Calculated Industries Construction Master III User Manual
Summary of Construction Master III
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Calculated industries ® construction m a s t e r iii ® user’s guide.
Page 2: Table of Contents
Table of contents introduction...................................................... 3 key definitions.................................................. 4 entering dimensions........................................13 entering square and cubic dimensions........... 14 linear conversions.................
Page 3: Introducing:
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 master line-up. As with earlier models, the format of this calculator is so simple, even the novice...
Page 4: Key Definitions
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 e...
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[ √ ] 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 calcu- lator will correctly give you an er- ror if you try to do this. [conv] this key, used in c...
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[conv] [ x ] all-clear, full-reset function clears memory and resets all registers (jack, stair, & frac- tions) 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...
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[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 ...
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[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 th...
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[/] 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 t...
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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. [stair] using the values entered into rise and run, and the dimension entry for “desired riser height” (auto- matically...
Page 11: Right Angle Solutions
Right angle solutions [pitch] 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 dime...
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[hip/v] 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 adja- cent hip or valley rafter lengths. Note: to fin...
Page 13: Entering Dimensions
Entering dimensions when entering dimensioned values, you must enter the largest dimension first — feet before inches, inches before fractions. You enter frac- tions by entering the numerator (value above the line) then the “/” (fraction bar) key and then the denominator (value below the line). Ente...
Page 14: Entering Square & Cubic
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 5 [cu] [yds] 130 square feet 130 [s...
Page 15: Square Conversions
Square conversions convert 14 square feet to other square dimen- sions: keystrokes display shows 14 [sq] [feet] . . . [conv] [inch] 2016 sq in [yds] * 1.555556 sq yds [m] 1.300648 sq m [cm] 13006.48 sq cm [mm] 1300648. Sq mm cubic conversions convert 14 cubic feet to other cubic dimensions: keystrok...
Page 16: Mathematical Operations
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. 3 [+] 2 [=] 5 b. 3 [–] 2 [=] 1 c. 3 [x] 2 [=] 6 d. 3 [÷] 2 [=] 1.5 t...
Page 17: Subtracting Dimensions
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 ...
Page 18: Percentage Calculations
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...
Page 19: Memory Functions
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 a...
Page 20: Memory Calculations
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 the previous calculation. 2. 105 [inc...
Page 21: Linear Dimensions
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 parti- tioning. What is the length of each section? Comments keystrokes clear calculator [on/c] [on/c] enter overall length 78 [feet] 6 [inch] divide by n...
Page 22: Calculating The Number
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 keystrokes clear calculator [on/c] [on/c] enter length of wall 18 [feet] 7 [inch] 1 [/] 2 divide by o.C. Distance [÷] 16 [inch] [=] answer: 13.96875 studs a...
Page 23: Linear Measurements —
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 keystrokes clear calculator [on/c] [on/c] multiply length ...
Page 24: Area of A Square
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...
Page 25: Area Calculation
Area calculation — floor covering you have an apartment with two rooms of carpet that need to be replaced. The room di- mensions 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 pe...
Page 26: Roof Covering — Shingles
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.) comme...
Page 27: Volume Calculations
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 keystrokes clear calculator [on/c] [on/c] enter length 3 [feet] multiply by width [x] 1 [feet] 9 [inch] 5 [/] 8 multiply by depth [x] 2 [feet] 4 [inch] [...
Page 28: Simple Concrete Volume
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 in- ches by 11 feet 6 inches by 4 inches deep. What’s the volume of your driveway, and if concre...
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38’ 2” 27’ 0” 4’ 2” 8’ 6” 9’ 0” 9’ 6” a c b 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...
Page 30: Concrete Columns
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 ...
Page 31: Single Concrete Footing
Single concrete footing find the number of cubic yards of concrete re- quired 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] [=] answe...
Page 32: Board Feet/lumber
Board feet/lumber board feet/lumber problems can easily be solved with the construction master iii’s built- in 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 ...
Page 33: Total Board Feet
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 keystrokes clear calculator [on/c] [on/c] enter board 2 [x] 4 [x] 14 [bd ft] [x...
Page 34: Right-Angle Solutions
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...
Page 35: Squaring A Concrete Slab
Squaring a concrete slab assume you want to square up the forms for a concrete foundation for which you know the di- mensions 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? 24’ 4” 45’ 6” comments ...
Page 36: Area For Roofing Materials
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...
Page 37: Of Grade Known
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? 2’ 3’ 3...
Page 38: Stair Stringer Length
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: 18.489...
Page 39: Common Rafter
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)? 23’ 6” 7/12 pitch comments keystrokes clear calculator [on/c]...
Page 40: Common Rafter
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 keystrokes clear calculator [on/c] [on/c] enter rise 6 [feet] 11 [inch] 1 [/] 2 [rise] enter run 14 ...
Page 41: Computing The Rise Side
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 diag- onal of 20 feet 5 inches: comments keystrokes clear calculator [on/c] [on/c] enter pitch 7 [inch] [pitch] ent...
Page 42: Computing Roof Pitch
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 keystrokes clear calculator [on/c] [on/c] enter rise 7 [feet] 10 [inch] 1 [/] 2 [rise] enter run 13 [feet] 6 [inch] [run] find pitch [pitch] answer: 7 in hip & ...
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“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 point- to-point length for the common rafter and (b) find the length of the adjoining “irregular” hi...
Page 44: — Set At 16” On-Center
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. 16” hip ra...
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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 fin...
Page 46: Solving For Risers Only
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 in- ches and your “desired riser height” is 7-1/2 in- ches, find the number of stair risers, height of the risers, and any overage/underage remaining. Comments keystr...
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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 conventional- height risers. If the total drop is 3 feet 8-3/4 inches and your “desired riser height” is approx- imately 5-1/2 inches, find the number of stair rise...
Page 48: Desired Riser Height
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 ...
Page 49: Overflow Indication
Overflow indication when you make an incorrect entry, or the an- swer 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” c...
Page 50: Battery & Auto Shut-Off
Fractional display — two digits are al- lowed for the numerator and another two for the denominator. The largest proper fraction allowed would be 99/99. The cal- culator will also handle improper fractions i.E., 24/16. Once an operation takes place, the improper fraction is divided out and is reduce...
Page 51: Appendix A
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.* w l rectangle area = lw b a triangle area = ab 1 2 square area = a a a 2 r circle circumference = 2 π r area ...
Page 52: Appendix B
Appendix b area & volume formulas w l rectangle prism surface area = 2hw + 2hl + 2lw volume = l x w x h h sphere surface area = 4 π r volume = π r r 2 4 3 3 cone surface area = π r r + h (+ π r if you add the base) volume = π r h r h √ 2 2 2 2 3 cylinder surface area = 2 π rh + 2 π r volume = π r h ...
Page 53: Limited Warranty
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 pur- chase. During the warranty period, and upon...
Page 54: Looking For New Ideas
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of inci- dental or consequential damages, so that the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights which vary fro...
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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