Practical tools for measured work
Fret Slot Template
Generate a full-size, printable fret slot layout for twelve-tone equal temperament from scale length and fret count.
Calculate the layout, check the diagram, then print the result for the shop or jobsite.
Measure from the nut datum to the bridge saddle datum.
Whole numbers from 1 to 48.
Printed slot-line width; this is not a fretboard taper model.
Fret position table
| Fret | From nut | From previous | Remaining to bridge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 36.3694 mm | 36.3694 mm | 611.6306 mm |
| 2 | 70.6976 mm | 34.3282 mm | 577.3024 mm |
| 3 | 103.0991 mm | 32.4015 mm | 544.9009 mm |
| 4 | 133.6821 mm | 30.5829 mm | 514.3179 mm |
| 5 | 162.5485 mm | 28.8664 mm | 485.4515 mm |
| 6 | 189.7948 mm | 27.2463 mm | 458.2052 mm |
| 7 | 215.5119 mm | 25.7171 mm | 432.4881 mm |
| 8 | 239.7856 mm | 24.2737 mm | 408.2144 mm |
| 9 | 262.6969 mm | 22.9113 mm | 385.3031 mm |
| 10 | 284.3223 mm | 21.6254 mm | 363.6777 mm |
| 11 | 304.7340 mm | 20.4117 mm | 343.2660 mm |
| 12 | 324.0000 mm | 19.2660 mm | 324.0000 mm |
| 13 | 342.1847 mm | 18.1847 mm | 305.8153 mm |
| 14 | 359.3488 mm | 17.1641 mm | 288.6512 mm |
| 15 | 375.5496 mm | 16.2007 mm | 272.4504 mm |
| 16 | 390.8410 mm | 15.2915 mm | 257.1590 mm |
| 17 | 405.2743 mm | 14.4332 mm | 242.7257 mm |
| 18 | 418.8974 mm | 13.6231 mm | 229.1026 mm |
| 19 | 431.7559 mm | 12.8585 mm | 216.2441 mm |
| 20 | 443.8928 mm | 12.1368 mm | 204.1072 mm |
| 21 | 455.3484 mm | 11.4557 mm | 192.6516 mm |
| 22 | 466.1611 mm | 10.8127 mm | 181.8389 mm |
| 23 | 476.3670 mm | 10.2058 mm | 171.6330 mm |
| 24 | 486.0000 mm | 9.6330 mm | 162.0000 mm |
The artwork uses actual millimetre coordinates and tiles across A4 pages. Print at 100%, disable fit-to-page, assemble using crop marks and overlap, then verify the 25 × 25 mm square in both directions before marking a workpiece.
How it works
Direct answer. This template places each fret for twelve-tone equal temperament from a clearly marked nut datum. It lists both cumulative distance from the nut and the smaller distance from the preceding fret.
Formula. At fret n, the ideal remaining vibrating length is L / 2^(n/12). Therefore the measured distance from the nut is L × (1 - 2^(-n/12)). For a 648 mm scale, fret 12 is exactly 324 mm from both nut and bridge.
The equal-temperament relationship and fret-location equation are documented by the University of Illinois Physics 406 acoustics notes. The same ideal-string assumptions and practical corrections are discussed by UNSW Music Acoustics.
Limitations
This is an ideal mathematical slot layout, not a compensated intonation design. Real intonation also depends on string gauge, action, stiffness, nut height, saddle compensation, playing force and manufacturing tolerances. Confirm the scale convention and compensation plan for the actual instrument before cutting.
The bridge line is the nominal scale-length datum; a finished instrument's individual saddle contact points may be compensated away from it. The rectangular template does not model fretboard taper, binding, saw kerf or slot depth.
Frequently asked questions
Do I measure fret positions from the nut or from the previous fret?
Use the cumulative “from nut” column to avoid compounding layout error. The adjacent column is provided as a cross-check.
Can I print this on ordinary A4 paper?
Yes. The PDF exporter tiles the long template with overlap, crop marks, page labels and a calibration square. Keep printer scaling at 100%.
Does the bridge line include saddle compensation?
No. It marks the nominal scale length used by the equal-temperament calculation; determine compensation separately for the instrument and string set.
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