Printable reference chart
Floor Joist Span Chart
This floor joist span table gives a conservative preliminary comparison for common 2×6 through 2×12 members at 12, 16, and 24 inches on center. It is not a structural design: allowable span changes with species, grade, live load, dead load, deflection, bearing, and adopted code. Confirm every selection in the current AWC or IRC table.
| Nominal size | 12 in o.c. | 16 in o.c. | 24 in o.c. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2×6 | 10 ft 9 in | 9 ft 9 in | 8 ft 0 in |
| 2×8 | 14 ft 2 in | 12 ft 10 in | 10 ft 5 in |
| 2×10 | 17 ft 10 in | 16 ft 1 in | 13 ft 1 in |
| 2×12 | 21 ft 2 in | 19 ft 1 in | 15 ft 6 in |
Source and verification: American Wood Council span resources
Frequently asked questions
Can I print the floor joist span?
Yes. Use the Letter or A4 PDF links, or print the HTML table directly. The printable view removes navigation and keeps the title, table, source note, and brand.
Is the table available without JavaScript?
Yes. Every row is rendered as ordinary HTML with a caption and scoped headers. JavaScript is not required to read or quote the values.
Can I use the values as a final structural design?
No. Conversion charts are direct references, but span and member-size charts are planning examples. Current code tables, species, grade, loads, connections, and professional review govern structural work.
How often is the chart reviewed?
The review date is shown on the page and in the Dataset schema. Source-linked code tables are checked when their governing publication changes.
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