Construction Master 5 Calc vs Span Calc
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Construction Master 5 Calc
This app is a powerful feet-inch-fraction calculator designed for construction professionals. It offers advanced calculation capabilities for layouts, bids, and estimates, simplifying complex measurements and conversions for enhanced project accuracy and efficiency.
- Feet-inch-fraction calculations
- Right angle and rafter calculations
- Area and volume solutions
- Board feet and cost per unit
- Dimensional math and conversions
- Save or email calculations
- Context-sensitive help
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FREE Try Before You Buy trial, your App Store account is not charged by Apple during the free trial. Introducing the Construction Master 5, an innovative feet-inch-fraction builder's calculator that revolutionizes project efficiency and accuracy. For over thirty years, this award-winning tool has been a vital asset in North America's construction industry, trusted by professionals for its precision and reliability. The Construction Master 5 was built for professionals, including Builders, Contractors, Designers, Fabricators, Framers, Carpenters, Tradesmen, and Advanced Do-It-Yourselfers. ----- VERSATILE FUNCTIONALITY FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS ----- • Tailored to meet the needs of Builders, Contractors, and Designers • Essential for Fabricators and Framers/Carpenters • Invaluable for Tradesmen across specialties • Perfect for Advanced Do-It-Yourselfers requiring precise measurements • Aim to enhance speed, accuracy, and productivity in dimension-focused projects ----- OPTIMIZED FOR MOBILE DEVICES ----- • Compatible with both iPhone and iPad • Replicates the trusted functions of our traditional handheld calculators • Enhanced with exclusive features for mobile users • User-friendly design with a comprehensive User’s Guide • Includes Searchable help and a 'press and hold' feature for instant help on functions, supported by tutorial videos ----- ADVANCED CALCULATION CAPABILITIES ----- • Equipped with a robust core engine from Calculated Industries • Assures unmatched reliability and precision • Perfect for construction or DIY projects requiring exact measurements • Offers powerful built-in solutions for layouts, plans, bids, and estimates • Works in and converts between various dimensional formats, including imperial and metric units ----- COMPREHENSIVE BUILT-IN SOLUTIONS ----- • Extensive dimensional math and conversion capabilities • Features complete right angle and rafter calculations • Includes area and volume solutions for square, cubic, and circular calculations • Special functions like Board Feet, Cost per Unit, and Advanced Paperless Tape • User-definable preferences and memory function for personalized use ----- ENHANCED APP FEATURES ----- • Entry-editing Backspace Key for easy corrections • Context-sensitive help is available for each function • Ability to save or email calculations and outputs like cut lists • Facilitates complex calculations with ease • Designed for efficient use in the field, office, or on the go With the Construction Master 5, take your construction and DIY projects to the next level of efficiency and precision. This tool not only simplifies complex calculations but also brings a new level of professionalism and accuracy to your work. Whether working on the job site, in the office or tackling a home project, the Construction Master 5 is your indispensable partner, ensuring that every measurement and calculation is on point. Upgrade your toolkit with the Construction Master 5 and experience the future of construction and project planning today. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Your Free Trial period is free of charge. Subscriptions offered will automatically renew at the end of the chosen period. Upon purchase confirmation and completion of a free trial, payment will be charged to your Apple account. The subscription will automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off or the subscription is canceled in settings at least one day (24 hours) before the subscription period ends. You can manage your subscription and turn off auto-renewal in your Apple account Settings > Account (Apple ID) > Subscriptions. TRADEMARKS Construction Master® and Calculated Industries® are registered trademarks of Calculated Industries, Inc. Copyright 2024
Span Calc
Calculate maximum horizontal spans for wood joists and rafters using various lumber species and grades. Compares multiple options for common loading conditions based on NDS® standards.
- Calculates joist and rafter spans
- Supports all softwood and hardwood lumber
- Uses 2021 NDS® for Wood Construction
- Compares multiple species and grades
- Handles common loading conditions
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The American Wood Council (AWC) Span Calculator for Wood Joists and Rafters (Span Calc) performs calculations for all species and grades of commercially available softwood and hardwood lumber as found in the 2021 National Design Specification® (NDS®) for Wood Construction. Joists and rafter spans for common loading conditions can be determined. A span options calculator allows selection of multiple species and grades for comparison purposes. Supported by the Softwood Lumber Board. Maximum horizontal spans for joists and rafters are calculated based on the following assumptions and conditions: · Joists and rafters are oriented to support vertical loads applied to the narrow (1.5 in. thick) face of the member, resulting in strong-axis bending. · At least three joists or rafters are installed parallel to one another and spaced not more than 24 inches on-center, with properly designed sheathing attached on the top (compression) edge of each joist or rafter. · Joists and rafters are single-span with adequate structural support at each end. The Span Calculator does not address cantilevered joists and rafters, multiple-span joists and rafters, or spliced joists and rafters. · For joists and rafters, most building codes specify a minimum bearing length of 1.5 inches on wood or metal and not less than 3 inches on masonry or concrete. These minimum bearing lengths are to be used in the absence of calculated bearing lengths. Consult the local building code for specific requirements. · Joists and rafters carry only combinations of dead load plus live load (D + L), dead load plus snow load (D + S), or dead load plus roof live load (D + Lr). The Span Calculator does not address wind load or seismic load. · Buildings in regions with ground snow loads greater than 70 psf should not use the prescriptive provisions of the governing building code without approval of the authority having jurisdiction. Buildings in these high snow zones should be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice. While every effort has been made to insure the accuracy of the information presented, and special effort has been made to assure that the information reflects the state-of-the-art, neither the American Wood Council nor its members assume any responsibility for any particular design prepared from this Span Calculator application. Those using this Span Calculator assume all liability from its use.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Construction Master 5 Calc at 4.8 against Span Calc's 2.9. Construction Master 5 Calc also leads on review sentiment (68% vs 30%) and ratings volume (13K vs 15). Span Calc's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 3 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Construction Master 5 Calc sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Span Calc asks for nothing beyond the download.
Construction Master 5 Calc holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Construction Master 5 Calc has 13K ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of Construction Master 5 Calc's written reviews are positive against 30% of Span Calc's.
Construction Master 5 Calc ships an update every 3 months, Span Calc every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and August 13, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Construction Master 5 Calc | Span Calc |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (13K ratings) — better | 2.9 (15 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 67.7% of reviews — better | 29.6% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 13K — better | 15 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 10 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Best chart rank | #184 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 14.2 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 73 MB | 168 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Calculated Industries | American Wood Council |
Customer experience
Construction Master 5 Calc
Span Calc
Bugs and requests
Construction Master 5 Calc
Reported bugs
3 issues- App not working without internet connection
- Crashes or freezes on some devices
- Login/purchase issues when switching devices
Requested features
4 requests- Add Apple Watch support
- Offer one-time purchase option
- Improve compatibility with older devices
- Provide a free version with limited features
Span Calc
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Construction Master 5 Calc
- 1 Month Full Access14 Days trial3 variants$3.991 Month
- 1 Year Full Access14 Days trial3 variants$34.991 Year
Span Calc
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Construction Master 5 Calc free?
Is Span Calc free?
Which has better reviews, Construction Master 5 Calc or Span Calc?
Do Construction Master 5 Calc or Span Calc have ads?
Which is updated more often, Construction Master 5 Calc or Span Calc?
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