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Floor Joist Calculator

Joist count, rim, hangers, blocking and subfloor. US units, change any unit beside its field.

Measurements

%
Extra for cuts, breakage and spillage.

About this calculator

Count floor joists, rim joists, hangers and blocking for a floor or deck frame, plus subfloor sheets. Joist size and span must come from span tables or your engineer. This tool counts materials; it does not size the joists.

How it’s calculated

Joists = ceil(floor length ÷ spacing) + 1. The rim is two runs of the floor length. Each blocking row has one piece per bay.

Worked example

With these inputs:

Joist length (span)
12 ft
Floor length (across joists)
20 ft
Spacing (on centre)
16" OC
Joist size
2×10
Rows of blocking / noggins
1
Joist hangers both ends
Yes
Include subfloor sheets
Yes
Subfloor sheet
4 × 8 ft
Waste allowance
10%

the result is:

Joists needed
16 joists
Joists on layout
16
Joist stock
12 ft
Rim run
40 lin ft
Blocking run
20 lin ft

Tips from the trade

  • Double the joists under parallel walls and around stair openings.
  • Glue and screw subfloors to reduce squeaks.
  • Crown every joist the same way, usually crown up.

Results are estimates for planning and pricing. Check quantities against your drawings, the manufacturer’s data and local building codes before ordering.