Scaffold calculator

Calculate components, bays, and OSHA safety requirements

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The Scaffold Calculator helps contractors estimate scaffold component quantities and verify OSHA safety compliance. Calculate frames, braces, planks, guardrails, and safety equipment needed for different scaffold types.

Proper scaffold planning ensures adequate materials and compliance with OSHA safety requirements. The calculator supports frame scaffold, system scaffold, and tube-and-coupler systems, calculating components based on height, length, and deck levels.

Enter scaffold dimensions, type, and deck levels to calculate component quantities including frames, cross braces, planks, guardrails, base plates, and couplers. The tool also identifies OSHA safety requirements including tie-ins, access ladders, and fall protection.

Features

Everything you need

Multiple scaffold type support
Component quantity calculations
OSHA safety requirement checks
Tie-in and access requirements
Guardrail and fall protection
Frame, system, and tube scaffold
Deck level calculations

How it works

Simple workflow

1
Enter scaffold height and length
2
Select scaffold type
3
Specify working deck levels
4
Review calculated component quantities
5
Check OSHA safety requirements

Use cases

Built for real-world scenarios

Material estimation

Estimate scaffold component quantities for project planning and material ordering.

Safety compliance

Verify scaffold designs meet OSHA safety requirements for tie-ins, guardrails, and access.

Cost estimation

Calculate scaffold rental or purchase costs based on component quantities.

Site planning

Plan scaffold placement and identify safety equipment requirements.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Frames = (Length ÷ Bay Width) × 2 × (Height ÷ Lift Height). For 50 ft length, 20 ft height, 5 ft bays: (50÷5) × 2 × (20÷6.5) = 10 × 2 × 4 = 80 frames.

OSHA requires: Guardrails at 42" height, mid-rails, toe boards, proper access (ladders), tie-ins every 13 ft vertical and 20 ft horizontal, and competent person inspection.

Bay width: Frame scaffold 5 ft, System scaffold 10 ft, Tube-and-coupler 6.5 ft. Bay width affects component quantities and scaffold stability.

Tie-ins required: Every 13 ft vertically and 20 ft horizontally. For 20 ft height × 50 ft length: (20÷13) × (50÷20) = 2 × 3 = 6 tie-in points minimum.

Have a suggestion?

We're always looking to improve our calculators. If you have ideas for new features, improvements, or found something that could work better, we'd love to hear from you.

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