Scaffold hire estimator: bays, lifts and face area
The calculator needs JavaScript. The worked example, formula and figures below show exactly how it works, so you can do the sum yourself. A guide, not advice. Check your supplier's or maker's figures before ordering.
Short answer
Worked example
| You enter | Value |
|---|---|
| Walls to scaffold | Front: length along the wall 10 m, working height 6 m |
| Bay length | 2.4 m |
| Lift height | 2 m |
| Hire period | 4 weeks |
About 5 bays and 3 lifts: 60.0 m² of scaffold face to describe to a scaffolder
- Out of scope Scaffold design, ties, loading and inspection For a competent scaffolder to design, erect and inspect (TG20 or a bespoke design). This estimate only describes the job. UK-wide: Work at Height Regulations 2005; NASC TG20. Check with the source
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Bays | 5 |
| Lifts (tallest elevation) | 3 |
| Scaffold face area | 60 m² |
| Elevation | Length | Height | Bays | Lifts | Face |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front | 10 m | 6 m | 5 | 3 | 60 m² |
Show the working
- Front: 10 m ÷ 2.4 m bays, rounded up = 5 bays; 6 m ÷ 2 m lifts, rounded up = 3 lifts; face 10 × 6 = 60 m²
How it works
- Bays per elevation = length ÷ bay length, rounded up
- Lifts per elevation = working height ÷ lift height, rounded up
- Scaffold face area = length × working height, added up over the elevations
- Cost = your quoted weekly price × weeks
Bay length and lift height are planning assumptions: the scaffolder sets the real layout, ties, loading and access.
This describes the job only. It is not a scaffold design.
A scaffold on the pavement or road needs a licence from the council: ask the scaffolder who applies.
Our default (adjustable)
These are typical planning figures and our own allowances, not facts about your product. Change any of them in the calculator to match your bag, pack or tin.
| Figure | Our default (adjustable) | Kind | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bay length | 2.4 m | Our assumption Not yet checked against the source | Our choice: change it to suit your job brief v2 S4: bay length ~2.4 m (assumption). Researcher to source from NASC TG20 or a scaffolder. |
| Lift height | 2 m | Our assumption Not yet checked against the source | Our choice: change it to suit your job brief v2 S4: lift height 2.0 m (assumption). Researcher to source from NASC TG20 or a scaffolder. |
Regulations and standards
- Work at Height Regulations 2005
- NASC TG20 (scaffold design and erection guidance)
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 cover Great Britain; Northern Ireland has its own 2005 regulations. Pavement licences come from the local council. Researcher to confirm.