THE NUMBERS, EXPLAINED
How to use this calculator.
Straight centered linear taper within a rectangular blank; this computes geometry only, without grain, stretch or load-bearing suitability.
Start with your inputs
Enter strap starting width (mm), strap ending width (mm), taper length (mm), stock blank width (mm). Keep amounts in the units shown on each field. The example is a starting point, not a recommended value.
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| Strap starting width (mm) | 30 |
| Strap ending width (mm) | 20 |
| Taper length (mm) | 100 |
| Stock blank width (mm) | 40 |
A worked example
With the example inputs above, left inset at taper start (mm) is 5. Change the inputs to explore your own scenario.
| Result | Example answer |
|---|---|
| Left inset at taper start (mm) | 5 |
| Left inset at taper end (mm) | 10 |
| Finished taper area (square mm) | 2,500 |
| Offcut area (square mm) | 1,500 |
How this is calculated
Left inset at taper start (mm)
Center starting width within blank.
Left inset at taper end (mm)
Center ending width within blank.
Finished taper area (square mm)
Use the trapezoid area formula.
Offcut area (square mm)
Subtract trapezoid area from rectangular blank.
Symbols and units
- a
- Strap starting width (mm)
- b
- Strap ending width (mm)
- c
- Taper length (mm)
- d
- Stock blank width (mm)
Use the units shown. A list keeps the order in which you enter its values. The symbol ^ means “raised to the power of”.
Assumptions and limits
Straight centered linear taper within a rectangular blank; this computes geometry only, without grain, stretch or load-bearing suitability.
Calculations use the values you enter. Blank or invalid inputs show an error instead of silently substituting zero. Results are displayed to useful precision; calculations retain the underlying numeric precision.
Questions about this tool
What does the result tell me?
Left inset at taper start (mm); Left inset at taper end (mm); Finished taper area (square mm); Offcut area (square mm). The result applies to the method and inputs described above. Check the units and assumptions before using it in a decision.
Why might another calculator differ?
Differences in units, rounding, timing or model definitions can produce different answers. Compare the input definitions and the method, rather than only the final number. For this tool: Straight centered linear taper within a rectangular blank; this computes geometry only, without grain, stretch or load-bearing suitability.
Are my inputs stored or sent to AI?
Calculations on this page happen in your browser. The separate AI question finder sends its submitted conversation to OpenAI; these calculator fields are not sent. Favourites and recent tool names are stored locally. A shared link contains the inputs you choose to include.
Further reading
OpenStax Prealgebra 2e — arithmetic and proportions ↗
Background reading; this does not imply endorsement or independent review of SumFizz.
Review status
Software example and browser checks are recorded in our quality report. No external expert review is claimed. Created with coding assistance; calculations run as ordinary browser code.
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