`"nails"_R = f( L , S ,"4/12", 0 ) `

Enter a value for all fields

The Roofing Nails for a Roof calculator computes the number of roofing nails needed for a roof based on roof dimensions and nominal wind conditions.  

INSTRUCTIONS:  Choose units and enter the following:

• (L) Ridge Length
• (S) Span of Roof
• (oH) Overhang 
• (P) Pitch of Roof

Roofing Nails ( nails _R ): The calculator returns the number of roofing nails needed for normal wind conditions and for high wind conditions.

The Math / Science

The calculator computes the surface area of the roof.  Then it determines the number of shingle squares required to cover the roof in shingles.  It then uses the number of squares to compute the number of nails based on 348 nails per square in normal wind areas and 522 nails per square in high wind areas.  The difference is in the number of nails used for each shingle.  In the diagram of shingles, you can see extra nails below the sealant strip for high wind areas.

High winds are experienced in areas with little cover from wind breaks.  Such areas include deserts, prairies, mountain tops and areas adjacent to large bodies of water.  High winds are also associated with areas prone to hurricanes.

Building Calculators

• Total Building Materials Calculator
• Roofing Calculators
  • Metal for a Roof - Calculates the number of metal panels for a roof.
  • Area of a Roof - Computes the area of a roof based on the pitch and the dimensions of the area covered by the roof.  It also returns the number of 4x8 sheets to cover the roof, the number of standard bundles of shingles to cover, and the number of roofing nails for both normal and high wind environments.
  • Pitch of a Roof - Computes angle of incline in the roof in both degrees and rise over 12" run (e.g. 26.6^o : 6/12) based on the length of the rise and run.
  • Number of Trusses Needed for a Roof - number of trusses needed based on the roof width and the truss spacing.
  • 4x8s needed for a roof - Calculates the number of 4x8 sheets needed to cover a roof.
  • Shingles needed for a roof - Calculates the number of standard bundles (33.3 ft²) of shingles for a roof. 
  • Roofing nails needed for a roof - Calculates the number of roofing nails needed for a roof in normal and high wind conditions.
  • Number and Length of Metal Roof Panels - Computes the length and number of metal panels and trim pieces for a metal roof.
  • Screws for a Metal Roof - Computes the number of screws needed for a metal roof.
  • Number and Length of Purlins for a Roof - Computes the number of purlins for a roof based on dimensions and spacing.
  • Number and Length of Rafters - Computes the number and length of rafter boards based on roof dimensions and spacing.
  • Number and Length of Rafter and Collar ties - Computes the number and length of rafter ties and collar ties based on roof dimensions and spacing.
• Framing Calculators
  • Number and Length of wall top and bottom wall plates
  • Number of Studs for a Room
  • Number of Studs in a Wall
  • Room Interior Area (wall and ceiling)
  • Cubic Feet in a Room (volume)
  • Number of 4x8 or 4x12 Sheets for a Room
• Floor Construction Calculators
  • Number and Length of Floor Joists
  • Number of Joist Hangers
  • Compute the Cost of Floor Joists
  • Compute iJoists for larger floors
  • Compute the Number of 4x8 Sheets to cover the Deck or Floor
  • Compute the number of Decking Boards to cover the deck or floor