Comparison

Span Calc vs Framify

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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.

About

Framify

Instantly generate code-compliant deck framing plans. This utility app helps users visualize and calculate framing layouts for decks, ensuring structural integrity and adherence to building codes. It simplifies the design process for DIYers and professionals alike.

Highlights
  • Instant framing plans
  • Code-compliant designs
  • Deck framing calculator
  • 3D visualization
  • Structural integrity checks
Features
Read full description

Framify - Deck Framing Calculator

Screenshots

Span Calc4 screens
Framify4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Framify at 3.7 against Span Calc's 2.9. Span Calc's advantage is review sentiment (30% vs 0%) and ratings volume (15 vs 3). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Framify holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 2.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Span Calc has 15 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 30% of Span Calc's written reviews are positive against 0% of Framify's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Span Calc ships an update every 10 days, Framify every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Span Calc versus Framify: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpan CalcFramify
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.9 (15 ratings)3.7 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews29.6% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings15 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 10 days — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.2 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size168 MB17 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperAmerican Wood CouncilSean Kurtz

Customer experience

Span Calc

All ratings15 ratings
Positive53.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative46.7%
Written reviews27 reviews
Positive29.6%
Neutral11.1%
Negative59.3%

Framify

All ratings3 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

None

Span Calc

No in-app purchases

None

Framify

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Span Calc free?
Span Calc is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Framify free?
Framify is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Span Calc or Framify?
Framify is rated higher. Span Calc averages 2.9 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Framify averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.
Do Span Calc or Framify have ads?
Neither Span Calc nor Framify shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Span Calc or Framify?
Span Calc ships an update every 10 days, and Framify every 2 weeks. Most recently, Span Calc was updated on September 29, 2026 and Framify on September 28, 2026.

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