Free Pinewood Derby Car Templates (Word, PDF)
Life
by margiecox
Building a fast, good-looking Pinewood Derby car starts with a solid design traced onto the block, and a template takes the guesswork out of the shape. These 39 templates give Cub Scouts and parents car outlines and planning sheets, from classic wedges to creative custom bodies.
You'll find editable Word files for planning and print-ready PDFs you can size and trace directly onto your wood. Check the print scale before cutting so the dimensions match the rules, then transfer the outline and start shaping. Everything is free. Download the design your scout likes and head to the workbench.
When to use this Pinewood Derby template
- New Cub Scout pack leaders hosting their first Pinewood Derby need quick, easy-to-trace designs for 10+ cars—these templates cut prep time by hours while keeping creativity simple.
- Parents of competitive Cub Scouts with limited woodworking skills want to maximize speed without building from scratch; these templates include aerodynamic shapes and weight-placement guides.
- Volunteer coaches running a multi-team derby event need consistent sizing and design standards to keep judging fair—editable Word files help standardize outlines across dozens of cars.
- Scouts building custom cars but unsure where to start can use these templates as starting points, then tweak proportions or add details like wing shapes in the editable Word files.
Which format should I download?
Choose Word formats when you need to modify designs before printing—edit outlines, adjust proportions, or add annotations for notes on weight placement or wheel alignment. Opt for PDFs if you’re ready to print and trace directly onto wood, as they’re sized for accuracy and include templates like Mark Rober’s popular designs. PDFs are ideal for last-minute printing at a craft store, while Word files suit iterative planning sessions with parents or scouts.
Choose from 39 Pinewood Derby Templates
How to use this Pinewood Derby template
Can I use these templates to plan weight distribution for speed?
Yes, several templates include marked zones for battery placement and weight blocks, but remember—actual speed depends on factors like wheel alignment and track surface. Test designs on a practice track before the big race. These templates are a starting point, not guaranteed winners.
Do these include templates for non-standard block sizes?
Most templates assume a standard 3.5-inch pine block, but a few collections (like those inspired by Mark Rober) include scalable designs. If your block varies, use the editable Word files to adjust proportions before printing or tracing.
Are there templates for themed cars beyond basic shapes?
Yes, the collection includes themed outlines like race cars, dinosaurs, and space ships, but these are decorative templates. For speed-focused builds, stick to aerodynamic shapes and focus on weight distribution—these templates won’t account for decorative elements’ impact on performance.
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