Frost Line Depth
Determine recommended foundation depth by climate zone
Loading Calculator
Preparing your construction tool...
Related Calculators
Expert Guides & Tutorials
Structural Integrity 101: The Engineering Behind Beams, Loads, and Foundations
A primer on residential structural engineering. We explain how gravity loads travel through your home, how to calculate beam sizes, the importance of soil bearing capacity, and why Live Loads and Dead Loads dictate your design.
Staircase Geometry: Calculating Rise, Run, and Headroom Safety
Stairs are the most dangerous part of a home if built incorrectly. We break down the strict code requirements for Rise (7-3/4 max) and Run (10 min), explain stringer layout, and how to calculate headroom clearance.
Roof Framing: The Structural Trade-off between Trusses and Stick Framing
Building a roof? We compare pre-engineered Trusses (fast, cheap, no attic) vs. Traditional Stick Framing (rafters, usable attic, labor intensive). Learn about span tables, birdsmouth cuts, and ridge beams.
How to Use This Calculator
Select zone.
Get depth.
Dig footings.
Understanding Frost Line Depth Calculations
Heaving.
Thaw cycle.
Building code.
Insulated footings.
Formula & Calculations
Lookup Table by Zone
Key Factors to Consider
Soil drainage
Insulation
Basement vs Slab
Local code
Frequently Asked Questions
1Depth in North?
42-60 inches.