Calculadora de Dintel de Ventana — Fórmula

How to Size a Window or Door Header

General Rules of Thumb

For load-bearing walls, header depth increases with span:

  • Up to 4 ft span: 2x6 header (or doubled)
  • 4-6 ft span: 2x8 header
  • 6-8 ft span: 2x10 header
  • 8+ ft span: 2x12 header or engineered lumber (LVL)

    • Add 2 inches of depth for each additional floor supported above the opening. Non-bearing walls typically need only a flat 2x4 header for plate support.

    Important Note

    This calculator provides general guidelines. Always consult local building codes and an engineer for final header sizing, especially for spans over 8 feet or multi-story loads.

    Ejemplo Resuelto

    A 4-foot window opening in a load-bearing wall supporting one floor above.

    1. Span = 4 ft, load-bearing wall, 1 floor above
    2. Base header depth for 4 ft span = 6 inches
    3. Additional depth = (1 - 1) x 2 = 0 inches
    4. Header size = 2x6 (doubled) or equivalent LVL
    5. Jack studs needed = 1 per side