Header Sizing Calculator

What is a Header Sizing Calculator?

A Header Sizing Calculator is a web-based tool used to determine the appropriate size and specifications for headers, beams, or lintels used in building structures.

These structural elements are essential for bearing loads and ensuring structural integrity.

The calculator considers factors such as the span length, load requirements, and building code specifications.

Why Use a Header Sizing Calculator?

This calculator is used for the following reasons:

1. Structural Integrity: To ensure that headers can safely support the loads they will bear.
2. Compliance: To meet building code requirements related to header size and load-bearing capacity.
3. Efficiency: To select the right header size and avoid over-engineering or under-sizing.

How to Use a Header Sizing Calculator:

1. Open the calculator webpage.
2. Enter the span length in feet (the distance the header will cover).
3. Enter the load that the header needs to support in pounds (e.g., load from walls or roof).
4. Enter the building code requirements for header size in inches (these vary by location).
5. Click the "Calculate Header Size" button.
6. The calculator will display the required header size in inches.

Example Calculation:

Suppose you want to determine the required size for a header with a span length of 10 feet and a load of 4,000 pounds.

Your local building code specifies that the header size should be calculated based on a building code requirement of 720 inches.

1. Enter 10 in the "Span Length" input field.
2. Enter 4000 in the "Load" input field.
3. Enter 720 in the "Building Code Requirements" input field.
4. Click "Calculate Header Size."
5. The calculator will display the required header size 27.78 inches.

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