Scaffolding Calculator: Tubes, Boards and Ties
Calculate scaffolding quantities for construction projects. Estimates standards, ledgers, transoms, platforms, ties, and total weight for tube & fitting or system scaffolds.
Last updated: January 2026
Perimeter: 100 m | Facade Area: 1,500 m²
Bay spacing: 2 m | Lift height: 2 m
| Class | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Light Duty (0.75 kN/m²) | 0.75 kN/m² |
| Medium Duty (1.5 kN/m²) | 1.5 kN/m² |
| Heavy Duty (2.0 kN/m²) | 2 kN/m² |
| Special Duty (3.0 kN/m²) | 3 kN/m² |
- Scaffolding must be designed by competent person
- Weekly inspection required per BS EN 12811
- Tag system required for inspection status
- Ties assumed at about 4 m vertical × 4 m horizontal (1 per 16 m²); sheeted or exposed scaffolds need closer ties per TG20 or a scaffold design
Working Area
1,600m²
Standards
102pcs
Total Weight
22.2t
Standards (Verticals)
102
Ledgers (Horizontals)
900
Transoms (Cross)
450
Braces (Diagonal)
400
Total Scaffold Weight
22,156 kg
22.16 t
Working Platform Area
1,600 m²
All lift levels combined
- Scaffold must be inspected before first use and after any alterations
- Competent scaffolder required for erection and dismantling
- Ladder access bays should be at maximum 30m intervals
Notes:
- Quantities are estimates for budgeting purposes
- Actual design must be done by scaffolding designer
- Add 10-15% contingency for couplers and fittings
- Consider access requirements and loading points
- Comply with local regulations (UAE, BS EN 12811)
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This calculator provides PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES ONLY and is intended for planning and budgeting purposes. Results should NOT be used for final structural design or construction without verification by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
By using this tool, you acknowledge that:
1. All calculations are indicative and may not account for site-specific conditions, load combinations, or local code requirements.
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About This Calculator
The Scaffolding Calculator helps site engineers and temporary works coordinators estimate scaffold quantities for building facades and access requirements across UAE and Gulf construction projects. Calculate standards, ledgers, transoms, platforms, ties, and bracing for both tube & fitting and system scaffolds with weight summaries for structural verification.
Formula
Perimeter = 2 × (length + width)
Bays = ⌈perimeter ÷ bay spacing⌉; lifts = ⌈height ÷ lift height⌉
Standards = (bays + 1) × 2; base plates = standards
Ledgers = bays × 2 × (lifts + 1); transoms = bays × (lifts + 1)
Braces = ⌈bays ÷ 2⌉ × lifts × 2; platforms = bays × lifts; toe boards = bays × 2 × lifts
Wall ties = ⌈perimeter × height ÷ 16⌉
Weight = (standards × height + ledgers × bay spacing + transoms × 1.2 + braces × 3) × weight per metre
Worked example
Inputs
- Building 30 m long, 20 m wide, 15 m high
- Tube and fitting scaffold (bay spacing 2.0 m, lift height 2.0 m, 4.37 kg per metre of tube)
- Medium duty load class, access stairs or ladders included
Steps
- Perimeter = 2 × (30 + 20) = 100 m, so bays = 100 ÷ 2 = 50 and lifts = ⌈15 ÷ 2⌉ = 8.
- Standards = (50 + 1) × 2 = 102, and base plates = 102.
- Ledgers = 50 × 2 × 9 = 900; transoms = 50 × 9 = 450; braces = 25 × 8 × 2 = 400.
- Platform boards = 50 × 8 = 400; toe boards = 50 × 2 × 8 = 800.
- Wall ties = ⌈100 × 15 ÷ 16⌉ = ⌈93.75⌉ = 94.
- Tube length = 102 × 15 + 900 × 2 + 450 × 1.2 + 400 × 3 = 5,070 m, so weight = 5,070 × 4.37 = 22,156 kg.
- Working platform area = 100 × 2.0 × 8 = 1,600 m².
Result: 102 standards, 900 ledgers, 450 transoms, 400 braces, 94 ties and about 22,156 kg of scaffold.
Assumptions and limits
- The scaffold runs continuously around the full perimeter of a rectangular building, one bay line deep. Partial elevations, setbacks and corners with different geometry are not modelled.
- The built-in scaffold types fix the bay spacing, lift height and tube weight. A suspended scaffold has no fixed lifts in the data, so the calculator falls back to a 2.0 m lift height for the count.
- The load class changes only the advisory notes; it does not change the quantities.
- Ties assume about 1 per 16 m² of scaffold face (roughly 4 m by 4 m). Sheeted, netted or wind-exposed scaffolds need closer ties and a scaffold design.
- Weight counts tubes only. Boards, fittings, base plates and toe boards are not included in the weight.
- Quantities are for budgeting. Final quantities and the scaffold design must come from a competent scaffold designer, and a contingency for fittings should be added.
When to Use This Calculator
- Estimating scaffold material for facade works and finishing
- Planning access scaffolding for MEP installation
- Calculating scaffold weights for structural tie-back design
- Preparing scaffold quotations for subcontractor tenders
- Verifying scaffold supplier material schedules
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Building Dimensions
Input the building length, width and height; the scaffold runs round the full perimeter.
Select Scaffold Type
Choose tube & fitting, system scaffold, mobile tower or suspended scaffold; this sets bay length, lift height and tube weight.
Set Load Class and Access
Choose the load class and whether ladder access bays are needed.
Calculate Quantities
Get standards, ledgers, transoms, braces, platforms, toe boards, base plates, an indicative tie count (about 1 per 16 m² of face) and total weight.
Typical Scenarios in UAE & Gulf Projects
A scaffolding contractor budgets a system scaffold round a 40 m × 20 m building, 100 m high (120 m perimeter, 12,000 m² of face). The calculator gives 50 lifts, 98 standards, 4,896 ledgers, 2,448 transoms, 2,400 platforms, about 750 ties at a typical 4 m × 4 m pattern and a total weight of about 113 tonnes. At this height the tie pattern and loads need a scaffold design.
A contractor budgets tube & fitting scaffold round a process building for maintenance. The calculator gives component counts and total weight for transport and crane lift planning; birdcage and special access scaffolds need their own design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scaffold standards apply in the UAE?
UAE follows BS EN 12811 for service and working scaffolds, BS EN 12810 for facade scaffolds. OSHAD CoP 53.0 governs scaffold safety requirements. Scaffold designs over 30m height typically require engineer sign-off. All scaffolders need valid scaffolding competency cards.
How often should scaffold ties be installed?
BS EN 12811-1 sets the design requirements rather than a fixed spacing. In typical practice (for example the TG20 guidance), an unsheeted scaffold is tied about every 4 m vertically and 4 m horizontally, which is what this calculator assumes (about 1 tie per 16 m² of face). Sheeted, netted or wind-exposed scaffolds need closer ties, often at every lift. Tall scaffolds need a wind load check and a scaffold design.
What is the weight capacity of standard scaffold tubes?
The safe load of a scaffold tube depends on the tube grade and wall thickness, the span or effective length, the fittings and the loading case. System scaffolds (Cuplock, Ringlock and similar) have published load tables. Always use the manufacturer's load tables and the scaffold designer's calculations.
Last Updated: January 2026
Standards Reference: BS EN 12811 Temporary Works Equipment, OSHAD CoP 53.0 Scaffolding
