Calculated Industries 3088 Construction Master III User's Guide

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.......................................... 16

Subtracting Dimensions................................... 17

Multiplying Dimensions...................................17

Dividing Dimensions........................................17

Percentage Calculations...................................18

Memory Functions........................................... 19

Fraction Setting............................................... 20

Linear Dimension Calculations........................ 21

Area Calculations.............................................23

Volume Calculations........................................ 27

Board Feet/Lumber Calculations......................32

Right-Angle Solutions...................................... 34

Hip/Valley Rafters............................................42

Hip/Valley Rafters (Irregular)..........................43

Jack Rafters...................................................... 44

Stair Problems..................................................46

Overflow Indication.........................................49

Accuracy........................................................... 49

Battery and Auto-Shut-Off.............................. 50

Full Reset, All-Clear.........................................50

Appendix A (Area Formulas)............................ 51

Appendix B (Area & Volume Formulas)............ 52

Limited Warranty............................................. 53

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 earlier models, the format of this calculator is so simple, even the novice user will find it easy to solve hundreds of dimension-related problems right in feet, inches and fractions!

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Add Strings of Dimensions

Do Instant Dimensional Conversions

Calculate Square & Rectangular Areas

Determine Cubic Volumes

Complete Metric Conversions

Find Circumference and Area of Circles

Solve Right-Triangles

Find Regular & Irregular Hip/Valley Rafters

Solve Jack Rafters Automatically

Calculate Stair Risers and Treads

Estimate Board Feet & Other Materials

And much, much more!

It also works as a standard math calculator with Memory, Percent, and battery-saving Auto

Shut-Off.

Calculated Industries, Inc.

4840 Hytech Drive • Carson City, NV 89706

1-800-854-8075 • 775-885-4900 • Fax: 775-885-4949

User’s Guide — 3

KEY DEFINITIONS

[+] [–] [x]

[÷] [=]

[%]

0 – 9

[ . ]

[Off]

[On/C]

[M+]

[Rcl]

Arithmetic operation keys.

Four-function percent key.

Digits used for keying-in numbers.

Decimal point.

Turns all power off. Clears the display and all values previously stored in Memory.

Turns on power. Pressing once clears the last entry and the display.

Pressing twice in succession clears all non-permanent registers.

Stores any displayed number

(dimensioned or non-dimensioned) in semi-permanent Memory. Also, adds any displayed number to any previously-stored number. Redisplays stored total in format of firstentered dimension. For example, you can add feet to yards to inches, and when you press the [Rcl] [M+] keys, the answer will be displayed as total feet.

Recalls and displays the contents of the semi-permanent Memory or registers. Pressing [Rcl] twice in a row displays and clears the Memory.

4 — Construction Master III

®

[

√

]

[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. You cannot convert from a linear dimension like feet, for example, to a square or cubic dimension. This violates convention.

Additional [Conv] Key Functions:

additional functions.

[Conv] [

√

] Finds the square (X

2 or X-

Squared) of a number or dimension. Again, you must be careful when working with dimensions because, for example, if you try to square an already square dimension, you would bring it to the fourth power, which does not work on this calculator.

[Conv] [ ÷ ] Reciprocal, or 1/x function.


[Conv] [ x ]

[Conv] [ + ]

All-Clear, full-reset function clears Memory and resets all registers (Jack, Stair, & Fractions) to their default values.

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.**

This preference setting is cleared by (1) Performing an

All-Clear [Conv][x], or (2)

Replacing it with another preferred fractional setting, or (3) By entering a fraction with a smaller denominator than your preferred setting.* * *

* Pressing [Conv], followed by any of the numbers 2, 4, 8, 1,

3, 6 will set the fraction. Entries other than these will not change the fraction display.

** This will be the smallest denominator displayed. If, however, the lowest common denominator is larger than your preferred setting, the calculator will display this instead.

*** Upon turning the unit "On," the "fs" symbol will appear once to indicate a setting other than 1/64ths. If you are unsure what base was last used, do an All-Clear.


®

[Conv] [ 2 ]

[Conv] [ 4 ]

[Conv] [ 8 ]

[Conv] [ 1 ]

[Conv] [ 3 ]

[Conv] [ 6 ]

[Feet]

Fraction set to 1/2’s.






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. Example: To enter 6 feet 9-1/2 inches, the key sequence is: 6 [Feet] 9 [Inch] 1 [/] 2

[Inch]

This key can also be used with the

[Conv] key to convert any displayed dimension to feet.*

This key is an entry and conversion key that works the same way as the

[Feet] key described above.** This key can also be used with the [Conv] key to convert any dimension value to inches.

[Yds] Yards — This key is an entry and conversion key. The entry can be a whole number or a decimal number.

It will also convert any other displayed dimensioned number to yards when used with the [Conv] key.

* Successive presses of the Feet key toggles the display between feet-inch-fraction (if any) and decimal feet

(10ths, 100ths) formats.

** Successive presses of the Inch key toggles the display between inch-fraction and decimal (10ths, 100ths) inch formats.


[M]

[CM]

[MM]

[Cu]

[Sq]

Meters — This is an entry and conversion key that works in the same way as the [Yds] key described above.

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.

Millimeters — This is an entry

and conversion key that works in the same way as the [CM] key described above.

Cubic — This definition key is used in conjunction with a dimension key

(feet, yards, meters, etc.) to enter a volume measurement. Example: 5

[Cu] [Yds]. Three linear dimensions multiplied together also equal a cubic dimension.

Square — Similar to the [Cu] key, this definition key is used in conjunction with a dimension key (feet, inches, yards, meters, etc.) to enter an area measurement. Example: 10

[Sq] [Feet]. Also, two linear dimensions multiplied together equal a square dimension.


®

[/]

[Bd Ft]

[Per]

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.

Board Feet — This key is an entry

and conversion key for board feet units of measure. A board foot is a cubic measurement equal to 144 cubic inches. The entry can be a whole number or a decimal number.

It will also convert any other displayed cubic dimensioned number to board feet when used in conjunction with the [Conv] key.*

Per-Unit — This key is used to enter the per-unit dollar cost of a dimensioned value. For example, if you calculated 35 cubic yards of concrete, and each yard cost $47, you would use this key with the times [x] key as follows:

35 [Cu] [Yds] [x] 47 [Per] [=] $1645

* In order to get a proper conversion, you must convert from a cubic dimension.


[Stair]

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.

Using the values entered into Rise and Run, and the dimension entry for “Desired Riser Height” (automatically assumed in inches and permanently stored in Memory), calculates the following:

1st Press [Stair]: Number of Risers

2nd Press [Stair]: Actual Riser Height

3rd Press [Stair]: Riser Overage/Underage

4th Press [Stair]: Number of Treads

5th Press [Stair]: Actual Tread Width

6th Press [Stair]: Tread Overage/Underage

NOTE: After an All-Clear [Conv][x], the calculator will default to a “Desired Riser Height” of

Height” over this default. For example, enter 8

[Stair] and the calculator will assume an 8 inch what is stored at any time by pressing [Rcl][Stair]

[Circ] Circle — After the entry of the diameter of a circle (in either dimensional or non-dimensional format) pressing [Circ], solves for

circle area (2nd press) of a circle.


®

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. This can be entered or calculated; the latter if you enter the two other sides or one other side and the Pitch.

This is the base-side or horizontal leg of a right triangle. This can be entered or calculated; the latter if you enter the two other sides or one other side and the Pitch.

Diagonal — This is the angled side or hypotenuse of a right triangle.

While this can be either entered or computed, it is most often calculated for such applications as

“squaring up a room” or finding a stringer or rafter length.

* While entering 9 [Inch][Pitch] is the same as [.] 75 [Pitch]

(because 9 ÷ 12 = .75), entering 9 [Pitch] will give you the equivalent of 108 inches of Pitch (as 9 x 12” = 108”) and you should therefore use caution when entering nondimensioned values for Pitch.


[Hip/V] — 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” the length of the “irregular” Hip/Valley rafter.

[Jack] Calculates jack rafters for regular* *

45° Hip/Valley rafters based on the entry, or previously stored value of the o.c. (on-center) distance in inches, the Pitch, and leg (Rise, or

Run). Subsequent presses of [Jack] will display the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.

jacks until no more remain, and the calculator will then display “0.”

NOTE: The default will remain permanently stored until an entry replaces it. To set the o.c. to other than 16 inches, stored, press [Rcl] [Jack] at any time.

* As noted previously, while entering 9 [Inch][Hip/V] is the same as entering [.] 75 [Hip/V], entering 9 [Hip/V] without dimensions will give you the equivalent of 108 inches of Pitch, and you should therefore use caution when using non-dimensioned

Pitch values.

** The built-in Jack rafter function provides jack rafter lengths only for regular (45°) Hip/Valley rafters (as jack rafter “pairs” for irregular (non 45°) Hip/Valleys are of unequal lengths).


®

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

5 Feet

1/2 Inch

5 Feet 1 Inch

5 Feet 1-1/2 in.

10 Yards

17.5 Meters

Keystrokes

5 [Feet]

1 [/] 2

5 [Feet] 1 [Inch]

5 [Feet] 1 [Inch] 1 [/] 2

10 [Yds]

17.5 [M]

Note: Yards, Meters, Centimeters and the normal process. (See Conversion section.)


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] . . .

[Conv] [Feet] [Feet]

[Conv] [Inch]

[Conv] [Yds]

[Conv] [M]

[Conv] [CM]

[Conv] [MM]

Display Shows

14 FT 0 IN

168 IN

4.666667 YDS

4.267209 M

426.7209 CM

4267.209 MM

* A feet-inch dimension cannot be entered directly as a square, since by definition it is a linear measurement.

However, the area or volume can be found through simple multiplication. (See Area and Volume examples.)


®

SQUARE CONVERSIONS

Convert 14 square feet to other square dimensions:

Keystrokes Display Shows

14 [Sq] [Feet] . . .

[Conv] [Inch]

[Yds] *

[M]

[CM]

[MM]

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

396438.2 CU CM**

* OPTIONAL: After the first press of [Conv], you do not have to press [Conv] again -- just press the next dimension format you wish to find. You must press [Conv] for your first conversion, however, to use this time-saving method.

** Notice in the last conversion to MM, the answer is displayed in CM, as it is out of the calculator's normal 7-

Digit range (See Auto-Range).


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

[=]

[=]

[=]

[=]

6

1.5

5

1

This feature also makes the calculator so simple to use for dimension applications. This is illustrated in the following examples:

Adding Dimensions

Add 7 feet 3-1/2 inches to 11 feet 4 inches:

7 [Feet] 3 [Inch] 1[/] 2

[+] 11 [Feet] 4 [Inch]

[=] 18 FT 7-1/2 IN

Add 11 inches to 2 feet 1 inches:

11 [Inch]

[+] 2 [Feet] 1 [Inch]

[=] 36 IN

Add 2 feet 1 inches to 11 inches:

2 [Feet] 1 [Inch]

[+] 11 [Inch]

[=] 3 FT 0 IN*

* The format of the first value you enter determines the format of the answer. However, with the [Conv] key you can change to any format you desire, provided that you maintain convention.


®

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

[=] 60.59375 SQ FT

Multiply 2 feet 7 inches by 10 (a whole number):

2 [Feet] 7 [Inch]

[x] 10

[=] 25 FT 10 IN

Dividing Dimensions

Divide 30 feet 4 inches by 7 inches:

30 [Feet] 4 [Inch]

[÷] 7 [Inch]

[=] 52 (7-inch segments)

Divide 20 feet 3 inches by 9 (a whole number):

20 [Feet] 3 [Inch]

[÷] 9

[=] 2 FT 3 IN


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. Divide 350 cubic yards by 80%:

350 [Cu] [Yds] [÷] 80 [%] 437.5 CU YDS

You can also find a percentage by dividing one number by another. These may also be dimensioned or non-dimensioned numbers, but in such cases you would not use the Percent key.

1. Find what percent 13 is of 75:

13 [÷] 75 [=] .173333 (or 17.3%)

2. 20 feet 8 inches is what percent of 34 feet 3

7/8 inches?

20 [Feet] 8 [Inch]

[÷] 34 [Feet] 3 [Inch] 7 [/] 8

[=] .602124 (or 60.2%)

* The Percent key works with dimensions as well.


®

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. Convention must be followed when using dimensioned numbers. This means that you can add or subtract any linear dimensioned number, such as feet to or from yards, or to or from inches to meters. You cannot add or subtract a linear dimensioned number to or from a square or cubic dimensioned number. Of course any squared number can be added or subtracted to or from another. This is also true of cubed numbers.

Finally, the Memory function will always convert the total dimension into the units of the first dimension entered.

When there is a value other than 0 in the Memory, a small “M” will appear on the left side of the LCD read-out.


Memory Calculations

1.

10 [Feet] 5 [Inch] [M+]

5 [Feet] 3 [Inch] 1 [/] 16 [M+]

Recall Memory

Clear Memory

[Rcl] [M+] 15 FT 8-1/16 IN

[Rcl] [Rcl]

NOTE: After using Memory in a calculation, be sure

2.

105 [Inch] [M+]

45 [Inch] [M+]

37 [Inch] [Conv] [–] [M+]

Recall Memory

Clear Memory

[Rcl] [M+] 113 IN

[Rcl] [Rcl]

FRACTION SETTING

When you turn on your calculator, it is set to display values to the nearest 64th of an inch, but by using the [Conv] key in conjunction with the number 2, 4, 8, 1, 3, you can change that to show no lower than 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 or 1/32.* The fraction will remain set until an All-Clear [Conv]

[x] is performed or until you change the Fraction

Set further. You can set the fraction either after a value is displayed or prior to performing any calculations.

NOTE: For all the examples in fraction will be set to the default of 64ths.

* No matter what fraction value you use, the calculator will always show you the lowest common denominator of your fraction — i.e., 1/2 not 16/32.


®

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

Clear calculator

KEYSTROKES

[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: 188.4 IN

Spacing — Number of Pieces

How many 2 feet 2 inch boards can be cut from fifteen 10 foot boards?

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

Enter length of one board 10 [Feet]

Divide by smaller cuts [÷] 2 [Feet]

2 [Inch] [=]

Answer: 4.615385 (or 4 whole boards)

Mult. by total number of

10-foot boards 4 [x] 15 [=]

Answer: 60


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.

Masonry — Estimating Bricks

How many standard bricks (2-1/4” x 3-3/4” x

8”) with 1/2 inch joints are required for a wall measuring 36 feet 6 inches long and 8 feet high?

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

Enter height of wall 8 [Feet]

Divide by brick height [÷] 2 [Inch] 3 [/] 4 [=]

Number high

Store in Memory

34.90909

[M+]

Enter length of wall 36 [Feet] 6 [Inch]

Divide by brick length [÷] 8 [Inch] 1 [/] 2 [=]

Number wide 51.52941

Mult. for total bricks [x] [Rcl] [Rcl]* [=]

Answer: 1798.845

Add 5% for spoilage [+] 5 [%]

Answer: 1888.787 (inc. 5% spoilage)

* Be sure to clear Memory before proceeding to next problem. [Rcl] [Rcl] was used here (instead of [Rcl] [M+]) as it automatically recalls and clears the value in the

Memory.


®

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. How much window trim will you need to purchase — allowing 20% for cutting and waste?

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

Multiply length by 2 4 [Feet] 4 [Inch]

[x] 2 [=] 8 FT 8 IN

Store in Memory

Multiply width by 2

[M+]

3 [Feet] 2 [Inch]

[x] 2 [=] 6 FT 4 IN

Add into Memory and recall total for one window

Multiply by 4

[M+] [Rcl] [Rcl] 15 FT 0 IN

[x] 4 [=] 60 FT 0 IN

Add 20% for waste [+] 20 [%]

Answer: 72 FT 0 IN

AREA CALCULATIONS

Area of a Rectangle

What is the area of a room measuring 12 feet 6 inches by 15 feet 8 inches?

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

Enter length of room 12 [Feet] 6 [Inch]

Mult. by width [x] 15 [Feet] 8 [Inch] [=]

Answer: 195.8333 SQ FT *

* NOTE: Square and cubic answers are always expressed in a decimal format.


Area of a Square

Using the X-Squared [Conv] [

√

] key, find the area of a square with sides of 4 feet 7 inches.

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

Enter length of side

Find square area

4 [Feet] 7 [Inch]

[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. Find the number of sheets needed for a room measuring 12 feet 6 inches by 15 feet

(paneling all four walls):

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

Find linear feet of first 2 sides

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

12 [Feet] 6 [Inch] [x]

2 [=] 25 FT 0 IN

[M+] Store in Memory

Find linear feet of second 2 sides 15 [Feet] [x]

2 [=] 30 FT 0 IN

[M+] Store in Memory

Recall Memory for total linear feet [Rcl] [Rcl] 55 FT 0 IN

Divide by total widths [÷] 4 [Feet] [=]

Answer: 13.75 sheets (round up to 14)


®

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

Clear calculator

KEYSTROKES

[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: 123.3333 SQ FT

Enter in Memory [M+]

Step 2 — Find Area of Room 2

Enter length of room 2 14 [Feet] 8 [Inch]

Mult. by width of rm. 2 [x] 16 [Feet] [=]

Answer: 234.6667 SQ FT

Step 3 — Find Total Area

Enter in memory and recall total [M+] [Rcl] [Rcl]

Answer: 358 SQ FT

Convert to sq. yards [Conv] [Yds]

Answer: 39.77778 SQ YDS

Estimate dollar cost [x] 11.75 [Per]

Answer: $467.3889


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

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

Find shingle exp. area 5 [Inch] [x] 36 [Inch]

[=] 180 SQ IN

Store in Memory

Enter surface area

[M+]

1745 [Sq] [Feet]

Divide by shingle area [÷] [Rcl] [Rcl] [=]

Answer: 1396 shingles

Add 10% for waste [+] 10 [%]

Answer: 1535.6 shingles

Roof Covering — Felt

Roofing felt weighing approximately 15 lbs.

per square, typically comes in rolls 3 feet wide x

144 feet long. If the total roof surface area is 2234 square feet, how many rolls of felt are needed?

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

Find area of a roll

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

3 [Feet] [x] 144 [Feet]

[=] 432 SQ FT

Store in Memory

Enter area to cover

[M+]

2234 [Sq] [Feet]

Divide by roll area [÷] [Rcl] [Rcl][=]

Answer: 5.171296 Rolls

NOTE: To calculate the Area geometric shapes, see Appendix A.


®

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]

Multiply by depth

5 [/] 8

[x] 2 [Feet]

4 [Inch] [=]

Answer: 12.61458 CU FT

Convert to Meters [Conv] [M]

Answer: 0.357207 CU M

Volume of a Cylinder

You want to calculate the circumference and volume of a cylinder with a diameter 2 feet 4 inches and a height of 4 feet 6 inches.

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

Step 1 — Find circumference and surface area of circle

Enter diameter

Find circumference

Find circle area

2 [Feet] 4 [Inch]

[Circ]

Answer: 7 FT 3-31/32 IN

[Circ]

Answer: 4.276057 SQ FT

Step 2 — Multiply for Volume

Multiply by height [x] 4 [Feet] 6 [Inch] [=]

Answer: 19.24226 CU FT


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. What’s the volume of your driveway, and if concrete costs $55 per yard, how much will your driveway cost you?

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

Step 1 — Find Volume

Enter length

Multiply by width

Multiply by depth

36 [Feet] 3 [Inch]


[x] 4 [Inch] [=]

Answer: 138.9583 CU FT

Convert to cu. yards [Conv] [Yds]

Answer: 5.146605 CU YDS

Step 2 — Multiply by Cost

Mult. by price per yard [x] 55 [Per]

Answer: $283.0633

Complex Concrete Volume

You’re going to pour an odd-sized patio 4-1/2 inches deep with the dimensions shown below.

First, calculate the total area (by dividing the drawing into three individual rectangles) and then determine the total yards of concrete required for this job.


®

27’ 0”

A

B

8’ 6”

C

9’ 0”

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

Step 1 — Find Area of Part A

Find length 38 [Feet] 2 [Inch] [–]

4 [Feet] 2 [Inch] [=]


Multiply by width [x] 27 [Feet] [=]

Answer: 918 SQ FT

Enter in Memory [M+]

Step 2— Find Area of Part B

Enter length

Multiply by width

4 [Feet] 2 [Inch]

[x] 8 [Feet]

6 [Inch] [=]

Answer: 35.41667 SQ FT

Add to Memory [M+]

Step 3— Find Area of Part C

Enter length of C

Multiply by width

Add to Memory

9 [Feet]


[=]

Answer: 85.5 SQ FT

[M+]

(continued on next page)


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]


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. How many cubic yards of concrete will you need for all five columns?

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

Step 1 — Find Surface Area of Column

Enter diameter 3 [Feet]

Find surface area

4 [Inch] 1 [/] 2

[Circ] [Circ]

Answer: 8.946177 SQ FT

Step 2 — Find Volume

Multiply by height [x] 11 [Feet]

6 [Inch] [=]

Answer: 102.881 CU FT



Multiply by 5 columns [x] 5 [=]



®

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

Clear calculator

Enter length

Multiply by width

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

32 [Feet] 7 [Inch]

[x] 16 [Inch]

Multiply by depth [x] 8 [Inch] [=]

Answer: 28.96296 CU FT



Multiple Footings

Find the total volume of concrete required to pour five 24” x 12” footings, each 2 feet deep.

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

Step 1 — Find Volume for One Footing

Enter length 2 [Feet]

Multiply by width

Multiply by depth

[x] 24 [Inch]

[x] 12 [Inch] [=]

Answer: 4 CU FT


Answer: .148148 CU YDS

Step 2 — Find for All 5 Footings

Multiply by 5 footings [x] 5 [=]


NOTE: To calculate the Cubic Volume of other dimensioned geometric shapes, see Appendix B.


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

Clear calculator

Enter Board

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

2 [x] 4 [x] 14 [Bd Ft]

Answer: 9.333333 BD FT

Enter in Memory

Enter Board

[M+]

2 [x] 10 [x] 16 [Bd Ft]

Add to Memory

Answer: 26.66667 BD FT

[M+]

Enter Board 2 [x] 12 [x] 18 [Bd Ft]

Answer: 36 BD FT

Add to Memory [M+]

Recall from Memory [Rcl] [M+]

Clear Memory

Answer: 72 BD FT

[Rcl] [Rcl]


®

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: $23.33333

Converting Linear (Running) Feet

— To Board Feet

The perimeter of your foundation is 575 feet 6 inches, and you plan to put a 1 inch by 10 inch sill plate around it. How many board feet will you have? And, how much will it cost if this material costs $125 per thousand board feet?

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

Enter perimeter 575 [Feet] 6 [Inch]

Mult. by width of bd.

[x] 1 [Inch]

Mult. by length of bd.

[x] 10 [Inch] [=]

Answer: 39.96528 CU FT

Convert to board feet [Conv] [Bd Ft]

Answer: 479.5833 BD FT

Multiply by unit cost [x] 125 [Per]

Answer: $59.94792


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.

You can solve for any given side if you know:

• Two other sides

• The Pitch or Bevel and one side*

• The Tangent** of the enclosed angle

(entered as Pitch) and one side

Diagonal

Run

* The Pitch or Bevel is defined as the amount of Rise in 12 inches of Run. This is normally expressed in inches. However, you can enter this in any other dimension format.

** The Tangent of the enclosed angle is defined as the Rise side divided by the Run side of the triangle and is expressed as a decimal i.e., in a 3 (rise)-4 (run) -5 (diag) triangle, the

Tan would be 3 ÷ 4 or .75 and would be entered as [.] 75

[Pitch].


®

Squaring a Concrete Slab

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. In order for the forms to be square, what should the diagonal measurement be?

45’ 6”

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

Enter 1st side as Run 45 [Feet]

6 [Inch] [Run]

Enter 2nd side as Rise 24 [Feet]

4 [Inch] [Rise]

Solve for Diagonal [Diag]

Answer: 51 FT 7–11/64 IN


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.

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

Step 1 — Find Common Rafter Length

Enter Pitch 5 [Inch] [Pitch]

Find and enter Run 27 [Feet] [÷] 2 [=]

[Run]

Find common rafter [Diag]

Answer: 14 FT 7-1/2 IN

Convert to decimal feet [Feet]

Answer: 14.625 FT

Step 2 — Find Area of One Side

Multiply by length [x] 34 [Feet]

6 [Inch] [=]

Answer: 504.5625 SQ FT

Step 3 — Find Area of Both Sides

Multiply by 2 sides [x] 2 [=]

Answer: 1009.125 SQ FT

Divide by 100 sq. ft.

for roofing squares [÷] 100 [Sq]

[Feet] [=]

Answer: 10.09125 squares


®

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). How many cubic yards of fill should you have delivered?

3’

A 2’

?

B

?

65%

Grade

3’

COMMENTS KEYSTROKES

Step 1 — Find Volume for Section “A”

Clear calculator [On/C] [On/C]

Enter length

Multiply by width

55 [Feet]

[x] 3 [Feet]

Multiply by depth [x] 2 [Feet] [=]

Answer: 330 CU FT

Place in Memory [M+]

Step 2— Find Run and Diagonal of Section “B”

Enter grade as Pitch 65 [%] [Pitch]

Enter height (depth) 2 [Feet] [Rise]

Find Run of “B” [Run]

Answer: 3 FT 0-59/64 IN

Find Diagonal of “B” [Diag]

Answer: 3 FT 8-1/32 IN

Step 3— Find Volume of Triangle “B”

Enter length 55 [Feet]

Mult. by width (run) [x] 3 [Feet] 59 [/] 64

(continued on next page)



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



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. What’s the stringer length if the Run of the stairway is 10 feet 10 inches?

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

Compute Rise of stringer**

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

Enter as Rise

Enter Run

8 [Feet] 10 [Inch]

3 [/] 8 [–]

7 [Inch] 1 [/] 2 [=]

8 FT 2-7/8 IN

[Rise]

10 [Feet] 10 [Inch]

[Run]

Find stringer length [Diag]

Answer: 13 FT 7-21/64 IN

* Using the formula for Area of a Triangle: 1/2 B x H -- you multiply the Base (Run) x Height (Rise) and divide by 2 to find the area of triangle "B."

** Stringer Rule: For stringer calculations, the Rise of the stairway is the floor-to-floor Rise minus the length of the last riser.


®

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. What length should you cut the common rafters (not counting the overhang or ridge adjustment)?

7/12 Pitch

23’ 6”

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

Enter Pitch

Calculate Run

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

7 [Inch] [Pitch]

23 [Feet] 6 [Inch]

Enter as Run

Find rafter length

[÷] 2 [=] 11 FT 9 IN

[Run]

[Diag]

Answer: 13 FT 7-15/64 IN


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.

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

Enter Rise

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

6 [Feet] 11 [Inch]

1 [/] 2 [Rise]

Enter Run 14 [Feet]

6 [Inch] [Run]

Find rafter length [Diag]


Find Pitch [Pitch]

Answer: 5-49/64 IN

Computing the Rise Side of an Angle

Though not commonly asked for, you can compute the Rise or Run side of a right angle just as you would the Diagonal. Here, find the Rise given a 7-in-12 Pitch and a Run of 11 feet 6 inches:

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

Enter Pitch

Enter Run

Find Rise

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

7 [Inch] [Pitch]

11 [Feet]

6 [Inch] [Run]

[Rise]

Answer: 6 FT 8-1/2 IN


®

Computing the Rise Side of an Angle (Diagonal known)

Find the Run and Rise sides of a right angle with Pitch and Diagonal known. Here, find the

Rise and Run given a 7-in-12 Pitch and a Diagonal of 20 feet 5 inches:

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

Enter Pitch

Enter Diagonal

Find Rise

Find Run

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

7 [Inch] [Pitch]

20 [Feet]

5 [Inch] [Diag]

[Rise]

Answer: 10 FT 3-29/64 IN

[Run]

Answer: 17 FT 7-5/8 IN

Computing the Run Side of an Angle

You can also compute the Run side of a right triangle just as you would the Rise. Here, find the Run given a 5-in-12 Pitch and a Diagonal of

21 feet 6 inches:

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

Enter Pitch

Enter Diagonal

Find Run

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

5 [Inch] [Pitch]

21 [Feet]

6 [Inch] [Diag]

[Run]

Answer: 19 FT 10-5/32 IN


Computing Roof Pitch

You have a roof where your Rise is 7 feet 10-

1/2 inches and your Run is 13 feet 6 inches.

What’s the Pitch?*

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

Enter Rise

Enter Run

Find Pitch

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

7 [Feet] 10 [Inch]

1 [/] 2 [Rise]

13 [Feet]

6 [Inch] [Run]

[Pitch]

Answer: 7 IN

HIP & VALLEY RAFTERS

— (Regular 45-Degree)

You’re working with a 7-in-12 Pitch, and half your total span is 13 feet 9 inches: (A) Find the point-to-point length for the common rafter and

(B) Find the length of an adjoining hip (or valley).


Clear calculator [On/C] [On/C]


Enter Run of common 13 [Feet]

rafter 9 [Inch] [Run]

Enter roof Pitch 7 [Inch] [Pitch]


Answer: 15 FT 11-1/64 IN

Step 2 — Find Hip Rafter Length

Find adjacent hip [Hip/V]

Answer: 21 FT 0-27/64 IN

* This could also be solved “long-hand” by directly dividing the two feet-inch dimensions, and then entering the resulting answer (.583333) as the Pitch ([=] [Pitch]). Pressing

Pitch again would show the same 7 IN PITCH answer as shown above.


®

“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).

Common Common

Irregular hip

Plate

15’ 7”

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]


Enter Run of common 15 [Feet]

rafter

Enter roof Pitch

7 [Inch] [Run]

7 [Inch] [Pitch]


Answer: 18 FT 0-31/64 IN

Step 2 — Find Irregular Hip Rafter Length

Enter “Irreg.” Pitch* 8 [Inch] [Hip/V]

Answer: 22 FT 7-3/8 IN

* As noted previously, while entering 8 [Inch] [Hip/V] is the same as entering [.] 667 [Hip/V], entering 8 [Hip/V] without dimensions will give you the equivalent of 96 inches of

Pitch, and you should therefore use caution when using nondimensioned Pitch values.


Hip or Valley, “Jack Rafters”

— Set at 16” on-center

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 Rafter

Jack

Rafters

Plate

16”

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

Enter Pitch

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

7 [Inch] [Pitch]

Enter Run

Find Diagonal

20 [Feet] 5 [Inch] [Run]

[Diag]

Find Hip/Valley

Answer: 23 FT 7-41/64 IN

[Hip/V]

Answer: 31 FT 2-51/64 IN

Recall 16 inch o.c. [Rcl] [Jack]

Find 1st Jack

Answer: 16 IN JK

[Jack]

Find 2nd Jack

Find 3rd Jack

Answer: 22 FT 1-7/64 IN

[Jack]

Answer: 20 FT 6-19/32 IN

[Jack]

Answer: 19 FT 0-1/16 IN

Etc., Etc.

Repeat, until all jacks are found, or when calculator displays “0 FT 0 IN.”


®

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

Clear calculator

KEYSTROKES

[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. [Rcl] [Jack]

Answer: 18 IN JK

Find 1st Jack [Jack]

Find 2nd Jack

Find 3rd Jack

Find 4th Jack

Answer: 33 FT 10-23/64 IN

[Jack]

Answer: 32 FT 1-33/64 IN

[Jack]

Answer: 30 FT 4-43/64 IN

[Jack]

Answer: 28 FT 7-27/32 IN

Etc., Etc.

Repeat, until all jacks are found, or when calculator displays “0 FT 0 IN.”

* You do not need to label the 18 as “inches” — the calculator will automatically assume an inch format.


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.

[Stair]


Find underage/overage [Stair]

Answer: – 0-1/16 IN RISER


®

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.* 5.5 [Stair]


Find # of Risers


[Stair]



[Stair]


Find under/overage [Stair]

Answer: 0 IN RISER

Clear Stair setting [Conv] [x]**

* You do not need to label the 5.5 as “inches” — the calculator will automatically assume an inch format.

** OPTIONAL: Unless you plan to use this same Desired Riser

Height (5.5 IN) again, it’s a good idea to do an All Clear

[Conv] [x] to reset to the default settings before going on to the next problem.


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.

COMMENTS

Clear calculator

Do All Clear

Enter Rise

KEYSTROKES

[On/C] [On/C]

[Conv] [x]*

28 [Feet] 5 [Inch] 1 [/] 2

[Rise]

Enter Run 35 [Feet] 6 [Inch] [Run]



Convert to 1/16’s [Conv] 1

Find # of Risers [Stair]



[Stair]




Find # of Treads [Stair]

Answer: 45 # TREAD

Find Tread width [Stair]

Answer: 9-7/16 IN TREAD


Answer: – 1-5/16 IN TREAD

* OPTIONAL: It’s a good idea to do an All Clear [Conv] [x] to reset to the default settings before starting a new problem.


®

OVERFLOW INDICATION

When you make an incorrect entry, or the answer is 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.

Auto-Range — If an “overflow” is created because of an input and calculation with small units that are out of the standard 7-digit range of the display, the answer will be automatically expressed in the next larger units (instead of showing “Error”) — i.e., 10,000,000 MM cannot be displayed because it is out of the 7-digit display, so 1,000,000 CM will be displayed instead. This auto-ranging also applies to other dimension units, such as inches to feet, and feet to yards, etc.

ACCURACY

Your calculator has an eleven digit display.

This is made up of seven digits (normal display) and four digits for the fraction.

Standard Display — In a standard calculation, each calculation is carried out internally to 9 digits and is rounded to a 7-digit standard display. A 5/4 rounding technique is used to add 1 to the least significant digit in the display if the next non-displayed digit is five or more. If this digit is less than five, no rounding occurs.


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.

BATTERY & AUTO SHUT-OFF

Your calculator is powered by a single 3-Volt

Lithium CR-2032 battery. This should last upwards of 800 hours of actual use (1 year plus for most people). Should the display become very weak or erratic, replace the battery.*

Your calculator is designed to shut itself off after about 8-12 minutes of non-use. Note:

Values in Memory or shown on the display will be cleared.

FULL RESET, ALL-CLEAR

Your calculator is equipped with a special two-key sequence — [Conv] [x] — to clear all memory registers to their initial default values.

EXTREME CAUTION SHOULD BE USED AS

ALL STORED VALUES WILL BE ALTERED.

STEPS

Clear calculator

KEYSTROKES

[Conv] [x]

DISPLAY

0.

* WARNING: Please use caution when disposing of your old batteries as they contain hazardous chemicals.


®

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 a Area = a

2 w l

Rectangle

Area = lw a b

Triangle

Area = ab

2 r b a

Circle

Circumference = 2

π r

Area =

π r 2

Ellipse

Area =

π ab

* For calculations involving cubed variables (i.e., r

3 x

2

), use the

key to raise it to the second power, then multiply the result by itself once more to achieve the desired exponential value. For example, to find 2

3 press: 2 [Conv]

[

√

] = 4 [x] 2 gives you 8.


Appendix B

AREA & VOLUME FORMULAS

a

Cube a

Surface area = 6a

2 a h l w

Rectangle Prism

Surface area = 2hw + 2hl + 2lw

Volume = l x w x h r h r r h

Cone

Surface area =

π √

2 2

π r if you add the base)

Volume =

π r h

3

Sphere

Surface area = 4

π r

2

Volume =

π r

3

3

Cylinder

Surface area = 2

π rh + 2

π r

2

Volume =

π r h


®

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.

The purchaser shall bear all shipping, packing and insurance costs to the repair center — c.o.d.

returns will not be accepted. In addition, the purchaser must include $5.95 for return shipping and handling.

The warranty will not apply to this product if it has been misused, abused or altered. Without limiting the foregoing, leakage of battery, bending or dropping the unit, or visible cracking of the LCD display are presumed to be defects resulting from misuse or abuse.

Neither this warranty nor any other warranty express or implied, including implied warranties of merchantability, shall extend beyond the warranty period. No responsibility is assumed for any incidental or consequential damages, including but without limiting the same, to the mathematical accuracy of the product, keystroke procedures or example material offered. The keystroke procedures and pre-programmed material are sold on an “as is” basis. The entire risk as to their quality and performance is with the user.


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.

LOOKING FOR NEW IDEAS

Calculated Industries, a leading manufacturer of special function calculators and digital measuring instruments, is always looking for new product ideas in these areas.

If you have one, or if you have any suggestions for improvements to this product or its

User’s Guide, please call or write our Product

Development Department. Thank you.

Calculated Industries, Inc.

4840 Hytech Drive

Carson City, NV 89706 U.S.A.

1-800-854-8075 • 775-885-4900 • Fax: 775-885-4949

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. v1.0

Calculated Industries 3088 Construction Master III User's Guide

User’s Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCING:

The Construction Master III

KEY DEFINITIONS

Additional [Conv] Key Functions:

RIGHT ANGLE SOLUTIONS

ENTERING DIMENSIONS

Dimension

Keystrokes

ENTERING SQUARE & CUBIC

DIMENSIONS

Dimension Keystrokes

LINEAR CONVERSIONS

Keystrokes

Display Shows

SQUARE CONVERSIONS

Keystrokes Display Shows

CUBIC CONVERSIONS

Keystrokes

Display Shows

MATHEMATICAL OPERATIONS

Adding Dimensions

Subtracting Dimensions

Multiplying Dimensions

Dividing Dimensions

PERCENTAGE CALCULATIONS

Computing Percentages

MEMORY FUNCTIONS

Memory Calculations

FRACTION SETTING

LINEAR DIMENSIONS

Spacing Calculation

— Linear Division

Spacing — Number of Pieces

Calculating the Number of Studs/Joists/Trusses

Masonry — Estimating Bricks

Linear Measurements —

Window Trim (Multiple Units)

AREA CALCULATIONS

Area of a Rectangle

Area of a Square

Unique Area — Paneling

Area Calculation

— Floor Covering

Roof Covering — Shingles

Roof Covering — Felt

VOLUME CALCULATIONS

Volume of a

Rectangular Container

Volume of a Cylinder

Simple Concrete Volume

Complex Concrete Volume

Concrete Columns

Single Concrete Footing

Multiple Footings

BOARD FEET/LUMBER

Total Board Feet

— Multiple Boards

Total Board Feet

— With Dollar Cost

Converting Linear (Running) Feet

— To Board Feet

RIGHT-ANGLE SOLUTIONS

Squaring a Concrete Slab

Area for Roofing Materials

Back-Fill on a Slope with Percent of Grade Known

Stair Stringer Length

Common Rafter

— Pitch Known

Common Rafter

— Pitch Unknown

Computing the Rise Side of an Angle

Computing the Rise Side of an Angle (Diagonal known)

Computing the Run Side of an Angle

Computing Roof Pitch

HIP & VALLEY RAFTERS

— (Regular 45-Degree)

“Bastard” Hip & Valley Rafters

***Risers Only — with other than the 7-1/2” Desired Riser Height***