Span Calc vs Decking calculator, material
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
Decking calculator, material
This app helps you estimate the materials and cost for your decking project. It calculates the number of boards, screws, and hidden fasteners required, providing a total cost estimate for deck flooring.
- Calculate decking boards needed
- Estimate fasteners (screws/hidden clips)
- Calculate total material cost
- Focuses on deck flooring
- Project material estimation
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Estimate the number of decking boards, screws, nails, and hidden clips required for your project. The app also calculates material costs based on board pricing and fastener costs. Material quantities may include a waste allowance to help account for cuts and installation losses. Results are estimates for informational purposes only. We are very happy to serve you. If you have any requests, don't hesitate to contact us. - https://www.facebook.com/phan.nhatdang.3/ - phannhatd@gmail.com
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Decking calculator, material at 4.5 against Span Calc's 2.9. Decking calculator, material also leads on ratings volume (175 vs 15). Span Calc's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 6 months). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support 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. Decking calculator, material sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Span Calc asks for nothing beyond the download.
Decking calculator, material holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Decking calculator, material has 175 ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 30% of Span Calc's written reviews are positive against 33% of Decking calculator, material's.
Span Calc ships an update every 10 days, Decking calculator, material every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Span Calc | Decking calculator, material |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.9 (15 ratings) | 4.5 (175 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 29.6% of reviews | 33.3% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 15 | 175 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days — better | Every 6 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 14.2 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 168 MB | 1 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | American Wood Council | Phan Nhat Đang |
Customer experience
Span Calc
Decking calculator, material
In-app purchases
Span Calc
No in-app purchases
Decking calculator, material
- Remove ads$1.99
Questions
Is Span Calc free?
Is Decking calculator, material free?
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