Free Rake Wall Calculator — Stud Lengths & Cut List

How to Use the Rake Wall Calculator

How to Calculate Rake Wall Stud Lengths

A rake wall (gable wall) is the triangular wall section that rises from the top plate of a standard wall up to the ridge of the roof. Every stud in a rake wall is a different length because the top plate follows the slope of the roof. The core formula for each stud is: Stud Length = Start Height + (Stud Position × Pitch Rise Per Foot ÷ 12 × OC Spacing). For example, on a wall with a 6/12 pitch at 16" on-center spacing, each stud grows by 8 inches (6 ÷ 12 × 16 = 8). If your start height is 36 inches, the first stud is 44", the second is 52", and the third is 60". This calculator automates the entire process and generates a complete cut list.

Understanding Rake Wall Framing

A rake wall appears anywhere a roof gable meets a wall plane — most commonly the gable end of a house. You also encounter them when framing shed dormers, cathedral ceiling walls, A-frame structures, and porch gable ends. Unlike a standard wall where every stud is identical, each rake wall stud must be individually measured and cut, making accurate calculations essential.

Choosing On-Center Spacing

• 16" on-center — standard for load-bearing walls and exterior walls. Ensures 4' and 8' sheathing panels land on stud centers.
• 24" on-center — acceptable for non-load-bearing gable walls in many jurisdictions, reducing stud count by roughly one-third.

Reading the Cut List

The calculator produces a numbered cut list with each stud's position and exact length. Mark each stud as you cut it, measure from the long point for plumb cuts, and verify that plate thickness matches the calculator's assumption.

Common Plate and Top Cut Details

The angled top plate (rake plate) can be ripped at the roof pitch angle with plumb-cut studs, or installed flat with square-cut studs and blocking. For a double top plate, the inner plate follows the roof slope. Check local code for plate requirements on rake walls.

Pro Tips for Rake Wall Framing

• Mark layout on both plates before cutting any studs.
• Cut the longest studs first — miscuts can be reused at shorter positions.
• Check plumb frequently during assembly with a 4' or 6' level.
• Use a story pole cut to the constant increment to verify each stud length.
• Brace the wall with diagonal 2×4s before sheathing.