National Certificate in Carpentry

Perform Building Calculations

Unit Standard – 24378

Level 3, Credit 4
 24378 – Perform building calculations

Level 3, Credit 4

What you must do to achieve this unit

Correctly perform building calculations based on linear measurement.

Correctly calculate diagonal measures from working drawings.

Correctly calculate areas, volumes and percentages from working drawings

 Contents

Reference Page

Introduction 1
Terms, Theorem, Formulae and Symbols 2
Linear Measurement Systems 4
Types of Measurement 5
Spacing for Framing Members 7
Applied Building Calculations 11
The Sine, Cosine and Tangent Ratios 14
Calculation of Common Rafter, Hip Rafter and Diagonal Lengths 18
Perimeters 23
Area 28
Volume 28
Summary of Perimeters, Area and Volume 30
Percentage 32

Published by: Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation

Level 5, 234 Wakefield Street
PO Box 2615
Wellington
© Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, adapted, modified, copied or transmitted in any form or by any means,
including by way of example only, written, graphic, electronic, mechanical, reprographic, photocopying,
recording, taping or information retrieval systems, without the written permission of the publisher.
CARPENTRY 24378

Introduction

Building calculations are a necessary part of the trade. Without understanding some basic
mathematical principles, timber components would never be cut to the correct length, quantities
of concrete would be over- or under-ordered, roofs would be pitched at the wrong angles and all
sorts of other disasters could befall the industry!

This module covers step by step all you need to know about carpentry calculations. Because the
rules and theorems are applied to building, it helps to make the maths make sense.

Using Your Calculator

Before starting, ensure that you have read the operating instructions for your calculator.
Different calculators require you to use specific keys/buttons to achieve particular results.

For example, you may be required to press the “cos” key then the numbers on one model
of calculator, where on another model you must enter numbers and then the “cos” key.

You will also need to locate the second function key. This is labelled 2nd on some calculators
and “inv” (inverse) on others.

Note: No matter what model of calculator you have, to achieve accurate results you must read the
instructions first.

References and tools required:

The following items will need to be used when completing the Worksheets.

BCITO Building Trades ”Quik Calc Card”.

Scientific calculator.

Operating instructions for that calculator.

© BCITO NCC v10.01 May 2008 1

24378 CARPENTRY

Terms, Theorem, Formulae and Symbols

The following definitions and abbreviations are important to assist your understanding of the
subjects in this unit standard.

Dimension Measurable distance, as length, breadth and depth (size)

Linear measurement A system of units for measuring length

= Equal to

+ Add

÷ Divide

x Multiply

– Subtract

m Metre(s) (unit of linear measurement)

mm Millimetre(s) (unit of linear measurement that is one-thousandth of a metre)

m2 Metres squared or square metres (length x width)

m3 Metres cubed or cubic metres (length x width x depth)

a2 A number that multiplied by itself gives a specific number

eg. 72 = 7 x 7 or 72 = 49

√a Square root of a designated number (eg. √25 = 5)

π = 3.142

Circumference
= π x Diameter of the circle
of a circle

Pythagoras’ Theorem The square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other
two sides.

O
Triangle Theorem All internal angles always add up to 180 .

2 May 2008 © BCITO NCC v10.01

CARPENTRY 24378

Opposite side length

Sine Ratio Sine of the angle =
Hypotenuse side length

Adjacent side length

Cosine Ratio Cosine of the angle =
Hypotenuse side length

Opposite side length

Tangent Ratio Tangent of the angle =
Adjacent side length

Area of a triangle Half x base width x height

Area of a circle πr2 = (3.142 x radius2)

Volume Area of cross section x length. Or Length x Width x Height

Perimeter The distance around an object or figure

SOH CAH TOA O A O

S H C H T A

Opposite
O A O SOH: Sine Ratio =
S H C H T A Hypotenuse

O A O Adjacent
CAH: Cosine Ratio =
S H C H T A Hypotenuse

O A O Opposite
TOA: Tangent Ratio =
S H C H T A Adjacent

© BCITO NCC v10.01 May 2008 3

24378 CARPENTRY

Linear Measurement Systems

Within the building industry, length measurement (linear) is defined in metres (m) and
millimetres (mm).
1 metre = 1000 millimetres.

The dimension can be recorded on documents in one of the following ways:

1m;

1.000m; or

1000mm.

A millimetre is 1/1000 or 1000th of a metre and can be recorded on documents in one of the
following ways:

8mm = 0.008 or .008 or 8mm or 8

56mm = 0.056 or .056 or 56mm or 56

752mm = 0.752 or .752 or 752mm or 752

If a measurement was 5 metres, 6 hundred millimetres, it can be recorded in one or other of the
following ways:

5.600m or 5.6m or 5600mm

Tapes and rules are the most commonly used tools for measuring lengths on a building site. Each
one has its own purpose and advantage. A tape is more accurate than a rule when measuring
distances over 1 metre. A rule is easier to use for marking out or measuring short lengths of less
than 1 metre.

Another linear unit of measurement that is used in the building industry is the kilometre.
1 kilometre = 1000m. The kilometre can be used to calculate travel and freight costs to sites.

The use of a calculator in adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing, helps make the task of
calculating these figures faster than doing it longhand. It can also lessen the chance of making an
error of calculation.

4 May 2008 © BCITO NCC v10.01

CARPENTRY 24378

Types of Measurement

There are three types of measurements commonly used in construction:

individual;

running; and

overall.

Below is an example of each type.

200
Individual 2000 1800 1200 2500 1400 1800 3000
measurements

Running 2000 3800 5000 7500 8900 10900 13900

measurements
9100

Overall 13900
measurement

Dimensions on working drawings are usually shown as individual and overall measurements.
When running measurements are required, then the dimensions will need to be added together.

Running measurements (particularly for set-outs) eliminate cumulative error. Cumulative error is
the error made by adding successive additions, eg. setting out room by room individually and not
using running/overall measurement.

Overall Measurements
Overall measurements are the sum total of the individual or running measurements.

Overall measurements are used in:

setting out;

checking accuracy of individual set-outs;

calculating area (m2), or cubic measures (m3); and

calculating quantities, such as the number of floor joists or studs required, or the number of
sheets of roofing material required.

© BCITO NCC v10.01 May 2008 5

24378 CARPENTRY

Example: Calculate the number of sheets of roofing iron for a lean-to roof with a length of -
14.300m. The effective coverage of one sheet is 0.760m.

Length of roof
Number of sheets required
Effective coverage

14.300m
Number of sheets required
0.760m

Actual number required 18.8 sheets

14.300m

Round up the total of actual sheets required to obtain the final number of complete sheets that
would need to be ordered = 19 sheets.

Individual Measurements
An individual measurement is the distance between two fixed points. Examples where individual
measurements are used include:
partition walls;

opening positions;

opening heights and widths;

roof truss spacings; and

purlin spacings.

Running Measurements
Running measurements are the sum of individual measurements from a given point.

Advantages of using this method are:

set-out time can be reduced; and

all measurements are taken from a single point reducing the possibility of error.

Running measurements are not generally found on plans; they need to be calculated.

6 May 2008 © BCITO NCC v10.01

CARPENTRY 24378

Spacing for Framing Members

There are four principles involved in the spacing of framing members. They are:
one for nothing;

centre to centre;

in and over; and

in between.

While each has its own specific meaning, they are all related.

One for Nothing

The principle of “one for nothing” is that the first framing member in a set-out has no span or
spacing associated with it, but it still needs to be counted to establish the correct number of
framing members.

The drawing below shows a simple example of a wall 3000mm long with stud spacings at a
maximum of 600mm.There are 5 spacings with a framing member associated to it, but 6 framing
members are required. Therefore the first member is called "one for nothing".

3000

600 600 600 600 600

Space 1 Space 2 Space 3 Space 4 Space 5

One for nothing

Member 3

Member 5
Member 1

Member 4
Member 2

Centre to Centre
Centre to centre dimensions are normally recorded in the specification documents or on the
working drawings.
Maximum stud spacing of 400mm centres.

Floor joists at 600mm centres.

The measurement is referring to the distance from the centre of one member to the centre of the
next member.

3000

600 600 600 600 600

© BCITO NCC v10.01 May 2008 7

24378 CARPENTRY

In and Over
An in and over measurement is exactly the same distance as centre to centre. The measurement
is taken from the inside face of one member to the over face of the next member. Where centre
to centre is the method on documentation, in and over is the practical method used for setting out
and has the following advantages:
quick set-out, as only one set-out mark is required; and

accurate spacing to one face of the member – especially if rough sawn timber is being used
as the timber thickness may vary.

The drawing below shows the principle of in and over measurements. In the drawing the 3000mm
wall has stud spacings at 600mm maximum centres specified.

Example: A wall with a total width of 3000mm requires studs with a maximum spacing of 600mm.
This means there will be 5 spacings

Total length
Number of equal spaces =
Maximum spacing

3000
=
600

Number of equal spaces = 5 spaces

To calculate the in and over measurement, deduct one stud thickness from the overall length so
that first measurements will be taken from the inside face of the stud.

= Total length – one stud thickness

Total spacing distance
= 3000mm – 45mm

Total spacing distance = 2955mm

Divide total spacing distance by 2955

=
the number of spaces 5

= 591mm
In and over measurement

591 591 591 591 591

45 2955

Note: This method may not suit spacings for standard 1.200m sheet joins.

8 May 2008 © BCITO NCC v10.01

CARPENTRY 24378

In and Over to Suit Sheets (Vertical Fixing)

The in and over method can be used for setting out to suit a standard sheet width, so the joint of
the sheet is in the centre of the stud. The first joining stud is measured from the adjacent wall, the
width of the sheet plus half the stud thickness. From then on, the in and over measurement of
600 applies. This will automatically space the studs so that a 1200mm wide sheet will join on the
centre of a stud. (This is illustrated below.)

In and Over

1223 600 600

1200 1200
Sheet width Sheet width C
C

In Between
In between measurements are the distances between framing members. This dimension can be
calculated from the in and over measurement, or the centre to centre measurement, by simply
deducting the thickness of one member.

Example 1: If the member thickness is 45mm, and the in and over dimension 600mm

45 45

In Between

600 600

In and Over

In between measurement = In and over dimension – member thickness

= 600 – 45

In between measurement 555mm

© BCITO NCC v10.01 May 2008 9

24378 CARPENTRY

Example 2: If the stud thickness is 45mm, and the centre to centre dimensions are 600mm

45 45

In Between

600 600

Centre to Centre

In between measurement = Centre to centre – member thickness

= 600 – 45

In between measurement 555mm

The in between measurement is often important to allow items of a fixed size to be placed in
position. These could include:
glass panels;
ducting;
electrical meter boxes; and
recessed shelving.

Example 3: The following drawing is an example of where in between measurements are required
to be the same size, but the framing members are not all the same width or thickness.

2400

80 = 40 = 40 = 40 = 80

To calculate the in between measurement, use the following formulae:

In between distance = Overall length – space taken up by all framing members

Numbers of spacings

= 2.400 – (0.080 + 0.040 + 0.040 + 0.040 + 0.080)

Numbers of spacings

= 2.400 – (0.280)
4

Final in between distance = 0.530m

10 May 2008 © BCITO NCC v10.01

CARPENTRY 24378

Applied Building Calculations

Architects and designers are consistently exploring the boundaries of construction design. The
challenge for the builders is to transform this information into a three-dimensional object. In order
to do this successfully the builder may often be required to calculate and interpret information that
may not always be provided on the plans.

Trigonometry is the branch of mathematics that deals with the calculation of unknown sides and
angles of a triangle. It is important that apprentices/trainees understand and become familiar with
trigonometry. Calculations based on trigonometry are widely used in the construction industry.

There are three main mathematical principles, which need to be fully understood.
The Triangle Theorem.

The Pythagoras Theorem.

The Sine, Cosine and Tangent Ratios.

Each of these principles has an important role in the calculation of the unknown measurement.

Right-angled Triangle Trigonometry

Side c (Hypotenuse)
Angle B

Side a (Opposite to
angle A)

Angle C always 90º or a

right angle
Angle A

C A
.

Note: The side is labelled according to the angle it is opposite.

© BCITO NCC v10.01 May 2008 11

24378 CARPENTRY

Triangle Theorem
The sum of the three internal angles of a triangle is 180o, ie. the internal angles of a triangle will
always add up to 180o.

Angle A + Angle B + Angle C = 180o.

Example: Find Angle B, where Angle A is 15o and Angle C is 90o.

B The sum of angles = A+B+C

= 15o + Angle B + 90o
= 180o
Angle B
Angle B = 180o – (A + C)
= 180o – (15o + 90o)

Angle C = 90
0 = 180o – 105o
0
Angle A = 15
A Angle B = 75o
C

Pythagoras’ Theorem
The Pythagoras Theorem states that the square on the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle is
equal in area to the sum of the squares on the other two sides.

2 2 2
c =a +b

5x5
25 squares

1
1 2
3x3 3
2 a
9 squares c
4
3 5
b
1 2 3 4

4x4
16 squares

12 May 2008 © BCITO NCC v10.01

CARPENTRY 24378

Example: The lengths of two sides of a triangle are given as Side a = 7.200m and Side b =
15.300m. (Use a calculator to perform each step in the following example.) Calculate the length of
Side c.

2 2 2
c = a +b
2 2
= 7.200 + 15.300
Side a = 7.200

Side c
= 51.84 + 234.09
= 285.93

c
(take the square root of both sides) = √285.93

Side b = 15.300 c = 16.909

The simplest application of the Pythagoras Theorem on a construction site is the 3, 4, 5 method,
used in setting out.

2 2 2
Side c = 5 c = a +b
Side a = 3

2 2
= 3 +4
= 9 + 16
= 25

Side b = 4 c
(take the square root of both sides) = √25

c = 5

To calculate one of the shorter sides you subtract two squares.

2 2 2
a = c –b
2 2
= 10.500 – 6.200
Side c = 10.500
Side a

= 110.25 – 38.44
= 71.81

a = √71.81

Side b = 6.200 = 8.474

This method can be used for any multiples of 3, 4, 5, eg. 6, 8, 10 or 9, 12, 15 etc.

The use of trigonometrical ratios provides a means of solving or calculating missing angles or
lengths.

A triangle with sides in a ratio of 3:4:5 will always give a right-angled triangle. This fact was known
over 4000 years ago and was used by early Egyptians to resurvey the ground in the Nile Valley
after the annual floods covered existing marks.

Later, Pythagoras proved that it was a property of all right-angled triangles, and that the square on
the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other two sides.

This property of a right-angled triangle has always been of great importance to the building
industry. As modern construction continues to push the boundaries of design it is essential that
the modern tradesperson can use trigonometrical ratios to calculate missing measurements.

© BCITO NCC v10.01 May 2008 13

24378 CARPENTRY

The Sine, Cosine and Tangent Ratios

Side c (Hypotenuse)
Angle B

Side a (Opposite to
angle A)
o
Angle C always 90 or a
right angle

.
A
C
Side b (Adjacent to angle A)

Sine Ratio (sin)

Opposite side length
Sine of the angle = Hypotenuse side length

opp
SOH: (Sine) = hyp

a O A O
Sine of angle A = c S H C H T A

Cosine Ratio (Cos)

Adjacent side length
Cosine of the angle = Hypotenuse side length

adj
CAH: (Cosine) = hyp

b O A O
Cosine of angle A = c S H C H T A

Tangent Ratio (Tan)

Opposite side length
Tangent of the angle = Adjacent side length

opp
TOA: (Tangent) = adj

a O A O
Tangent of angle A =
b S H C H T A

14 May 2008 © BCITO NCC v10.01

CARPENTRY 24378

To select which of the Sine, Cosine or Tangent ratios to use, it will be necessary to identify what is
known and what needs to be known.

There must be two “knowns” and one “unknown”. The two ”knowns” will determine which rule
to choose.
If the “knowns” are side by side, then multiply to get the “unknown”.

If the “knowns” are over and under, then divide to get the “unknown”.

The easiest way to remember the Sine, Cosine, and Tangent ratios is O A O
by the use of the acronym SOH / CAH / TOA. S H C H T A

Note: It is helpful if you draw rings around the “knowns”, and a segment triangle
around the correct formulae, which will identify all three components.
(The two “knowns” and the one “unknown”.)

Example 1: Find the opposite side (O) given the angle and the hypotenuse (H).

Knowns: Angle O A O
Hypotenuse S H C H T A
Unknown: Opposite

Therefore, correct formulae =

O
S H
Opposite (O) = Sine of the angle (S) x Hypotenuse (H)

Example 2: Find the adjacent side (A) given the angle and the hypotenuse (H).

Knowns: Angle O A O
Hypotenuse S H C H T A
Unknown: Adjacent

Therefore, correct formulae =

A
C H
Adjacent (A) = Cosine of the angle (C) x Hypotenuse (H)

To find the angle in degrees when two of the three side dimensions are known, use the second
function key. (This could be labelled 2nd, Inv, or Shift and will produce the result Tan -1, Cos-1, Sin-1.)

Example 3: Find the angle, given the adjacent (A) and opposite (O).

Knowns: Adjacent O A O
Opposite S H C H T A
Unknown: Angle

Therefore, correct formulae = O

T A
Tangent-1 = opposite (O)
adjacent (A)

© BCITO NCC v10.01 May 2008 15

24378 CARPENTRY

Example 4: Find the angle, given the adjacent (A) and hypotenuse (H) sides.

Knowns: Adjacent O A O
Hypotenuse S H C H T A
Unknown: Angle

Therefore, correct formulae = A

C H
Cosine-1 = adjacent (A)
hypotenuse (H)

Example 5: Given the information in the diagram below, calculate the following, using a calculator
to follow each step:
Find angle χ.
Find angle γ.
Find the length of the hypotenuse (Side A to B).

Hypotenuse
γ

Opposite = 2.309

o
Angle C always 90 or a
right angle
χ
B
C
Adjacent = 4.000

1. To calculate the angle χ select the trigonometrical rule (SOH / CAH / TOA).

Given angle C = Right angle (90o)

Side opposite χ = 2.309 (Side A to C)

Side adjacent χ = 4.000 (Side B to C)

O A O
S H C H T A

Tangent-1 χ = Opposite
Adjacent

Tan-1 χ = 2.309
4.000
= 0.57725

χ (Inverse tangent) = 29.996o

χ (Rounded up) = 30o

16 May 2008 © BCITO NCC v10.01

CARPENTRY 24378

Example 5 continued:

Calculate angle γ (interior angles of a triangle always equal 180o).

Interior angles of a triangle = A+B+C

= 180o

Angle γ = 180o - (C + χ)
= 180o - (90o + 30o)

Angle γ = 60o

2 2 2
Calculate hypotenuse or "Side A to B" (Pythagoras’ Theorem c = a + b ).

(Side A to B)2 = (Side A to C)2 + (Side B to C)2

= 2.3092 + 4.0002
= 5.331481 + 16.000

(Side A to B)2 = 21.331481

√ (Side A to B) = √21.331481
(take the square root of both sides)

The length of side A to B = 4.61860

Triangle in Example 5 summarised:

Angles Sides

Angle χ = 30o Length of side A to C = 2.309m

Angle γ = 60o Length of side B to C = 4.000m

Angle C = 90o Length of side A to B = 4.618m

Summary

To find one side given the length of the other two use the Pythagoras Theorem.

To find an angle given two sides use one of the Sine / Cosine / Tangent Ratios.

To find one side given one side and an angle use one of the Sine / Cosine / Tangent Ratios.

To find an angle on a triangle given two angles use the Triangle Theorem.

To become confident with these mathematical processes it will be necessary to identify their
many applications on construction sites and continually work to improve calculator skills.

© BCITO NCC v10.01 May 2008 17

24378 CARPENTRY

Calculation of Common Rafter, Hip Rafter and

Diagonal Lengths

This section puts everything you have learnt about the Triangle Theorem, Pythagoras’ Theorem
and the Sine, Cosine and Tangent Rules into practice. You will learn how to calculate the diagonal
length of a rectangular prism, such as a hip rafter or a valley rafter length.

The following drawing shows a typical hip end on a house. The unknown dimensions to be
determined are the:
common rafter length;

rise of the roof;

hip rafter run; and

hip rafter length.

In most situations the factors which will need to be identified from the working drawings are the:

roof span (width of building); and

roof pitch (degrees).

In the example below, the following have been identified:

roof span 10.800m

roof pitch 26o

rafter run 5.400m

(run = ½ span)
Roof

Roof Pitch

Roof Span
Ridge

First Common Rafter First Common Rafter

End Common Rafter

5400

5400 (Run) 5400 (Run)

10800

18 May 2008 © BCITO NCC v10.01

CARPENTRY 24378

Rise
Hip Roof
1

5400 (Run) 5400 (Run)

10800 (Roof Span)

The triangles have been labelled 1, 2 and 3. This is the sequence in which the calculations will be
done to determine the following:
rafter rise;

common rafter length;

hip run;

pitch of hip rafter; and

hip rafter length.

© BCITO NCC v10.01 May 2008 19

24378 CARPENTRY

Triangle 1

Co
mm
on
Ra
Rise

fter

Run

Given the roof pitch (26o) and the run (5.400m) calculate the rise (χ).

O A O
Method:
χ S H C H T A
90º o
26
O (Opposite) = T (Tan angle) x A (Adjacent)
Adjacent = 5.400
Rise = Tan 26o x 5.400
= 0.4877 x 5.400
Rise = 2.634m

Using the same information (the adjacent and the angle), the length of the hypotenuse can now be calculated. This is
the length of the common rafter. There are two ways of calculating the length of the common rafter given the
information available. The first way is by using Pythagoras’ Theorem, and the second is by using the Cosine Rule. It is
always a good check to do the calculation both ways to ensure the answer is correct. (Careful when rounding on the
calculator. While the amount may seem small, it can affect the end result by several millimetres!)

Method 1: Pythagoras’ Theorem

2
c = a2 + b2
Hypotenuse
Length of the common
Opposite = Adjacent2 + Opposite2
2.634 o
rafter (Hypotenuse2)
90º 26
Hypotenuse2 = 5.4002 + 2.6342
Adjacent = 5.400 = 29.160 + 6.938
2
Hypotenuse = 36.09
Hypotenuse = √36.098
(take the square root of
both sides)

Hypotenuse = 6.008

Method 2: Cosine Rule

O A O
S H C H T A

Length of the common = Adjacen

rafter (Hypotenuse) Cos 26o
= 5.400
(Cos 26o = 0.88888) 0.8988
Length of the common = 6.008m
rafter

20 May 2008 © BCITO NCC v10.01

CARPENTRY 24378

Triangle 2

Rafter Run
un
R
p
Hi

Run

Given the opposite and the adjacent, calculate the length of the hypotenuse. This is the Hip Run.

Method: Pythagoras’ Theorem

2
c = a2 + b2
= 5.42 + 5.42

5.400 = 29.16 + 29.16

Hip Run
c2 = 58.32
c
(take the square root of both sides) = √58.32
Hip run = 7.637m

5.400

Now that the hip run from Triangle 2 and the rafter rise from Triangle 1 have been found, these measurements can be
used to calculate the length of the hip rafter in Triangle 3.

© BCITO NCC v10.01 May 2008 21

24378 CARPENTRY

Triangle 3

ength
Hip L

Rise
Hip Run
Given the opposite and the adjacent, find the pitch angle and the hypotenuse. This will calculate the pitch of the hip
and the hip length.

Hip Rafter
Rise = 2.634

χ = Pitch of Hip Rafter

Run of Hip = 7.637

Method:
O A O
S H C H T A

1. Calculating the pitch of the hip.

Opposite
Tangent (Tan-1 χ) =
Adjacent

2.634
Tan-1 χ =
7.637

Tan-1 χ = 0.3448998

χ = Inv Tan (0.3448998)

Pitch of the hip = 19.029o

2. To calculate the hip rafter (or hypotenuse) use Pythagoras’ Theorem.

c2 = a2 + b2
= 7.6372 + 2.6342
58.323 + 6.937
c2 = 65.260

c (take the square root of both sides) = √65.260

Hip rafter length = 8.078m

3. To check this calculation, use the triangle on the roof slope (Plane) and Pythagoras’ Theorem,
ie. Common rafter length2 x Rafter run length2.

c2 = Common rafter length2 + Rafter run length2

= 6.0082 + 5.4002
36.096 + 29.16
= 65.256

c (take the square root of both sides) = √65.256

Hip rafter length = 8.078m

There are a number of ways to calculate and check the results to make sure a mistake has not been made during the
calculation process.

22 May 2008 © BCITO NCC v10.01

CARPENTRY 24378

Perimeters

Perimeter
The perimeter is the lineal distance around the outside of a given shape. Lengths along straight
lines are easy to calculate, simply by measuring the lengths and then adding them together. Make
sure that all the measurements are expressed in the same unit (eg. millimetres, centimetres or
metres).

Perimeter of a rectangle = 2 x (Length + Width)

Perimeters in the building trade are not often just a pure measurement, as they need to take
account of openings and penetrations. The formula for a perimeter can be easily adapted for the
building trade by using the following modification:

Perimeter of a room = 2(L + W) – any gaps in the flow (doors or windows etc.)

Example: Calculate the amount of skirting required for the room below.

L = 5.800m

Perimeter of a rectangle = 2 x (Length + Width) – any gaps

= 2 x (5.800 + 4.800) – 0.900
W = 4.800m

= (2 x 10.6) – 0.900
= 21.2 – 0.900
0.900m

= 20.300m

Note: When calculating lengths of skirting, a waste factor for cutting will need to be added in. Skirting
also comes in standard lengths, so the number of lengths will also need to be considered in the overall
perimeter length.

The length around a circle is called the circumference and can be calculated using the following
formula.

ce
Circle circumference = π x circle diameter en
r
circumfe

diameter
= πD radius

© BCITO NCC v10.01 May 2008 23

24378 CARPENTRY

Area
Area is the amount of a surface covered. It is expressed in units squared (eg. metres2 or m2).

The calculation of area has many applications in the building trade. It is useful for calculating
material requirements, areas of building coverage and also for pricing.

Area of a Square

Example: Calculate the area of a square by multiplying the length of one side by itself.

A B

Area of square ABCD = 4.500 x 4.500

4.500
= 4.52

Area = 20.25m2

D 4.500 C

Area of a Rectangle
The area of a rectangle can be calculated using the following formula.
L
Area of rectangle = Length (L) x Width (W)
W

Example 1: Calculate the area of the rectangle ABCD, where A to B = 12.600m and
B to C = 6.100m.

L = 12.600m

A B
Area of rectangle = Length (L) x Width (W)
W = 6.100m

Area of ABCD = 12.600 x 6.100

= 76.86m2

D C

Example 2: Calculate the shaded area of a building site.

L = 21.500m
Shaded area Area of rectangle – Area of
=
square
W = 16.300m

5.500m = (L x W) – (Area of square)

= (21.5 x 16.3) – (5.5 x 5.5)
5.500m = 350.450 – 30.250
Shaded area = 320.2m2

24 May 2008 © BCITO NCC v10.01

CARPENTRY 24378

Area of a Circle
The area of a circle can be found by multiplying the square of the radius (half the diameter) by
π (3.1412).

Area of a circle = πr2 r d

Example: Calculate the area of a circle with a diameter of 2.800m.

Note: Radius (r) is half the Diameter (d) (d = 2r).

Area of circle = πr 2

= 3.142 x r2

Diameter
Radius (r) =
2

2.800
=
2

Radius = 1.400m

Area of circle = 3.142 x 1.4002

3.142 x 1.960

Area of circle = 6.1575m2

© BCITO NCC v10.01 May 2008 25

24378 CARPENTRY

Area of a Triangle
The area of a triangle is found by using the following formula:

Area of a triangle = half of the base distance x vertical height or it is often shown in abbreviated
forms such as:

Area of a triangle = ½ b x h or
H
Area of a triangle = 0.5 x b x h
Base

Example: Calculate the area of a triangle where the base is 4.800m and the vertical height is
3.500m.
h = 3.500m

Area of triangle = 0.5 x b x h

= (0.500 x 4.800) x 3.500

Area of triangle = 8.40m2

b = 4.800m

26 May 2008 © BCITO NCC v10.01

CARPENTRY 24378

Area of Irregular Figures

The area of an irregular figure can usually be calculated by adding together the areas of the
“regular” figures that form it. By drawing lines within the irregular figure, squares, rectangles and
triangles can be made, and their individual areas calculated.

Example 1: Calculate the area of the following shape.

Area of triangle (A) = 0.5 x b x h

= (0.500 x 5.000) x 2.000
= 5.0m2

4.000
2.000 Area of rectangle (B) = LxW
= 5.000 x 2.000
5.000
= 10.0m2

Area of shape (A + B) = Area (A) + Area (B)

A = 5.0 + 10.0
Area of shape = 15.0m2
B

This shape is made up of a triangle (A) and a rectangle (B).

Example 2: Based on a 2.000m x 2.000m grid, calculate the inside area of the octagonal shape.

Area of one square = LxW

= 2x2
= 4.0m2

Area of one triangle = 0.5 x b x h

= (0.5 x 2) x 2
= 2.0m2

5 x squares +
Total area =
4 x triangles
= (5 x 4) + (4 x 2)
= 20 + 8
= 28.0m2

© BCITO NCC v10.01 May 2008 27

24378 CARPENTRY

Volume

Volume is the amount of space that an object will take up. It is expressed in units cubed
(eg. metres3 or m3).

Volume of a Prism
The volume of a prism can be found in two different ways.
1. By multiplying the length of the prism by the width of the prism L W
by the height of the prism.
(Length x Width x Height or L x W x H)
H
2. By working out the area of one of the prism’s faces and multiplying
it by the height of the prism.
(Area x Height)

Example 1: Calculate the amount of hardfill at a depth of 300mm underneath a floor slab
6.0m x 4.0m.

L = 6.0 W = 4.0
Volume of hardfill = Length x Width x Height
H = 0.3 = 6.0 x 4.0 x 0.3
7.2m3

Example 2: Calculate the amount of concrete required for a foundation footing for a floor slab that
is 6.0m long by 4.0m wide. The foundation footing is 0.350m deep by 0.450m wide.

1. Calculate the footing perimeter.

Perimeter of footing = 2 x (Length + Width)

L = 6.0 W = 4.0
= 2 x (6 + 4)
= 2 x 10
= 20m

Calculate the cross-sectional area of the footing.

Area of footing = Width x Height

H = 0.350 = 0.450 x 0.350

0.1575m2
W = 0.450

28 May 2008 © BCITO NCC v10.01

CARPENTRY 24378

Example 2 continued:

Calculate the volume of the footing.

Volume of footing = Area x Perimeter

Perimeter = 20
= 0.1575 x 20
3.15m3
H = 0.350

W = 0.450

Volume of a Cylinder
The volume of a cylinder is found by using the following formula:

Volume = πr2 x H

Example: Calculate the amount of concrete required for a column 0.300m in diameter and 2.500m
height.

Remember to halve the diameter to find the radius).

D = 0.300m
Volume = πr 2
x Height (H)
= (3.142 x 0.1502) x 2.5
= (3.142 x 0.0225) x 2.5
H = 2.500m

= 0.070695 x 2.5
= 0.177m3

© BCITO NCC v10.01 May 2008 29

24378 CARPENTRY

Summary of Perimeters, Area and Volume

Perimeters
To find the perimeters of a:

Square
Perimeter of a square = multiply the length of one side by 4
Rectangle
Perimeter of a rectangle = 2 (length + width)
Circle
Perimeter of a circle = π x diameter

Triangle
Perimeter of a triangle = length of side 1 + length of side 2 + length of side 3

Area
To find the area of a:

Square
Area of a square = s2
(where s equals the length of one side)
Rectangle

Area of a rectangle = length x width

Area of a rectangle = L x W
Circle
Area of a circle = π x r2

Area of a circle = π x radius2

Area of a circle = 3.142 x radius2

or
Area of a circle = 3.142 x (0.500 x diameter)2

Note: Where given the diameter, the radius will be half the diameter of the circle.

30 May 2008 © BCITO NCC v10.01

CARPENTRY 24378

Triangle
Area of a triangle = half of the base x vertical height

Area of a triangle = (0.500 x base) x height

or

Area of a triangle = ½ B x H

Volume

Rectangular Prism
Volume = Length x Width x Height

Volume = L x W x H

Rectangular Prism or Cylinder

Determine the Calculate the Multiply the cross-
shape of the area of the section area by the
cross-section cross-section length

© BCITO NCC v10.01 May 2008 31

24378 CARPENTRY

Percentage
Percentage gives a standard way of comparing all sorts of proportions.

Percent means “out of 100”.

In the building industry percentage is commonly used.

Example: 35% of the mixture is sand. This means 35 parts out of 100 are sand.
35
A percentage of 35% can be thought of as
100

Getting percentages from decimals and fractions

To change a fraction to a percentage, multiply by 100.

Example: To change the following to a percentage.

4
Fraction
5
Percentage 4 100
= x
5 1
400
=
5
= 80%

To change a decimal to a percentage, multiply by 100.

Example: To change 0.65 to a percentage.

Decimal 0.65
= 0.65 x 100
Percentage = 65%

Changing percentages to fractions and decimals

To write a percentage as a fraction, remember that percent means “out of 100”. Therefore, write
the percentage as fraction “over” 100, then simplify the fraction if you can.

Example: Write 60% as a fraction.

Percentage = 60%
60
=
100
6
=
10
3
Fraction =
5

32 May 2008 © BCITO NCC v10.01

CARPENTRY 24378

To write a percentage as a decimal, divide by 100.

Example: Write 15% as a decimal.

Percentage = 15%
15
=
100
Decimal = 0.15

Calculating percentage of quantities

To calculate a percentage of a given quantity, multiply the quantity by the percentage. The
percentage can be written as a fraction or a decimal first.

Example: Calculate 40% of 50 metres.

40 50
either x
100 1
2000
=
100
= 20 metres
or = 0.4 x 50
= 20 metres

Increasing and decreasing by percentages

In the building industry percentages are often used to express increases and decreases.

Example: INCREASE .The wall cladding amount needs to be increased by 20% to allow for wastage
meaning that we must increase 350m by 20%

20 350
either (percentage method) = x
100 1
7000
=
100
= 70 metres
or (decimal method) = 0.2 x 350
= 70 metres
add the original amount = 70 + 350
= 420 metres

Alternatively can multiply original amount by 1.2 to get total answer

= 350 x 1.2
= 420

© BCITO NCC v10.01 May 2008 33

24378 CARPENTRY

Example: DECREASE . The area of a building (which is 120sq m) needs to be decreased by 15%.

15 120
either (percentage method) = x
100 1
1800
=
100
= 18 sq ms
or (decimal method) = 0.15 x 120
= 18 sq m
Subtract from the original size = 120 - 18
= 102 sq m

34 May 2008 © BCITO NCC v10.01