® Calculated Industries Construction M a s t e r III ® User’s Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction...................................................... 3 Key Definitions.................................................. 4 Entering Dimensions........................................13 Entering Square and Cubic Dimensions........... 14 Linear Conversions.......................................... 14 Square and Cubic Conversions........................ 15 Mathematical Operations................................16 Adding Dimensions..........................................
INTRODUCING: The Construction Master III ® Designed for today’s construction professional, the all-new Construction Master III adds even more power and ease of use to the already powerful Construction Masterline-up.
KEY DEFINITIONS [+] [–] [x] [÷] [=] Arithmetic operation keys. [%] Four-function percent key. 0–9 Digits used for keying-in numbers. [.] Decimal point. [Off] Turns all power off. Clears the display and all values previously stored in Memory. [On/C] Turns on power. Pressing once clears the last entry and the display. Pressing twice in succession clears all non-permanent registers. [M+] Stores any displayed number (dimensioned or non-dimensioned) in semi-permanent Memory.
[√ ] [Conv] This key is used to find the square root of a number. You must be careful when entering dimensioned values because by definition the square root of a linear dimension does not exist; therefore the calculator will correctly give you an error if you try to do this. This key, used in conjunction with a dimension key, converts one dimensioned number to another dimensioned number. The one logistical limitation is that you must maintain convention.
[Conv] [ x ] All-Clear, full-reset function clears Memory and resets all registers (Jack, Stair, & Fractions) to their default values. [Conv] [ + ] Pi (π) constant = 3.141593. [Conv] [ – ] Change sign. Can also be used to subtract a number from the semi-permanent Memory (replaces M-). [Conv] [ M+ ] Replaces the value stored in Memory with the value on the display. [Conv] [ * ] Fraction Set — This key is used to semi-permanently set up the default fractional format of all your answers.
[Conv] [ 2 ] Fraction set to 1/2’s. [Conv] [ 4 ] Fraction set to 1/4’s. [Conv] [ 8 ] Fraction set to 1/8’s. [Conv] [ 1 ] Fraction set to 1/16’s. [Conv] [ 3 ] Fraction set to 1/32’s. [Conv] [ 6 ] Fraction set to 1/64’s. [Feet] This is an entry and conversion key. The entry can be in whole or decimal numbers. This key can also be used in conjunction with the [Inch] and [/] keys.
[M] Meters — This is an entry and conversion key that works in the same way as the [Yds] key described above. [CM] Centimeters — This is an entry and conversion key used to enter decimal centimeters or to convert decimal centimeters from some other dimensional format when used in conjunction with the [Conv] key. [MM] Millimeters — This is an entry and conversion key that works in the same way as the [CM] key described above.
[/] Fraction Bar — This definition key is used to define and enter fractions. Fractions can be both proper (1 or less — 1/2, 1/8, 1/16) or improper (greater than 1 — 3/2, 65/64). You enter a fraction by first entering the numerator (the part of the fraction that is above the line) then the [/] and the denominator (the part below the line). For example: To enter 1/2, the key sequence would be 1 [/] 2. [Bd Ft] Board Feet— This key is an entry and conversion key for board feet units of measure.
One exception to this key is when working with board feet: If your dimension is board feet, the unit price is entered in the standard Mbm. (per thousand board foot measure) format.
RIGHT ANGLE SOLUTIONS [Pitch] [Rise] [Run] [Diag] Pitch is the amount of “Rise” in 12 inches of “Run” in a right triangle. Pitch is most commonly expressed in inches — i.e., “9 inches of Pitch” or a “9-in-12 Pitch” — but can be entered in either decimal (i.e., .75 [Pitch], or 75 [%] [Pitch] for a Percent Grade) or dimension format.* In addition, the Pitch can be calculated given any two sides of a right triangle — Rise, Run or Diagonal. This is the up-side or vertical leg of a right triangle.
Hip/Valley — Is used to find an adjacent 45° Hip or Valley rafter off of a Common rafter. You first solve for the Common rafter (diagonal) using either both legs (Rise and Run) or one leg and the Pitch. You then press this key to find the adjacent Hip or Valley rafter lengths. NOTE: To find an “irregular” Hip/Valley (where the Pitch on both sides is not the same), simply enter the other roof side’s Pitch directly into the [Hip/V] key. (Forexample, enter 9 [Inch] [Hip/V] or [.]75[Hip/V]*).
ENTERING DIMENSIONS When entering dimensioned values, you must enter the largest dimension first — feet before inches, inches before fractions. You enter fractions by entering the numerator (value above the line) then the “/” (fraction bar) key and then the denominator (value below the line). Enter the following linear dimensions: Dimension Keystrokes 5 Feet 1/2 Inch 5 Feet 1 Inch 5 Feet 1-1/2 in. 10 Yards 17.5 Meters 5 [Feet] 1 [/] 2 5 [Feet] 1 [Inch] 5 [Feet] 1 [Inch] 1 [/] 2 10 [Yds] 17.
ENTERING SQUARE & CUBIC DIMENSIONS Enter square & cubic dimensions* in this order: (1) Numerical Value (2) Convention — Square or Cubic (3) Definition — Meters, Yards, Feet, Inches Enter the following square and cubic dimensions: Dimension Keystrokes 5 Cubic Yards 130 Square Feet 33 Square Meters 5 [Cu] [Yds] 130 [Sq] [Feet] 33 [Sq] [M] LINEAR CONVERSIONS Convert 14 (linear) feet to other linear dimensions: Keystrokes 14 [Feet] . . .
SQUARE CONVERSIONS Convert 14 square feet to other square dimensions: Keystrokes 14 [Sq] [Feet] . . . [Conv] [Inch] [Yds] * [M] [CM] [MM] Display Shows 2016 SQ IN 1.555556 SQ YDS 1.300648 SQ M 13006.48 SQ CM 1300648. SQ MM CUBIC CONVERSIONS Convert 14 cubic feet to other cubic dimensions: Keystrokes 14 [Cu] [Feet] . . . [Conv] [Inch] [Conv] [Yds] [Conv] [M] [Conv] [CM] [Conv] [MM] Display Shows 24192 CU IN 0.518519 CU YDS 0.396438 CU M 396438.2 CU CM 396438.
MATHEMATICAL OPERATIONS Your calculator uses standard chaining logic which simply means that you enter your first value, then the operator (+, –, x, ÷), then the second value and then finally, the Equals sign to get your answer. A. B. C. D. 3 3 3 3 [+] [–] [x] [÷] 2 2 2 2 [=] [=] [=] [=] 5 1 6 1.5 This feature also makes the calculator so simple to use for dimension applications.
Subtracting Dimensions Subtract 3 feet from 11 feet 7-1/2 inches: 11 [Feet] 7 [Inch] 1 [/] 2 [–] 3 [Feet] [=] 8 FT 7-1/2 IN Subtract 32 inches from 81 inches: 81 [Inch] [–] 32 [Inch] [=] 49 IN Multiplying Dimensions Multiply 5 feet 3 inches by 11 feet 6-1/2 inches: 5 [Feet] 3 [Inch] [x] 11 [Feet] 6 [Inch] 1 [/] 2 [=] 60.
PERCENTAGE CALCULATIONS The Percent key can find a percent of a number,* add a percent to a number, subtract a percent from a number or divide a number by a percent. You do not need to press the Equals key to complete a percentage calculation. Computing Percentages 1. Find 18% of 500 feet: 500 [Feet] [x] 18 [%] 90 FT 0 IN 2. Add 10% for waste to 137 square feet: 137 [Sq] [Feet] [+] 10 [%] 150.7 SQ FT 3. Take 20% away from 552 feet 6 inches: 552 [Feet] 6 [Inch] [–] 20 [%] 442 FT 0 IN 4.
MEMORY FUNCTIONS Whenever the [M+] is depressed, the displayed value will be added to the semi-permanent Memory. To subtract a value from the Memory, simply precede [M+] with [Conv] [–] (ex. 10 [Conv] [–] [M+]). [Rcl] [M+] recalls and displays the total value stored in Memory. [Rcl] [Rcl] displays and clears all values stored in Memory without clearing the display. Turning your calculator [Off] will also clear the Memory. The Memory works with dimensioned numbers as well as non-dimensioned numbers.
Memory Calculations 1. 10 [Feet] 5 [Inch] [M+] 5 [Feet] 3 [Inch] 1 [/] 16 [M+] Recall Memory [Rcl] [M+] 15 FT 8-1/16 IN Clear Memory [Rcl] [Rcl] NOTE: After using Memory in a calculation, be sure to clear the Memory [Rcl] [Rcl]to avoid carrying-over values from thepreviouscalculation. 2.
LINEAR DIMENSIONS Spacing Calculation — Linear Division You have a 78 feet 6 inch wall which you want to divide into five equal spaces for office partitioning. What is the length of each section? COMMENTS KEYSTROKES Clear calculator [On/C] [On/C] Enter overall length 78 [Feet] 6 [Inch] Divide by number of equal spaces [÷] 5 [=] Answer: 15 FT 8-13/32 IN What is it in dec. feet? [Conv] [Feet] Answer: 15.7 FT What is it in dec. inches? [Conv] [Inch] Answer: 188.
Calculating the Number of Studs/Joists/Trusses Find the number of 16 inch on-center (o.c.) studs needed for a 18 feet 7-1/2 inch wall. COMMENTS Clear calculator Enter length of wall KEYSTROKES [On/C] [On/C] 18 [Feet] 7 [Inch] 1 [/] 2 Divide by o.c. distance [÷] 16 [Inch] [=] Answer: 13.96875 studs Add one for each end [+] 1 [=] Answer: 14.96875 (round to 15) Similar uses apply to trusses and joists.
Linear Measurements — Window Trim (Multiple Units) You’re going to have four front windows all of which measure 4 feet 4 inches by 3 feet 2 inches.
Area of a Square Using the X-Squared [Conv] [√] key, find the area of a square with sides of 4 feet 7 inches. COMMENTS KEYSTROKES Clear calculator [On/C] [On/C] Enter length of side 4 [Feet] 7 [Inch] Find square area [Conv] [√] Answer: 21.00694 SQ FT Unique Area — Paneling Typically, paneling is sold in 4 foot by 8 foot sheets, with the limiting dimensions being the 4 foot width.
Area Calculation — Floor Covering You have an apartment with two rooms of carpet that need to be replaced. The room dimensions are as follows: 12 feet 4 inches by 10 feet and 14 feet 8 inches by 16 feet. How many square yards of carpet are needed and how much will it cost you if it costs $11.75 per square yard? COMMENTS KEYSTROKES Clear calculator [On/C] [On/C] Step 1 — Find Area of Room 1 Enter length of room 1 12 [Feet] 4 [Inch] Mult. by width of rm. 1 [x] 10 [Feet] [=] Answer: 123.
Roof Covering — Shingles You’re going to use 12 inch wide by 36 inch long asphalt (strip) shingles with 5 inch weather exposure. How many shingles are required for 1745 sq. foot roof? (Note: Shingle exposure area = Exposure x length, and Number of Shingles = Roof area ÷ shingle exposure area.) COMMENTS Clear calculator Find shingle exp.
VOLUME CALCULATIONS Volume of a Rectangular Container What is the volume of a container 3 feet by 1 foot 9-5/8 inches by 2 feet 4 inches? COMMENTS Clear calculator Enter length Multiply by width KEYSTROKES [On/C] [On/C] 3 [Feet] [x] 1 [Feet] 9 [Inch] 5 [/] 8 Multiply by depth [x] 2 [Feet] 4 [Inch] [=] Answer: 12.61458 CU FT Convert to Meters [Conv] [M] Answer: 0.
Simple Concrete Volume You’re going to form up and pour your own driveway and you need to calculate the cubic yards of concrete required for the job accurately. The measurements are as follows: 36 feet 3 inches by 11 feet 6 inches by 4 inches deep.
27’ 0” 4’ 2” B 9’ 6” 38’ 2” A C 8’ 6” 9’ 0” COMMENTS KEYSTROKES Clear calculator [On/C] [On/C] Step 1 — Find Area of Part A Find length 38 [Feet] 2 [Inch] [–] 4 [Feet] 2 [Inch] [=] Answer: 34 FT 0 IN Multiply by width [x] 27 [Feet] [=] Answer: 918 SQ FT Enter in Memory [M+] Step 2— Find Area of Part B Enter length 4 [Feet] 2 [Inch] Multiply by width [x] 8 [Feet] 6 [Inch] [=] Answer: 35.
Step 4 — Find Total Area Recall Memory [Rcl] [Rcl] Answer: 1038.917 SQ FT Multiply by depth [x] 4 [Inch] 1 [/] 2 [=] Answer: 389.5938 CU FT Convert to yards [Conv] [Yds] Answer: 14.4294 CU YDS Concrete Columns You’re going to pour five columns, each of which has the following dimensions: Diameter 3 feet 4-1/2 inches, height 11 feet 6 inches.
Single Concrete Footing Find the number of cubic yards of concrete required for a (16” x 8”) footing that measures 32 feet 7 inches in length. COMMENTS KEYSTROKES Clear calculator [On/C] [On/C] Enter length 32 [Feet] 7 [Inch] Multiply by width [x] 16 [Inch] Multiply by depth [x] 8 [Inch] [=] Answer: 28.96296 CU FT Convert to yards [Conv] [Yds] Answer: 1.072702 CU YDS Multiple Footings Find the total volume of concrete required to pour five 24” x 12” footings, each 2 feet deep.
BOARD FEET/LUMBER Board Feet/Lumber problems can easily be solved with the Construction Master III’s builtin Board Feet and material estimating program. 2 x 4 x 14 2 x 10 x 16 2 x 12 x 18 Total Board Feet — Multiple Boards Calculate the total board feet in the following boards: 2 by 4 by 14, 2 by 10 by 16, and 2 by 12 by 18. Use the multiplication [x] key to replace “by.” COMMENTS KEYSTROKES Clear calculator [On/C] [On/C] Enter Board 2 [x] 4 [x] 14 [Bd Ft] Answer: 9.
Total Board Feet — With Dollar Cost Calculate the total number of board feet if you ordered 10 of the following board type: 2 by 4 by 14. In addition, if this board cost $250 Mbm., how much will this order cost? COMMENTS Clear calculator Enter Board KEYSTROKES [On/C] [On/C] 2 [x] 4 [x] 14 [Bd Ft] [x]10 [=] Answer: 93.33333 BD FT Multiply by unit cost [x] 250 [Per] Answer: $23.
RIGHT-ANGLE SOLUTIONS Your calculator’s top row of keys provide you with built-in solutions to right triangles. The solutions are available in any of the dimensions offered on the calculator. Thus, you can solve right triangles directly in feet and inches, decimal feet, decimal inches, yards, meters, centimeters or millimeters.
Squaring a Concrete Slab 24’ 4” Assume you want to square up the forms for a concrete foundation for which you know the dimensions of two sides. The given sides are 45 feet 6 inches and 24 feet 4 inches.
Area for Roofing Materials You’re ordering roofing materials for a roof with a 5-in-12 Pitch, an overall span of 27 feet and a length of 34 feet 6 inches (across). How many squares are there? The three steps to this problem are: (1) Find the common rafter, (2) Multiply it by the building length, and (3) Multiply this figure by two since you’re ordering materials for both sides of the roof.
Back-Fill on a Slope with Percent of Grade Known You’ve built 55 linear feet of a three-foot high retaining wall 3 feet out from the base of a 65% grade. You plan to back-fill to within 12 inches of the top of the wall (for a 2’ depth).
COMMENTS KEYSTROKES Mult. by height (depth) [x] 2 [Feet] [=] Answer: 338.4505 CU FT Div. by 2 per formula* [÷] 2 [=] Answer: 169.2253 CU FT Step 4— Add Volumes of Sections “A” and B” Add to Value in Mem. [M+] Recall Total [Rcl] [M+] Answer: 499.2253 CU FT Convert to yards [Conv] [Yds] Answer: 18.48983 CU YDS Clear Memory [Rcl] [Rcl] Stair Stringer Length You have a floor-to-floor Rise of 8 feet 10-3/8 inches and 7-1/2-inch risers.
Common Rafter — Pitch Known The roof you are working on has a 7-in-12 Pitch, and you know the overall span of the building is 23 feet 6 inches.
Common Rafter — Pitch Unknown You’re unsure of the roof Pitch but know both the Rise; 6 feet 11-1/2 inches and Run; 14 feet 6 inches. Find the common rafter length. Then solve for the Pitch.
Computing the Rise Side of an Angle (Diagonal known) Find the Run and Rise sides of a right angle with Pitch and Diagonal known.
Computing Roof Pitch You have a roof where your Rise is 7 feet 101/2 inches and your Run is 13 feet 6 inches.
“Bastard” Hip & Valley Rafters — (Irregular Non-45 Degree) You’re working with a 7-in-12 Pitch and half your overall span is 15 feet 7 inches. The Pitch of the irregular side is 8-in-12: (A) Find the pointto-point length for the common rafter and (B) Find the length of the adjoining “irregular” hip (or valley).
Hip or Valley, “Jack Rafters” — Set at 16” on-center Plate You’re again working with a 7-in-12 Pitch and the Run of the common rafter is 20 feet 5 inches. You want to calculate the length of your jack rafters at 16 inches o.c.: First, calculate the common and hip/valley lengths, then the jacks.
Hip or Valley, “Jack Rafters” — with other than 16” on-center You’re again working with a 7-in-12 Pitch and the Run of the common rafter is 30 feet 9 inches. You want to calculate the length of your jack rafters at 18 inches o.c. You’ll need to enter 18 inches o.c. into the [Jack] key before you find the lengths of the jacks: COMMENTS KEYSTROKES Clear calculator [On/C] [On/C] Enter Pitch 7 [Inch] [Pitch] Enter Run of common 30 [Feet] 9 [Inch] [Run] Enter 18” o.c. * 18 [Jack] Recall to verify 18” o.c.
STAIR PROBLEMS (Risers/Treads) Solving for Risers Only — with 7-1/2” Desired Riser Height If your floor-to-floor drop is 9 feet 5-1/2 inches and your “desired riser height” is 7-1/2 inches, find the number of stair risers, height of the risers, and any overage/underage remaining. COMMENTS Clear calculator Enter Rise KEYSTROKES [On/C] [On/C] 9 [Feet] 5 [Inch] 1 [/] 2 [Rise] Recall desired riser ht. [Rcl] [Stair] Answer: 7-1/2 IN RISER Find # of Risers [Stair] Answer: 15 # RISER Find actual Riser ht.
Risers Only — with other than the 7-1/2” Desired Riser Height You’re building an access stairway for an elderly client who can’t handle conventionalheight risers. If the total drop is 3 feet 8-3/4 inches and your “desired riser height” is approximately 5-1/2 inches, find the number of stair risers, actual riser height, and any overage or underage remaining. COMMENTS Clear calculator Enter Rise KEYSTROKES [On/C] [On/C] 3 [Feet] 8 [Inch] 3 [/] 4 [Rise] Enter 5-1/2”riser ht.* 5.
Risers & Treads — with 7-1/2” Desired Riser Height Your “desired riser height” is the default 7-1/2 inches, and you want to calculate the number of stair risers, riser height, the overage/underage of risers, number of treads, width of treads, and underage/overage of treads. (For this problem you’ll need the rise and run of the stair.) The rise of the stair is 28 feet 5-1/2 inches, the run of the stair is 35 feet 6 inches.
OVERFLOW INDICATION When you make an incorrect entry, or the answeris beyond the range of the calculator, it will display the word “Error.” To clear an error condition you must hit the[On/C]button twice. At this point you must determine what caused the error and re-key the problem. An “error” condition will also occur if you enter a mathematical impossibility such as division by zero.
Fractional Display — Two digits are allowed for the numerator and another two for the denominator. The largest proper fraction allowed would be 99/99. The calculator will also handle improper fractions i.e., 24/16. Once an operation takes place, the improper fraction is divided out and is reduced to its lowest form. Any fraction may be entered as above. However, once a problem is entered and operated upon, the fraction will be rounded and displayed to the nearest 1/64.
Appendix A AREA FORMULAS Your new calculator can perform these helpful formulas -- right in feet, inches and fractions -to provide even more useful solutions to your dimensional problems.* a Square Area = a2 a w Rectangle l Area = lw Triangle a Area = 1 ab 2 b Circle Circumference = 2πr r Area = πr2 Ellipse b a Area = πab * For calculations involving cubed variables (i.e.
Appendix B AREA & VOLUME FORMULAS a Cube a Surface area = 6a2 a Volume = a 3 Rectangle Prism l w Surface area = 2hw + 2hl + 2lw h Volume = l x w x h Cone h Surface area = πr √ r2 + h 2 (+πr 2 if you add the base) Volume = πr2 h 3 r Sphere Surface area = 4πr2 r Volume = 4 πr 3 3 Cylinder r 2 Surface area = 2πrh + 2πr h 2 Volume = πr h 52 — Construction Master III ®
LIMITED WARRANTY This product, except the battery and case, is warranted by Calculated Industries, Inc. (CII), to the original purchaser to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase. During the warranty period, and upon proof of purchase, the calculator will be repaired or replaced (with the same or similar model at CII’s option), without charge for either parts or labor at the CII repair center listed below.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so that the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights which vary from state to state and country to country.
Construction Master III® is a registered trademark of Calculated Industries, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Calculated Industries® is also a registered trademark. Designed in the United States of America by Calculated Industries, Inc. © 1999, Calculated Industries, Inc. CM3-Man. v1.
