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If either the thickness b or the width d of a user-specified section is not in the database then that section will be considered a custom section. The output results clearly indicate when Sizer considers a section to be a custom size.
Imperial (English) Sizes
Sizer normally displays a section's nominal size but internally determines section properties based on the dressed (actual) size. For custom sizes Sizer will use the input b and d values as the actual size of the section. Thus you should enter the actual dimensions rather than the nominal dimensions of custom sections. Sizer will automatically change the units label of the width or depth input field from nom. in. to just in. whenever a custom size is entered.
It may be that the actual size you wish to enter is the same as a custom size in the Sizer database, for example if you wish to enter the full 2" width of undressed lumber, rather than the 1.5 planed width. Sizer will in this case select the nominal size when you type in the number "2". However, if you type in some number like 2.0001, Sizer will interpret this as an actual size, and even though it rounds the number and shows it as "2" the next time it updates, it will show just in. as the label and treat it as an actual size.
Important: Sizer also uses the strength properties of the currently displayed species and grade. You should therefore ensure that the dimensions of your custom size fall within the size range that the grade properties apply to.