Shed Material Calculator
Width, length, wall height and roof pitch in; a lumber-yard list out. Every part of a stick-built shed is counted: skids, floor frame and decking, wall studs and plates, rafters, sheathing and shingles, each rounded to the lengths and sheets you can actually buy.
How this calculator works
- Floor: skids every 4 ft or less across the width; 2×6 joists at 16" o.c. across the width plus two rim joists; 3/4" tongue-and-groove plywood by area plus 5%.
- Walls: studs = perimeter × 12 ÷ spacing, plus one end stud per wall, two extra per corner, two per door (jack studs) and three per window (jacks and sill cripples), then 10% for culls. Plates are three times the perimeter (one bottom plate, doubled top plate).
- Roof: rafter length = (run + overhang) × the pitch factor √(144 + rise²) ÷ 12, rounded up to stock lengths. Roof area = rafter length × roof length (×2 for a gable). Shingles come three bundles to a 100 sq ft square.
- Wall sheathing covers the perimeter × wall height, plus the two gable triangles (or the taller back wall and side triangles of a lean-to), with 10% waste.
Shed questions
How much lumber do I need for an 8×10 shed?
With 8 ft walls at 16 in on center, a 6/12 gable roof with 6 in overhangs, one door and one window, the calculator lists about 49 studs and 15 eight-foot plates (2×4), 3 skids, 9 floor joists plus 2 rims, 3 sheets of 3/4 in plywood floor, 18 rafters, 11 sheets of OSB for the walls and 4 for the roof, and 4 bundles of shingles. Load the 8×10 template above to see the full list.
How much does it cost to build a shed yourself?
It depends almost entirely on local lumber prices and your siding and roofing choices. With the default prices above, the framing, sheathing and shingle package for an 8×10 gable shed comes to roughly $1,200; siding finish, trim, fasteners, door hardware, paint and the foundation are extra. Enter your store’s prices for a figure you can rely on.
Should shed studs be 16 or 24 inches on center?
Sixteen inches is stiffer and the norm when you will hang shelves or tools on the walls. Twenty-four inches uses about a third fewer studs and is acceptable for small sheds with 7/16 in sheathing, but check what your siding maker requires.
What roof pitch is best for a shed?
Asphalt shingles need at least a 2/12 pitch, and 2/12 to 4/12 needs a double underlayment layer under the IRC. Most gable sheds use 4/12 to 6/12; steeper roofs shed snow better and give loft space but need longer rafters.
Do I need a permit for a shed?
Many US towns exempt small accessory buildings below a set size (often 120 to 200 sq ft) from a building permit, but zoning setbacks still apply. Check with your local building department before you buy lumber.