the saw blade. If your blade removes 1/8 inch per cut, ten cuts remove more than an inch of board. That can be the difference between one board and two.
Good cut lists account for kerf. If you are planning manually, leave extra length instead of trying to use every last fraction.
Cutting order matters
Cut the longest pieces first unless your plan says otherwise. Long parts are harder to recover from short offcuts. Small parts can often be pulled from leftovers.
For plywood, grain direction and face quality matter too. A technically efficient layout is not useful if the visible grain runs the wrong way.
Turn the guide into a build plan
Fixie helps you pick dimensions, generate cut lists, shop materials, and follow each step from your phone.