Shoji Screen & Kumiko Grid Pitch Calculator
Calculate exact half-lap notch spacing (ai-kaki pitch), clear rectangular cell openings, classical Japanese aspect ratios, and total lineal strip stock.
Tip: Adjust rows and columns until the Aspect Ratio approaches 1 : 1.41 (Silver Ratio) or 1 : 1.00 (Square Kumiko).
Clear Cell Opening (W × H)
145.5 × 182.3 mm
Aspect Ratio: 1 : 1.25
Center-to-Center Notch Pitch
151.5 × 188.3 mm
Table saw sled pin step
Live Shoji & Kumiko Lattice Elevation
Standard Japanese Shoji & Kumiko Strip Dimensions (Mitsuke vs. Mikomi)
Recommended strip face thickness (Mitsuke) and depth (Mikomi) by project scale.
| Project Type | Mitsuke (Face Width) | Mikomi (Strip Depth) | Target Cell Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Decorative Kumiko Art Panel | 3.0 – 3.2 mm (1/8") | 9.5 – 12.0 mm (3/8"–1/2") | 1 : 1.000 (Exact Square) |
| Shoji Table Lamp / Lantern | 4.0 – 4.8 mm (3/16") | 10.0 – 12.7 mm (1/2") | 1 : 1.414 (Silver Ratio) |
| Cabinet Door Shoji Insert | 5.0 – 6.4 mm (1/4") | 12.7 – 15.0 mm (1/2"–5/8") | 1 : 1.414 (Silver Ratio) |
| Full-Height Sliding Shoji Door | 6.4 – 9.5 mm (1/4"–3/8") | 15.0 – 19.0 mm (5/8"–3/4") | 1 : 1.618 (Golden Ratio) |
How to Cut Accurate Half-Lap Grid Notches (Ai-kaki)
In Japanese joinery, vertical lattice strips (tategumi) and horizontal strips (yokogumi) interlock via half-depth lap joints called ai-kaki. To prevent small measurement rounding errors from accumulating across a wide frame, never lay out notches with a pencil and ruler. Instead, cut a master spacing spacer block equal to the clear cell opening (Cell Width) and use it against a table saw crosscut sled indexing pin that matches your exact blade kerf.
Center-to-Center Notch Pitch = Clear Cell Width + Mitsuke_Thickness
Frequently Asked Questions (Shoji & Kumiko Grid Calculator)
What is the traditional aspect ratio for Japanese Shoji screen grid cells?
Traditional Japanese Shoji screens use either the Silver Ratio (1 : 1.414, based on root 2) or the Golden Ratio (1 : 1.618) for vertical rectangular cells (shoji-gumi), creating balanced visual harmony.
What is a standard Mitsuke thickness for Shoji and Kumiko strips?
For intricate tabletop Kumiko panels, strip thickness (mitsuke) is typically 3.0mm to 3.2mm (1/8 inch). For full-size sliding Shoji room doors, lattice strips range from 6mm to 9mm (1/4 inch to 3/8 inch) thick.
How do you calculate half-lap notch pitch on a table saw sled?
Center-to-center notch pitch equals one clear cell opening plus one strip thickness (Cell Width + Mitsuke). Using a dedicated indexing pin set to your strip thickness eliminates cumulative layout error.
What wood species is best for cutting Shoji and Kumiko grids?
Straight-grained softwoods with fine, uniform texture—such as Japanese Hinoki cypress, Western Red Cedar, Basswood, Sitka Spruce, or Alaskan Yellow Cedar—compress cleanly at half-lap joints without splitting.
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