Dimensions and profiles
Cut list
| Part | Profile | Length (mm) | Qty | kg each | kg total | Angles (left / right) |
|---|
Bars to buy
| Profile | Metres used | Pieces | Bars | Waste | kg used | kg bought |
|---|
How it is calculated
- The total length is divided into equal bays: the number of bays is the total length divided by the maximum length, rounded up; the length of a bay is the distance between the axes of the posts. There is one more frame than bays.
- The shelves are equally spaced: the distance is (height − height of the first shelf) / number of shelves. The first shelf is at the chosen height above the floor, and above the last one a distance equal to the spacing remains.
- The posts have the full height. The longitudinal beams (two per bay and per shelf) are as long as the distance between the posts, that is the bay length minus the width of a post. The depth cross members (one per frame and per shelf) have the depth minus the widths of the two posts.
- The shelf plates: one per bay and per shelf, as long as the bay × the depth of the shelf; from sheet steel (included in the weight and the surface to paint) or from another material (dimensions only). The feet are square plates under each post.
- The bracing: one diagonal per bay at the back or per frame at the side, between the first and the last shelf, with the ends cut vertically (they rest against the posts). The angles are the interior ones at the long edge, as in the cutting program.
- The weight and the surface to paint include the posts, beams, cross members, diagonals, sheet plates and feet. Boards of another material are not included in the weight.
- Bars are filled simply: longest pieces first, with the blade thickness between them. The cutting program usually finds a better arrangement.
- The weight uses the chosen material (carbon steel, 7.85 g/cm³, by default) and the same formulas as the weight calculator, with the rounded corners of the tubes (EN 10219).
- For each profile you can choose “Custom profile”, with your own dimensions (square or rectangular tube, round or square bar, flat bar), and the material can be anything, with your own density.
A quantity estimate, not a strength calculation. The calculator does not calculate the load capacity of the shelving, does not check the chosen profiles (buckling of the posts, deflection of the beams, connections) and does not account for the rules that apply to storage in your building. For heavily loaded or tall shelving, or in public spaces, ask a specialist for a calculation.
Frequently asked questions
How are the bays and the distance between shelves set?
The total length is divided into equal bays, none longer than the chosen maximum (1200 mm by default); the posts stand at the ends of the bays, two (front and back) at each. The height from the first shelf to the top is divided into equal parts, one for each shelf.
How are the parts arranged?
Each frame has two posts (front and back). At each shelf there is a longitudinal beam at the front and at the back in every bay, and a depth cross member between the posts of every frame. The shelf plates rest on the beams, one plate per bay and per shelf.
How are the diagonals and the angles calculated?
A diagonal runs from the first shelf to the last one, between two posts: the length is √(clear width² + height²), and the angle to the horizontal is atan(height / clear width). The ends are cut vertically so that they rest against the posts, so the angles of the pieces are 90° + θ and 90° − θ. They appear in the “Angles” column and in the CSV file.
Does it calculate the load capacity?
No. The calculator gives quantities (parts, lengths, weight, bars), not strength. The chosen profiles and the span of the bay must be checked for the load the shelves will carry.
What does the calculator not include?
Bolts, rivets, welding, painting, adjustable feet, panels or mesh at the back and sides, doors and dividers. The lengths are theoretical, without connection details.
How do I import the list into the cutting program?
Download the CSV file and import it into the cutting program (step 1). The diagonals come with their angles (the “Left angle” and “Right angle” columns), and the other pieces with square ends (90°).