The Gambrel Rafter Lengths calculator computes the upper and lower rafter lengths, attic width and total height based on the upper and lower pitch, span and loft height.
INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:
- (S) Span of Roof
- (LH) Loft Height
- (P1) Lower Pitch
- (P2) Upper Pitch
Gambrel Rafter Length (RL): The calculator returns the following:
- (LR) Lower Rafter Length
- (UR) Upper Rafter Length
- (TH) Total Height
- (LW) Loft Width
The Math / Science
The Loft Width must be less than the span. With that constraint, the rest is simple trigonometry of triangle.
- LR = LH / sin(P1)
- x = sqrt(LR2-LH2)
- LW = S - 2x
- y = LW/2
- UR = (LW/2) / cos(P2)
- z = sqrt(UR2 - y2)
- TH = LH + z
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