Home
Plate length
One bottom plate and a double top plate make three runs along the wall. The double top plate stiffens the wall and laps at corners.
The Formula
P = 3 L
One bottom plate and a double top plate make three runs along the wall. The double top plate stiffens the wall and laps at corners.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | Wall length | metres | The same length used for the stud count. |
| P | Plate length | metres | Three runs, so three times the wall length. |
What Each Symbol Means
Lmetres
Wall length
The same length used for the stud count.
Pmetres
Plate length
Three runs, so three times the wall length.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate lumber for framing page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Lumber For Framing, filed under Everyday Life. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.