Rafter length calculator — from span, pitch and overhang

Enter the full building span in feet, the pitch as inches of rise per 12 inches of run, and the horizontal overhang. Results assume a symmetric gable with a single common rafter; ridge thickness deduction is not included.

A ferramenta e as legendas estão em português. As notas de referência continuam em inglês.

rafter length calculator

Rafter length
14.534ft
Length (ft-in)
14' 6.41"
Rise at ridge
6ft
Roof angle
26.57°

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Formula

pitch factor = √(12² + pitch²) ÷ 12 · rafter = (span ÷ 2 + overhang) × pitch factor

Subtract half the ridge board thickness (measured level) from the run for a cut length. Confirm framing with your structural drawings.

Worked examples

InputResult
24 ft span, 6/12, 1 ft overhang13 × 1.118 = 14.534 ft (14' 6.41")
30 ft span, 4/12, no overhang15 × 1.054 = 15.811 ft

Pitch factor (multiply run)

PitchFactor
3/121.0308
4/121.0541
5/121.0833
6/121.118
7/121.1577
8/121.2019
9/121.25
10/121.3017
12/121.4142

Questions

How do I calculate rafter length?

Take half the span plus overhang, then multiply by the pitch factor √(12² + rise²) ÷ 12.

What is the pitch factor for 6/12?

√(144 + 36) ÷ 12 = 1.118.

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