How do I cut a taper on a table saw?

Use a taper jig (tapering sled) on the table saw. Set the jig so that the narrow end of the taper is against the jig fence and the wide end passes the blade. The jig offset equals the taper per side. Always use push sticks and keep hands clear of the blade.

What is a standard taper for table legs?

A typical table leg taper reduces from 60-70mm at the top to 30-40mm at the foot, with the taper starting below the apron. This gives a taper angle of about 1-3 degrees per side. Both inner faces are usually tapered, with the outer faces remaining straight.

How do I calculate taper per foot?

Taper per foot (TPF) = (Wide end - Narrow end) / Length in feet. In metric, use taper per metre: (Wide - Narrow) / Length in metres. This calculator gives the taper per side (half the total taper) and the angle.

Can I use a hand plane to cut a taper?

Yes, mark the taper line on all four faces, then use a jack plane or jointer plane to remove material down to the line. Start with heavy cuts at the narrow end and lighter cuts towards the wide end. This method gives excellent results on short tapers.

WoodCalcs

Taper Calculator — Angles & Jig Settings

Calculate taper angles and jig settings for tapered legs and wedges.

Wide End Width

Shortest dimension of the area

Narrow End Width

Shortest dimension of the area

Taper Length

Length of the tapered section

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines the taper angle and per-side material removal for creating tapered components.

Formulas

Taper per side = (Wide end - Narrow end) / 2

Taper angle = arctan(Taper per side / Length)

The jig offset for a table saw taper jig equals the taper per side measurement. The taper ratio expresses the relationship as 1:n (e.g., 1:20 means 1mm taper per 20mm length).

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify measurements and material quantities before cutting or purchasing.