Scaffolding – Bays, Lifts & Ties

This tool applies the formula Bays = Facade ÷ 2.5; Lifts = Height ÷ 2; Ties = Lifts × Bays ÷ 2; Boards = Bays × Lifts × 3 directly to the measurements you enter, so the result is an exact quantity rather than a rough guess. Because scaffolding is priced and delivered per unit - cubic meters, square meters, bags or tonnes - a small measurement error multiplies across the entire order, which is why the calculation is worth doing properly. Worked example: A 15 m facade, 8 m high: 7 bays × 5 lifts - 35 frames, 175 boards, 18 ties and 210 m of ledger. One note from practice: 3:1 rule: free height never exceeds 3× the least base width - beyond that, ties carry the tower. Enter the facade length and working height, check the totals, then round up to the nearest whole bag, sheet or roll before you place the order.

1. 1

   Take dimensions

   Note the facade length and working height for the area you are covering or filling.

2. 2

   Run the calculation

   The calculator applies Bays = Facade ÷ 2.5; Lifts = Height ÷ 2; Ties = Lifts × Bays ÷ 2; Boards = Bays × Lifts × 3 the moment you type.

3. 3

   Check the breakdown

   Compare base quantity and waste-adjusted totals side by side.

4. 4

   Plan the purchase

   Use the final figure to price and schedule the delivery.

• Mixing pipe standards

• Underestimating bends

• Skipping scaffold ties