Window Header Size Calculator

Determine the required header depth for a window or door opening based on the span width and the number of supported floors.

feet

Minimum Header Depth

6 in

Recommended Header Size6 in deep built-up or LVL
Jack Studs per Side1 studs

Minimum Header Depth vs Opening Span

सूत्र

## 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.

हल किया गया उदाहरण

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

  1. 01Span = 4 ft, load-bearing wall, 1 floor above
  2. 02Base header depth for 4 ft span = 6 inches
  3. 03Additional depth = (1 - 1) x 2 = 0 inches
  4. 04Header size = 2x6 (doubled) or equivalent LVL
  5. 05Jack studs needed = 1 per side