This work is presenting a microstructure-oriented methodology for characterization of the laser cutting parameter influence on damage modes and evolution of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) under cyclic loading. For this purpose, unidirectional (UD) CFRP with thermosetting epoxy is fabricated and cut by laser. Lower cutting speeds and pulse duration lead to a larger edge angle and thus in different specimen widths on the top and bottom of the specimen. The results show the necessity of a suitable methodology, since the fatigue properties are affected by the laser cut parameters as well as specimen width, highlighting the interaction between volume-dependent heat induction and inflicted laminate damage.