Skip to content
Home / How Many Trusses Do I Need?

How Many Trusses Do I Need?

A quick answer for truss count from building length and spacing.

How Many Trusses?

Try an example:
Wall-to-wall width of the building
Length along the ridge
Choose rise-per-12 or an exact angle
Rise per 12" of run
Eave overhang beyond the wall
Changes slope geometry and area
Used for the usable attic/room width result
Optional — leave 0 to estimate from lumber
Roof Height—
Rafter Length (with overhang)—
Rafter (no overhang)—
Roof Angle—
Rise—
Run—
Roof Area—
Truss Count—
Estimated Lumber—
Material Cost—
Cost per Truss—
Dead Load—
Live Load—
Snow Load—
Wind Load—
Total Weight—
Usable Room Width—
Estimate: $0
Material $0 · Labor $0 · Install $0
Estimates only. Prices vary by region, supplier and site conditions.

The quick rule

Divide the building length in inches by the spacing, round up, then add one.

Building length 12 in 16 in 19.2 in 24 in
20 ft 21 16 14 11
30 ft 31 24 20 16
40 ft 41 31 26 21
50 ft 51 39 32 26

Use the calculator for your own length. Ask the supplier whether gable-end trusses and hip girders are included. The quantity calculator also gives lumber totals.