Tail Width
1.667"
Tails
3
Angle
7.1°
Layout: 3 tails + 4 pins (2 full + 2 half-pins)
Angle: 1:8 slope = 7.1\u00B0
Inputs
Result
3 tails with 1/4" narrow pins in a 6" oak board
Inputs
Result
2 tails with wider angle for softwood box
Use 1:8 ratio (about 7.1°) for hardwoods like oak and maple, and 1:6 ratio (about 9.5°) for softwoods like pine and cedar. The 1:7 ratio works well as a general-purpose angle.
| Ratio | Angle | Best For | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:6 | 9.5° | Softwood | High mechanical lock |
| 1:7 | 8.1° | General | Balanced |
| 1:8 | 7.1° | Hardwood | High glue surface |
For a 6-inch board, 3 tails is typical. Use the rule of thumb: one tail per 2 inches of board width, with minimum of 2 tails. Wider boards need more tails for even load distribution.
Tails are the wider, trapezoidal pieces that flare outward. Pins are the narrower pieces between tails. Half-pins are on the edges and are half the width of a full pin. Tails go on the side piece, pins on the front.
Pin narrow width at the narrow end is typically 1/4" for hand-cut dovetails. Some woodworkers prefer equal-spaced pins and tails, while others use narrow pins (1/8" to 1/4") for a more dramatic look.
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Last Updated: Mar 20, 2026
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