Free Rake Wall Calculator — Studs, Heights & Cut Angles (2026)

How to Use This Calculator

1. 1Measure the total wall length in feet along the bottom plate.
2. 2Enter the height of the short end (low side) in feet.
3. 3Enter the height of the tall end (high side) in feet.
4. 4Set stud spacing (16 or 24 inches on center) and click Calculate.

About This Material

A rake wall (also called a gable wall or sloped-top wall) is a wall where the top plate follows the roof slope rather than running level. This creates a triangular or trapezoidal wall section where every stud has a different height, increasing progressively from the short end to the tall end. Rake walls are found at gable ends of roofs, under shed-style roofs, in lofts, and wherever a wall meets a sloped ceiling. They are framed with the same lumber as standard walls -- typically 2x4 or 2x6 studs at 16 or 24 inches on center. The key difference from standard walls is that the top plate must be cut at an angle (bevel) matching the roof pitch, and every stud must be individually measured and cut. The bottom plate runs level along the floor. For studs less than about 24 inches tall, horizontal blocking between studs provides adequate nailing surface for sheathing and interior finish. For a 20-foot rake wall going from 8 to 14 feet, you will need about 16 studs at 16-inch spacing, with heights ranging from roughly 91 inches to 163 inches. The slope plate length (hypotenuse) will be about 21.5 feet. Material costs are similar to standard wall framing but with higher waste due to the individual cuts. Plan for 10-15% extra lumber. A 20-foot rake wall typically costs $150-300 in lumber at current prices.

Installation Tips

• •Mark all stud positions on the bottom plate before cutting any studs.
• •Snap a chalk line between the short and tall end points to establish the slope plate angle.
• •Cut the slope plate with a bevel matching the roof pitch for proper rafter or sheathing bearing.
• •Measure and cut each stud individually -- theoretical heights may vary due to lumber irregularities.
• •For very short studs (under 24 inches), add horizontal blocking between adjacent studs to provide nailing surface for sheathing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ⚠Cutting all studs to the same height -- every stud in a rake wall is a different length.
• ⚠Not beveling the top (slope) plate -- the roof sheathing or rafters will not seat properly without the correct angle.
• ⚠Forgetting blocking for short studs -- sheathing and drywall need adequate nailing surface across the entire wall.
• ⚠Not verifying the rake wall angle matches the actual roof pitch -- discrepancies cause fitting problems at the roof-wall junction.

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