

For all other situations click here for quick reference in the code book. The same concept holds true for roof trusses. Per the prescriptive tables found in Chapter 8 of the International Residential Code (IRC), the standard roof rafter spacing used is 12, 16, 19.2, or 24 inches on center. So the space between rafters can be greater without reducing the maximum span. applications according to the 2018 International Residential Code. The spacing of roof rafters is just one of the components used to determine the minimum size of the roof rafter. Finally, use a handsaw or circular saw to cut along the plumb cut, birdsmouth, and tail cut lines.These rafter span tables provide the best reference to quickly and easily determine the maximum span for all grades of southern pine according to the 2018 International Residential Code. Then, trace the short side of the framing square with a pencil to mark the tail cut. After you’ve done that, rotate your framing square 180 degrees so that the 8-inch mark on the long side of the framing square intersects the line for the tail cut. Make sure the other stair gauge is resting against the rafter and use your pencil to trace the length of the tongue.
Roof rafter span full#
Then, reposition your framing square so that the stair gauge of the tongue is on the pencil mark you made to indicate the full diagonal length of the rafter. Once you’ve marked the lines, use your pencil to draw the diagonal length on the rafter. Next, set the framing square on top of the rafter beam and use a pencil to trace the outside edge of the framing square’s tongue. To cut roof rafters, start by fixing the stair gauges on your framing square to the dimensions of your pitch. The calculator (or math equation, if you’re writing it out longhand) will only calculate the diagonal measurement to the edge of the building. Generally 2×6 rafter can span upto 10 to 15 foot, 2×8 rafter can span upto 13 to 19 foot, 2×10 rafter can span upto 16 to 23 foot, 2×12 rafter can span upto 18 to 27 foot and 2×4 rafter can span upto 7 to 9 foot based on normal weight condition, spacing between rafter, species and grade of timber and pitch or slope roof.
Roof rafter span for free#
If you’d rather not purchase one, there are many available for free online. The table states that 2 X 6 rafters spaced 16 inches on center (o.c) can span a maximum distance of 13 feet 5 inches.

Roof rafter span manual#
You’ll also need to purchase a copy of a roofing ready reckoner: a manual with rafter length tables.

