Construction Math Calculator Guide
Construction Math 101
You don't need calculus to build a house, but you do need geometry. The most common shapes in construction are rectangles (walls, floors) and triangles (roofs, stairs).
The Pythagorean Theorem
The secret to square corners.
a² + b² = c²
Used to check if a corner is perfectly 90 degrees.
The 3-4-5 Rule: Measure 3 feet along one wall, 4 feet along the other. The diagonal distance between them MUST be 5 feet. If it is, your corner is square.
Essential Formulas
Area & Volume
- Area (Square Feet): Length × Width.
- Volume (Cubic Feet): Length × Width × Height.
- Cubic Yards: Cubic Feet ÷ 27.
Conversions
- Inches to Feet: Divide by 12.
- Square Feet to Acres: Divide by 43,560.
- Millimeters to Inches: Divide by 25.4.