Rip Capacity
Affiliate link — we may earn a commissionRip capacity is the maximum width of material a table saw can cut between the blade and the fence. A contractor saw with 24-1/2-inch rip capacity handles a full rip down a sheet of plywood (which is 24 inches to the center). A cabinet saw with 30 to 36 inches of rip capacity handles full sheets without rearranging your setup. For miter saws, the equivalent spec is crosscut capacity, the widest board you can cut in one pass.
Why It Matters
If you cut plywood or sheet goods regularly, you need at least 24-1/2 inches of rip capacity. Less than that and you're making two passes or using a track saw instead. Know your typical material widths before shopping for a table saw.