ENGINEERING ANSWER
Panel yield depends on usable panel area, rails, board spacing, coupons, tooling and routing strategy. A geometric nesting count is useful for planning but does not include every production constraint.
What to decide before release
Use the panel tool to compare dimensions and orientations. Then let the supplier reserve process margins and test structures. Ask whether a small outline change improves usable yield without compromising the electrical or mechanical design.
Checks to put in your design brief
- Reserve coupons and tooling
- Check routing or scoring constraints
- Compare supplier panel formats
Important distinction
A calculator that fits rectangles cannot guarantee the supplier will build that exact number per panel.
Sources & basis
Material facts follow the cited source. Design checks are preliminary guidance, not supplier process instructions.