Circular Saw vs Miter Saw vs Table Saw: Saw Types
A circular saw is the portable all-rounder, a miter saw makes accurate repeat crosscuts, and a table saw rips long boards and sheets fed into the blade.
By Andrian ChengContributing writer.
On this page
The short answer
The three saws people compare most all use a round blade, but they move differently:
- A circular saw is held in your hands and pushed through the material. It is portable and cuts boards and full sheets of plywood.
- A miter saw sits on a base; you lower the blade onto a board held against a fence. It makes accurate crosscuts and angles, and repeats them exactly.
- A table saw has a fixed blade sticking up through a table; you feed the material into it. It is strongest at long rip cuts along a board.
Of the 1,085 power saws listed on Wiki Shopping on October 26, 2026, 1,020 state a type. Table saws are the largest group (215), followed by miter saws (181) and circular saws (152).
Circular saw vs miter saw
Bob Vila's comparison sums up the trade:
| Circular saw | Miter saw | |
|---|---|---|
| How it cuts | You guide the saw through the work | You lower the blade onto the work |
| Sheet goods (plywood) | Yes | No; limited by blade and table size |
| Accuracy | Depends on your guiding | High; settings lock for identical cuts |
| Cuts | Crosscut, rip, bevel, adjustable depth | Crosscut, miter and, on compound models, bevel |
| Space | Small; carry and store with one hand | Needs a bench or stand |
Pick a circular saw if you have one tool budget, little space or jobs that move around. Add a miter saw for trim, decks and fences, where many identical cuts matter.
Miter saw vs table saw
A miter saw cannot cut wider than its blade reach, though a sliding model adds up to 2 inches, by Bob Vila's figure. A table saw can rip a board of any length if it is supported at table height, and with infeed and outfeed support it can break down 4 by 8 foot plywood sheets. Angled cuts across a board are easier on a miter saw; bevels along the length of a board are the table saw's job.
What size circular saw do I need?
Full-size corded circular saws from makers such as DeWalt and Makita take a 7-1/4 inch blade. DeWalt's DWE575, for example, cuts up to 2-9/16 inches deep, and Makita describes its 7-1/4 inch 5007F as built for framing with dimensional lumber and plywood. Compact circular saws use a smaller blade and give up depth and power for reach in tight spots, such as inside a wall.
Miter saws come in 8, 10 and 12 inch blade sizes, according to Bob Vila; larger blades cut wider boards and big crown molding. Our listings group blade sizes like this:
| Blade size | Power saws on Wiki Shopping |
|---|---|
| Under 6 in | 32 |
| 6 to 7-1/2 in | 132 |
| 8 to 9 in | 45 |
| 10 in | 152 |
| 12 in | 47 |
| 14 in or more | 8 |
Corded or cordless
On Wiki Shopping, 428 power saws are cordless and 401 are corded. 283 list an 18V or 20V battery, the largest voltage group. If you already own batteries from one brand, a bare tool from the same line saves buying a new pack.
The other saws
- Jigsaw: a small up-and-down blade for curves and cutouts.
- Reciprocating saw: a push-pull blade for demolition and cutting through nails and pipe.
- Band saw: a loop blade on wheels for curves and resawing in the shop.
How we count
Type, blade size and power source are read from each store listing. Saws whose listing does not state them are left out of those counts. The counts change as listings are added or removed.
Shop by spec
Power Saws
Reciprocating, Cordless, 12V
- The cordless reciprocating saw is lightweight and compact for ultimate portability
- Ergonomics optimized for one-handed use
- Brushless motor for enhanced performance and extended life
- LED to help illuminate dark workspaces
- Tool-free blade release allows for quick and easy blade changes. Strokes/Min: 0-2800 spm
- Variable-speed trigger provides user with improved speed control
Reciprocating, Cordless, 24V to 40V
- Greenworks 24V Lithium-Ion battery provides 20% more power and 35% more run-time, and delivers fade-free power with no memory loss after charging.
- Highly efficient 24V brushless motor provides more torque, quiet operation, and longer life
- 1-1/8 in. stroke length provides fast and efficient cutting. 40% more cuts than leading competitors
- Die-cast aluminum gear housing for maximum durability
- Compact design provides excellent balance and control
Jig, Cordless, 18V or 20V
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw, 3,200 Blade Speed, Cordless, Brushless Motor, LED Light, Bare Tool Only (DCS334B)- Brushless motor of the cordless jigsaw delivers efficient performance for longer runtime (vs. DCS331 Jig Saw)
- Compact size for easy grip and maximum control of the jig saw
- Bright LED on the jigsaw tool helps illuminate dimly lit work surfaces
- Variable speed trigger and dial provide precise speed control
- All-metal, lever-action keyless blade change allows for quick and easy t-shank blade changes
- Integrated dust blower helps clear line of sight while cutting
- 4-position orbital action provides control of cut quality and speed
- All-metal, keyless shoe bevel with detents at 0 degree, 15 degree, 30 degree, and a positive stop at 45 degree for easy adjustment
- No-mar shoe cover to help protect work surface from scratches
- Accepts t-shank jig saw blades for optimal holding power and professional results
Circular, Cordless, 18V or 20V
- 5150 RPM motor delivers power and speed to make the most demanding cuts with ease
- High strength and lightweight magnesium shoe provides jobsite durability for long-term cut accuracy
- Optimized rubber over molded comfort grip delivers optimal balance and control
- 0-50° bevel capacity allows for aggressive bevel cuts for a multitude of applications