Gambrel Roof Calculator

24 Foot Gambrel Roof Truss Calculator

24 ft is the most common residential gambrel width in North America. It fits a two-car garage at 24×24, a classic four-stall horse barn at 24×36, or a generous residential cottage with full second-story headroom under the gambrel knuckle.

Lower Rafter
12.00 ft
Upper Rafter
6.21 ft
Total Height
12.00 ft
Knuckle Height
10.39 ft
Inner Width
12.00 ft
Attic Volume (20 ft L)
3934 ft³
Roof Area (20 ft L)
845 ft²
Recommended Lumber
2×8 SPF #2

Pre-Calculated Results for 24 ft Span

Sweep AngleLower RafterUpper RafterTotal HeightRoof Area (20 ft L)
45°16.970.0012.00791
60°12.006.2112.00845
67.5°9.189.1812.00852

The Reference Case

At 24 ft wide with a 60° lower sweep, the half-circle method sets the upper sweep to 15°. The lower rafter is 12.0 ft and the upper rafter is 6.21 ft. Total height above the wall plate is 12.0 ft. These are the numbers most published gambrel plans assume by default.

Two-Car Garage Layout

A 24 ft wall fits two standard 9 ft × 7 ft overhead doors with 2 ft of jamb between them and 2 ft on each outside edge. The 12 ft attic above is enough for full-height storage of seasonal items, lumber, or a basic workshop loft.

Typical Applications for a 24 ft Gambrel

A 24 ft wide gambrel is sized for two-car garage, residential gambrel, mid-size barn. With a 60° sweep angle the lower rafters land at 12.00 ft and upper rafters at 6.21 ft, both within the capacity of 2×8 SPF #2 for typical residential loads at 16 in on center rafter spacing.

Total roof height at the standard 60° sweep is 12.0 ft above the wall plate. Loft floor area inside the knuckle is approximately 12.0 ft wide and runs the full length of the building, usable for storage, a sleeping loft, or a workshop above the main floor.

Framing Tip
Do not size rafters for a 24 ft span from memory. Confirm the recommended 2×8 SPF #2 above against your actual snow load, since that default assumes a moderate 30 psf ground snow and needs to step up a size for anything heavier. It costs far less to order one size up now than to discover a sag after the roof is sheathed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What lumber size do I need for a 24 ft gambrel?
For #2 SPF rafters at 16 in on center with moderate snow load (30 psf), use 2×8 SPF #2. Bump up one size for snow loads over 40 psf.
How tall is a 24 ft gambrel?
Total roof height equals half the building width in the half-circle method: 12.0 ft above the wall plate. Add wall height plus foundation height for total building height.
What is the rafter length for a 24 ft gambrel at 60° sweep?
Lower rafter 12.00 ft, upper rafter 6.21 ft (centerline measurements; subtract plumb and seat offsets for net cut length).

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