Shed Framing Calculator

• Perimeter (ft) = 2 × (Length + Width)
• Studs per wall = ceil(WallLength / StudSpacing) + 1
• Total wall studs = sum(walls) − 4 corners + 4 × openings
• Plate linear feet = Perimeter × PlateLayers
• Plate boards = ceil(PlateLinearFeet / BoardLength)
• Pitch ratio = Rise / 12
• Rafter length (gable) = √(Run² + Rise²), Run = Width/2 + Overhang
• Rafter length (single-slope) = √(Run² + Rise²), Run = Width + 2×Overhang
• Sheathing sheets = ceil((Area / SheetArea) × (1 + Waste%))

1. Enter shed length, width, and wall height in feet.
2. Select stud spacing based on your wall design.
3. Choose roof type and enter pitch and rafter spacing.
4. Set overhangs to match your fascia and eave plan.
5. Fill in door and window counts and their dimensions.
6. Pick sheet size and waste factor for realistic ordering.
7. Click Calculate to see results above the form.
8. Use download buttons to save your latest summary.

1) Start with clear dimensions

Good framing takeoffs begin with the shed footprint and wall height. This calculator uses length, width, and height to estimate perimeter walls and surface areas. Enter finished outside dimensions for a more realistic lumber count, then keep a small allowance for trimming and minor layout corrections.

2) Stud layout and spacing

Stud quantity is driven by wall length and your selected spacing. A practical rule is studs ≈ ceil(wall length in inches / spacing) + end studs, then summed for all four walls. Tighter spacing (such as 12 inches) increases stiffness and supports heavier cladding, while wider spacing reduces material but may require thicker sheathing.

3) Plates and linear footage

Top and bottom plates are estimated from total wall run. For typical construction, use a double top plate plus a single bottom plate, so plate linear feet ≈ perimeter × 3. If you plan tall walls, frequent openings, or shear panels, add extra footage for laps, corners, and splices.

4) Doors, windows, and headers

Openings change the stud count and add header material. The calculator subtracts opening widths from full stud runs and then adds jack studs and simplified header lengths per opening. For wide doors, verify header size with span tables and local requirements, especially in snow or high-wind areas.

5) Rafters, ridge, and pitch

Roof framing depends on pitch and rafter spacing. Rafter count is estimated along the shed length as pairs at each layout point: rafter pairs ≈ ceil(length / spacing). Rafter length uses rise/run geometry: rafter length ≈ (half-span + overhang) × sqrt(1 + (rise/run)²).

6) Sheathing quantities and waste

Wall and roof sheathing are calculated from area divided by sheet area, then multiplied by (1 + waste%). Waste covers cuts at gable ends, openings, and off-layout joints. For complex roofs or many windows, a 10–15% waste factor often prevents short orders.

7) Connectors and fasteners

Hardware counts are easy to overlook. A simple approach is to plan anchors at corners and at regular intervals, then include hurricane ties for each rafter or truss connection. Fasteners depend on sheathing and cladding schedules; always follow manufacturer patterns for edge and field nailing.

8) Validate with site conditions

Estimates are a planning tool, not a stamped design. Soil, foundation type, uplift exposure, and local snow loads can change member sizes and spacing. Before buying, confirm your wall bracing plan, opening spans, and roof details so the final takeoff matches your build.

1) What stud spacing should I choose?

Use the spacing required by your design and local practice. 16 inches is common for general sheds. 12 inches can improve stiffness for heavy cladding. 24 inches reduces lumber but often needs stronger sheathing and careful bracing.

2) Why does the calculator add a waste factor?

Cutoffs, miscuts, and layout changes are normal. Waste also covers sheathing around openings and roof edges. A small percentage helps you order enough material in one trip and reduces jobsite delays.

3) How is roof pitch used in the estimate?

Pitch sets the slope. The calculator converts pitch to rise/run and uses it to estimate rafter length from the half-span plus overhang. Steeper roofs usually need longer rafters and more sheathing area.

4) Does this work for trusses?

You can approximate truss count using the same spacing logic, but truss profiles and overhangs vary by supplier. For ordering trusses, provide your span, pitch, and loading conditions to the truss designer.

5) Are header sizes provided?

This tool estimates header lengths, not structural sizes. Header sizing depends on opening width, roof loads, and wall height. Check span tables or an engineer for wide doors, large windows, or high-load regions.

6) What sheet size should I select?

Select the panel size you plan to purchase, such as 4×8 or 4×9. The sheet count is area-based, so switching sizes changes totals. Match thickness and grade to your cladding and bracing requirements.

7) Why might my onsite count differ?

Corner framing style, blocking, shear panels, and framing around openings vary by builder. Foundations and roof details also add lumber. Use this as a baseline, then adjust for your exact framing plan and local code.