This paper deals with the energy dissipation of ductile metal plate due to cutting. By using nondimensional analysis, we present that the dissipation energy of tearing behaviour can be formulated as a function of slenderness ratio expressed by cutting length, yield stress, plate thickness and elastic modulus. The validity of the proposed formula for Al-alloy, copper and mild steel is demonstrated by comparing the proposed formula with experimental results, which are shown in good agreements except for thick mild steel plate.