Ridge Beam Load Calculator
Line load on a structural ridge from rafter span and roof loading.
A structural ridge BEAM carries half the roof so rafters don't thrust the walls apart — the vaulted-ceiling enabler. A mere ridge BOARD carries nothing; mixing up the two bows walls outward.
Formula
Ridge Beam Load Calculator is a free ridge beam load for structural engineers, fabricators and site engineers — instant, accurate and 100% client-side, with the governing formula and reference shown next to the result so the number can be defended, not just quoted.
About Ridge Beam Load Calculator
Line load on a structural ridge from rafter span and roof loading. The calculation implements w_ridge = q·W/2 (half the roof); each wall = q·W/4 (IRC R802; timber framing practice). A structural ridge BEAM carries half the roof so rafters don't thrust the walls apart — the vaulted-ceiling enabler. A mere ridge BOARD carries nothing; mixing up the two bows walls outward.
How to use Ridge Beam Load Calculator
- 1Enter Building width (rafter span total) in m.
- 2Enter Roof load (DL+LL/snow) in kN/m².
- 3Read Ridge line load, Each eave wall takes instantly — no submit button needed.
- 4Need US units? Flip the SI/Imperial toggle and every field converts.
Why use Ridge Beam Load Calculator?
- ✓Implements the standard formula — w_ridge = q·W/2 (half the roof); each wall = q·W/4
- ✓Reference cited on-page: IRC R802; timber framing practice
- ✓One-click SI ⇄ Imperial toggle — values convert in place, physics stays in SI
- ✓Runs entirely in your browser — nothing uploaded, free forever
Frequently asked questions
What formula does the Ridge Beam Load Calculator use?+
It computes w_ridge = q·W/2 (half the roof); each wall = q·W/4, per IRC R802; timber framing practice. The formula is displayed under the result.
What should I keep in mind when using this calculator?+
A structural ridge BEAM carries half the roof so rafters don't thrust the walls apart — the vaulted-ceiling enabler. A mere ridge BOARD carries nothing; mixing up the two bows walls outward.
Can I use this for real structural design?+
It implements the exact textbook/code formula cited below the result and is ideal for sizing, checking and learning. Final designs should be verified by a qualified engineer against the full code with all load cases.
Is the Ridge Beam Load Calculator free to use?+
Yes — completely free, no sign-up, no limits. It runs client-side in your browser, so inputs stay private and results are instant even on slow connections.
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