Calculator
Formula Used
- Run Length = input value, or bays × bay length (bay mode).
- Lifts = ceil(working height ÷ lift height) when auto lifts is enabled.
- Effective Height = working height, or lifts × lift height (height basis).
- Gross Elevation Area (m²) = run length × effective height × sides.
- Net Elevation Area (m²) = gross × (1 − openings%) × (1 + waste%).
- Gross Platform Area (m²) = run length × platform width × lifts × platforms per lift.
- Net Platform Area (m²) = gross × (1 + waste%).
- Guardrail Length (m) ≈ run length × sides × lifts × rails per lift.
- End-frame Face (m²) ≈ platform width × effective height × end frames × (1 + waste%).
How to Use This Calculator
- Select a mode: enter a total run length, or define bays and bay length.
- Enter working height and lift height. Keep auto lifts on for rounding.
- Choose whether height should use working height or full lifted height.
- Add platform width and platforms per lift if you need deck area.
- Set sides, deductions for openings, and a waste allowance.
- Click Calculate. Review gross and net areas, then export CSV/PDF.
Article
Purpose of scaffold area estimating
Scaffold area estimating converts a facade access requirement into measurable quantities that support pricing, sequencing, and logistics. By expressing coverage as elevation area and platform area, teams can compare options, justify allowances, and avoid under-ordering components. Consistent inputs also improve tender transparency when multiple elevations and lift heights are involved.
Elevation area for access planning
Elevation area represents the vertical face served by the scaffold. It is calculated from run length, effective height, and the number of sides. This value is useful for planning wrap coverage, debris netting, shrink wrap, and general access scope. When two-sided access is required, the elevation area doubles, which can significantly affect labor and material movement.
Platform area for working decks
Platform area relates to the usable working surface. It depends on run length, platform width, lifts, and platforms per lift. This supports deck board counts, loading plans, and trade productivity assumptions. For example, a 24.0 m run with 0.60 m width across 6 lifts gives a gross platform area of 86.400 m², before waste allowance is applied.
Allowances for openings and waste
Openings and setbacks reduce the net elevation requirement, while waste accounts for overlaps, irregular geometry, tie patterns, and practical site adjustments. The calculator applies openings as a percentage deduction to elevation area, then applies waste as a percentage addition. Example data: run 24.0 m, lifted height 12.0 m, one side, 5% openings, 7% waste yields net elevation area of 291.312 m².
Using outputs for procurement and safety
Use net areas for estimating and ordering, and gross areas for cross-checking the scope. Guardrail length (approximate) helps validate edge protection needs per lift and side. If end-frame faces are included, the added face area supports containment planning at scaffold terminations. Always align results with the method statement, local standards, and a competent person’s design checks.
FAQs
1) What is the difference between elevation area and platform area?
Elevation area measures the vertical face served by the scaffold. Platform area measures the horizontal working deck surface created across lifts. Both help estimate different material and labor drivers.
2) Should I use working height or lifted height?
Use working height for conceptual planning. Use lifted height when procurement must align to full lift increments. Lifted height rounds up using lifts and lift height, reflecting real scaffold geometry.
3) How do openings affect the results?
Openings reduce elevation area because parts of the facade do not need continuous coverage. Apply a realistic deduction for windows, doors, setbacks, and exclusions, then validate against drawings.
4) What waste percentage is typical?
Many estimates use 5–10% for straightforward runs, and higher for complex geometry or frequent returns. Choose a value that matches your system, tie pattern, and site constraints.
5) When should I select two sides?
Select two sides when access is needed on both faces of a structure or when scaffold is erected on two parallel elevations. It doubles elevation and guardrail estimates for the run.
6) Are guardrail length results exact?
Guardrail length is an approximation based on run length, sides, lifts, and rails per lift. Returns, stair towers, gaps, and system-specific modules can change actual quantities.
7) Can this calculator replace a scaffold design?
No. It supports estimating and early planning. Final scaffold layouts must be checked by a competent person and comply with local regulations, load classes, anchorage, and stability requirements.
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Run (m) | Height (m) | Lifts | Sides | Platform Width (m) | Openings (%) | Waste (%) | Net Elevation (m²) | Net Platform (m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facade painting | 24.0 | 12.0 | 6 | 1 | 0.60 | 5 | 7 | 291.312 | 92.448 |
| Two-sided access | 18.0 | 10.0 | 5 | 2 | 0.60 | 10 | 8 | 349.920 | 58.320 |
| High-rise repairs | 30.0 | 22.0 | 11 | 1 | 0.90 | 15 | 10 | 617.100 | 326.700 |