Scaffolding Calculator
Enter the wall perimeter and scaffold height to get the area plus tube, coupler and board quantities.
Inputs
Result
Formula
| Scaffold area | A = perimeter × height |
| Steel tube | W = A × kg per m² × type factor |
| Couplers | N ≈ A × 1.8 |
| Boards | A_board ≈ A × 0.28 |
| Lifts | lifts = ceil(height ÷ 1.8) |
An 80 m perimeter at 20 m high: 1,600 m² of scaffolding, 8 t of tube at 5 kg/m², roughly 2,880 couplers and 448 m² of boards.
FAQ
Is scaffold area measured on the wall face or the projection?
External scaffolding is the outside perimeter multiplied by the scaffold height, which is the vertical projection of the wall. Openings are not deducted. Single-row scaffolds count at half rate, internal scaffolds by wall projection, and full-hall scaffolds by internal floor area.
When must a double-row scaffold be used?
Single-row scaffolding is limited to 24 m and only where the wall can take reliable ties. Above 24 m a double-row system is required. In China, ground-supported tube scaffolding at 24 m or more is classified as high-risk work needing an expert-reviewed method statement, and above 50 m cantilevered or climbing systems must be used.
Where does 4-6 kg/m² of tube come from?
Empirical content for a double-row scaffold at 1.8 m lift and 1.5 m bay, including standards, ledgers, transoms, bracing and base rails, works out at roughly 4-6 kg of tube and 1.5-2 couplers per square metre of elevation. Netting, boards and toe boards are counted separately.
Related calculators
Results are estimating aids only and are not a design basis. Construction and final accounts must follow the drawings, the applicable standards and an approved method statement. Anything affecting structural safety, shoring or falsework must be checked by a suitably qualified engineer.