Calculate decking courses and linear demand from measured direction, exact installed face width and gap, then audit a real cut-plan stock count.
A quick decision brief for this specific tool
Measured run and span in the chosen board direction, exact installed face width/gap, exact stock length, a whole-board count from the actual cut/joint plan, and entered stock-board price
Required courses, final-course rip reference, total linear decking, a linear-foot stock lower bound, comparison with the entered plan, and entered board cost
Solve course coverage from installed face plus gaps, multiply courses by run for linear demand, and compare the entered cut-plan count with a clearly labeled linear-foot lower bound
Choose your path
Calculate decking courses and linear demand, then check an externally prepared cut/joint stock plan against a clearly labeled linear-foot lower bound.
See course coverage from actual face width and installed gap.
Choose board direction, measure run/span, and copy product dimensions/gap instructions.
Gets courses and final rip reference without generic waste or screw counts.
Avoid treating total linear footage as an installable piece layout.
Create a piece-by-piece cut/joint/blocking plan and enter its whole stock-board count.
Sees a cut/joint-plan-required branch and uses the lower bound only as a cross-check.
Price a specific stock plan without hiding fastening or structure.
Use the exact purchasable length and entered plan count/price, then reconcile all accessories and structural work separately.
Keeps cost scope, product instructions, permits, framing and fasteners outside board arithmetic.
Outputs and checklists are planning aids. Review the linked current authorities and the records, terms, instructions, and requirements that apply to your exact situation before a consequential decision.
This tool is part of these guided projects. Each project provides step-by-step instructions with checklists and all the tools you need in one place.
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The first course has no leading gap, so one gap is added to the span before dividing by face width plus gap; the course count rounds upward.
Courses = ceil((span inches + gap) ÷ (face width + gap))Course count times the measured run gives required linear decking. Dividing by exact stock length is labeled only as a lower bound, never an installable layout.
Linear lower-bound pieces = ceil(courses × run ÷ stock length)The whole stock-board count entered from a real cut/joint plan is compared with the linear lower bound and priced. Passing that comparison does not validate cuts or structure.
Updated: August 2026
A DIYer uses stock at least as long as each run, checks course count and final rip, then confirms the border and fastening details in the exact guide.
A builder sees the cut/joint-plan-required branch, lays out every joint and blocking location, and enters the resulting whole-board count.
An estimator compares two explicit cut plans using the exact purchasable lengths and prices while keeping clips, fasteners, framing and delivery separate.
Use it only as a lower bound and prepare a piece-by-piece cut/joint/offcut plan.
Use the exact product instructions, field conditions, framing plan and applicable code.
Choose the real board direction, measure run and span, and copy the exact product face width, installed gap and available stock length. The calculator reports coverage courses and a linear-foot lower bound; your piece-by-piece cut/joint plan remains the ordering basis.