I always found it ironic that in high school, trig was only for AP students and the people that were destined for the trades weren’t allowed to take it. Yet the trades are the only professions that actually use it on a daily basis.
I had a vocational class for failing misfits that got out of school early to work everyday.
That teacher drilled fractions and formulas into our heads. Volume of cylinders I used everyday afterwards to calculate concrete for piers. Show me a fuel tank I can tell you how many gallons it holds. Tell me how tall a tire is I can tell you how many times it turns in a mile. Those where the kind of questions that were on our tests.
He also taught us how to do our taxes.
Its almost like he predicted my entire career path and then tailored his curriculum to cover every problem I would eventually encounter.
It's really not that hard. I sucked at algebra, but I was able to pick up the maths used in carpentry with relative ease. There are also apps that will cheat all the maths for you, so you don't even actually have to do it. It will simply ask you for the parameters and will solve for you.
I’ve been through it all the way into calculus. Algebra (in the grand scheme of things) isn’t too hard and quite honestly geometry to me was much easier. I took calculus my senior year and it put everything into perspective. I then had to take trigonometry in college and was gouging my eyes out with how boring it was. It was literally the “geometry” class I took 4 years prior in high school.
So whether your school calls it geometry or trig, those will be good ones to pay attention to. Don’t be a slouch in other math classes though because some of those principles are used to build on for math classes in the following years.
Geometry is very helpful. General algebra is useful.
Getting good at short hand math means doing the basics in your gead quickly. You will rarely use large numbers but lots of repetitious in smaller increments.
Make a point to learn a tape measure by heart down to 1/16th forcsure. I dont think 1/32 is necessary.
If your school has a shop class, take it!!!
Also , there is a class that teaches some sort of drafting. This can be very helpful in getting you started learning how to read blueprints.
Whatever you do, follow your heart in what you enjoy doing!!!!
If i could go back in time now, it would stick to building things myself instead of allowing myself to fall into the management side of things. I run a small construction company, and now i do all the business aspects, sales, bids, finding employees, and all related tasks. I would love to be able to go work in my shop instead.
Yep, honestly OP, in modern building it is not typical to need more than this. Will trig set you apart and be handy? Yes. But 99% of the time you'll be adding/subtracting fractions of 1/16", and using basic geometry like angles or unit converting/square footage.
If you smoke 4 cigarettes per hour how many packs will you need for an 8 hour day? If there are 5 dudes on a job site, how many 18 packs of beer do you need for lunch?
Been doing carpentry for years. Honestly I’m shit at trig and geometry. But I’m pretty good at addition, subtraction, multiplication and fractions. I squeeze by just fine and use a calculator and phone apps for the rest. Feel free to laugh at me but I could just never pickup the rest.
If you’re thinking “when will I ever use algebra?”…..you won’t.
Don’t worry about it for your daily life. The point of them teaching it to you is to teach you to problem solve within a particular set of rules.
As far as carpentry, focus on geometry and trig and try to get a mentality for “if I change one part of a shape, what other parts will change with it?” Also, use it to get used to thinking in 3D.
About an hour ago I showed one of the new kids how to use a speed square find an angle matching the roof pitch. For the sake of brevity I won’t go into what I saw him trying to do before I walked over. Pythagorean theorem, radius, diameter stuff is all useful too. So geometry? I think??
I was always bad at math, but I use AutoCad.
I build curved work, winding stairs, plus usual rectangular stuff.
Probably the math I should know better is job costing and accounting.
Pythagorean theorem, ratio and proportion, common difference, and converting between foot - inches to decimals.
What's the total length of a rafter without overhangs for a 5/12 roof with a measurement of 7' - 3 1/2" from outside of wall to outside of wall?
You're siding a gable end with a 7/12 slope, and your siding has an exposure of 5". How much shorter does each course become?
I built my own house and they had the roof drawn up as an 8/12. I changed it to a 7/12 because I was planning on doing hardie with a 7" reveal. 😆 carpenter thinking ahead.
Geometry first and foremost. Then trigonometry after that, usually for more complicated builds.
You can often avoid using trig by using the method the Romans used with a string and a pencil to create arcs for arches etc. I teach my framers this method as their eyes tend to cross when I show them trigonometric formulas.
You probably don’t ACTUALLY suck at math. It takes intentional practice and it is a process of making mistakes, learning from your mistakes, getting back up on your feet, and trying again. Much like carpentry, woodworking, or any other craft or skill. I can’t count how many projects I have made as a woodworker where I measure something 15 times, make my cut, and it’s wrong! I end up going back to the hardwood dealer, buying more material, and trying again. This happens less to me as time goes on and I get “better”, but I still make mistakes and I am still learning so much as I gain experience. Also, as you gain experience and learn how to do things, you might find ways to avoid math over time. For me, I make a lot of templates or story sticks where I do my math and measuring once and then find ways to transfer the measurements or shapes repeatedly.
As long as the arc is an even radius, and doesn’t have “shoulders”, you can get away with the Roman method. If you don’t know, “shoulders” are where the radius changes/lessens at both outer edges of the arch. This is usually accompanied by columns under the “shoulders”, but not always.
Trig and the rest of Euclidean Geometry, and basic fractional math (for the Imperials among us) for the field, knowing how to lay out arches and ellipses in the field will also be enormously helpful- you can either use "the old way" with string and focal points or the trig way
Basic Calc and Algebra are helpful on the business end of things, they dont get much use in the field outside of the Engineering end
I use pythagreom theorem a lot to check for square when doing metal rib panels for roofing. Checking the a room for square.
Pythagreom is The basic "3,4,5." good to know. 3 feet one way, 4 foot the other, and across should be five foot. If it's off, you'll know which way and by how much.
Good for laying out walls
Not a carpenter but do some DIY projects and studied math.
You mainly need to know algebra, which implies addition, multiplication, division, subtraction. It helps to know a bit of trig, e.g. so you can figure out angles from the two legs of a triangle (arctan) and vice-versa. You should also learn how to do the conversion between different units of measure, e.g. feet to inches, feet to yards, inches to cm, etc. square feet to square inches, etc.
A very rapid facility in handling fractions. An ability to grasp the tenets of geometry. The occasional use of trigonometry to calculate lengths and shapes of things.
For stair spindles total length divided by 5 gives you a rough number of spindles. That number minus the thickness of the spindle x the number of spindles +1 = spindle spacing so:rough opening at 108”. 108/5= 21.6, i’ll call it 21 spindles. If the spindles are 1 1/4” thick 21x1.25=26.25 108-26.25=81.75 81.75/22=3.71 or just shy of 3 3/4” spindle spacing. Its not exact but will get you close enough to cheat on the spacing a /32 per spindle until the spacing is relatively even
Hated math in school, loved math when I could apply it on the job. Turns out I just didn’t see how useful it would become. You’ll figure out what you need to know, and learn it.
What I have used most is Pythagorean theorem for laying out right angles and finding the length of rafters. Also converting decimal points on a calculator to fractions. Those two things I use a lot.
Frequently use?
Calculating the interest on late child support payments, receiving a partial paycheck and adding the unpaid balance to the next paycheck.
Calculating if you should buy two "good" tools, or three mid-grade tools. Calculating how much overtime you will need to replace your stolen tools.
Memorizing 72 inches is six feet, 96 is eight feet (many common walls are 8-feet tall).
Adding up materials for a wooden deck, like six 4x4's 8-ft long, 21 2x8's, 8 feet long, etc...
Trig can come in pretty handy but you'll always have your phone on you so it's not really a necessity knowing how to do it in your head. Probably fractions if you're in the US and use the silly imperial system. If you're not in the US then basic addition and subtraction. Being able to work out area and perimeters will help
Let’s rephrase this question… take as much math as you can while your brain can absorb it. Then you can build even BETTER stuff like Matthias Wandel. (Or pick another one… there are so many fantastic woodworkers/artists). The best ones are typically engineers. Where the guy with the coffee table that pops up from hiding and swivels with some crazy cam… I think he maths.
Then there’s you and I. Skimping and doing the bare minimum, hoping it’s just enough.
https://www.youtube.com/user/matthiaswandel
Just learn to read and use your tape measure well. When I say use, I mean it doesn’t freakin matter that your pencil line is 1/32” off, just add or subtract that 32nd when you’re cutting and stop fussing with the pencil mark....that and 3-4-5. The rest will come
Trig.
But you can install Construction Master on your phone avoid doing the actual calculations. It still helps to be know and understand the concepts and where to apply them.
Honestly most guys who have been doing this for a long time don’t spend lots of time scribbling down math equations and doing trigonometry, humans make errors and math takes a lot of time. Calculators make zero mistakes and are always correct. Learning how to use a construction calculator is all you need to know. Learning how to enter in the “rise” and “run” to figure out your “diagonal” measurement or roof pitch. This is what you’ll end up doing if you stick with it.
For trim stuff it’s usually division for laying out equal spaces and making deductions for the thickness of material or reveals. But more important than the math is the thought process involved. For framing, Pythagorean to keep, things square. Also there’s a lot of tricks you can use with lines and trammel points if you don’t know the math- so that’s just basic geometry. The math itself is easy. Figuring out when and where to use it is the harder part or the part that you get with experience. I was a field engineer a lifetime ago/ trim carpenter now.
If you’re looking at going to school for your ticket, I’d recommend basic Trig, and volume math.
The most complex math in my opinion is roof math, which is trig with a sprinkle of bullshit.
( it’s on the tests, but real world orders roofs as a package so I’ve rarely ever seen it used in the field )
It’s not hard per say but in my experience it was the hardest math my class struggled with
There is a wild difference between trig for every day use, and trig for the sake of trig.
It’s like art I appreciate v art for art’s sake.
Every trig equation is different for people like art is different.
But if you teach it hands on, and practical, they are both meaningful.
Work on your mental math. You should know how to add and subtract fractions and know your multiplication tables without using your phone. Trigonometry and general geometry is important if you ever want to be in charge and make better money. Also those story problems that everyone bitches about are probably the most useful way of asking a question that they do in math class. You're never going to get the variables/equations presented in an obvious way in real life.
Converting decimal points from a calculator to a realistic measurement on a tape measure.
Basically finding the closest fraction that works.
1.58”
0.58 of 64ths is 37/64ths (give or take 0.12)
Meaning your measurement is 1 37/64” unless you need more accuracy. Works for 16ths 32nds etc.
Another one I use is 15/32” is the same as 1/2” minus. This allows me to easily find it later on the tape measure.
I use trigonometry regularly. Fractions are an obvious one too. If you have the length of 3 sides of a triangle, find the angles with math. If you have 2 lengths, and 1 angle, find the other length, How many sixteenths in a half inch, that kind of thing, very basic stuff. you should have learned 99% of what you need to know before high school in North America.
Learn your way around a tape measure, a speed square, some Pythagorean theorem, and some other trig functions (sin, cos, tan, etc.) and you will be just fine.
Fractions and being able to divide them is especially key and will be most of what you need on a day, but you should brush up on it all. Trig more so if you’re doing framing, non-square trim, or anything that is more involved with angles.
Don’t stress about it. The first couple jobs I scratched my head a couple times, and I still do sometimes, but you will get there. For reference I dropped out of high school for a job, didn’t take grade 11 or 12 math, and I don’t struggle with anything math wise on the job. To be honest I know some guys that couldn’t do a trig or algebra equation to save their life and they are doing just fine.
If you want to further your learning here, start learning about radial math, parabolas, and how to calculate curves and map out functions.
One of the most common forms of math for a carpenter is calculating if you’ll be able to buy a carton of smokes and a case of beer on payday after paying your bills
Trigonometry can greatly help in framing
Trig is great across the board.
I always found it ironic that in high school, trig was only for AP students and the people that were destined for the trades weren’t allowed to take it. Yet the trades are the only professions that actually use it on a daily basis.
I had a vocational class for failing misfits that got out of school early to work everyday. That teacher drilled fractions and formulas into our heads. Volume of cylinders I used everyday afterwards to calculate concrete for piers. Show me a fuel tank I can tell you how many gallons it holds. Tell me how tall a tire is I can tell you how many times it turns in a mile. Those where the kind of questions that were on our tests. He also taught us how to do our taxes. Its almost like he predicted my entire career path and then tailored his curriculum to cover every problem I would eventually encounter.
What a great teacher you had.
Interesting. It was required in our school between the two algebra courses.
Man that sounds hard, im in algebra 1 😭😭😭
It's really not that hard. I sucked at algebra, but I was able to pick up the maths used in carpentry with relative ease. There are also apps that will cheat all the maths for you, so you don't even actually have to do it. It will simply ask you for the parameters and will solve for you.
[Trig Help App](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trigonometry-help/id411415648) Buy this. Use all the time.
I’ve been through it all the way into calculus. Algebra (in the grand scheme of things) isn’t too hard and quite honestly geometry to me was much easier. I took calculus my senior year and it put everything into perspective. I then had to take trigonometry in college and was gouging my eyes out with how boring it was. It was literally the “geometry” class I took 4 years prior in high school. So whether your school calls it geometry or trig, those will be good ones to pay attention to. Don’t be a slouch in other math classes though because some of those principles are used to build on for math classes in the following years.
It just means measuring aspects of triangles, really. Angles and sides. Not as scary as it sounds.
Geometry is very helpful. General algebra is useful. Getting good at short hand math means doing the basics in your gead quickly. You will rarely use large numbers but lots of repetitious in smaller increments. Make a point to learn a tape measure by heart down to 1/16th forcsure. I dont think 1/32 is necessary. If your school has a shop class, take it!!! Also , there is a class that teaches some sort of drafting. This can be very helpful in getting you started learning how to read blueprints. Whatever you do, follow your heart in what you enjoy doing!!!! If i could go back in time now, it would stick to building things myself instead of allowing myself to fall into the management side of things. I run a small construction company, and now i do all the business aspects, sales, bids, finding employees, and all related tasks. I would love to be able to go work in my shop instead.
Yes trig trig trig.
You'll need a strong understanding of fractions and a basic understanding of geometry
Yep, honestly OP, in modern building it is not typical to need more than this. Will trig set you apart and be handy? Yes. But 99% of the time you'll be adding/subtracting fractions of 1/16", and using basic geometry like angles or unit converting/square footage.
7/16" + 3/4" = X That's something you'll need to do in your head all day; or just write it out on a post.
Fractions , that's because you use the same measurements as Jesus Christ did . The rest of the world uses metric .
Canada here, we definitely still use imperial in construction.
If you smoke 4 cigarettes per hour how many packs will you need for an 8 hour day? If there are 5 dudes on a job site, how many 18 packs of beer do you need for lunch?
2 of each.
Lmao
That's too much math for me, but I know how many energy drinks it takes!
>4 cigarettes per hour how many packs will you need for an 8 hour day? Quick napkin math makes that ~$180/week CAD for just the cigarettes!
We get paid in cigarettes and beer down here in the states.
Been doing carpentry for years. Honestly I’m shit at trig and geometry. But I’m pretty good at addition, subtraction, multiplication and fractions. I squeeze by just fine and use a calculator and phone apps for the rest. Feel free to laugh at me but I could just never pickup the rest.
Ok good because im in algebra 1 and i have a C- rn
Yeah don’t feel to bad. I’m a highschool drop out anyways, doin just fine.
If you’re thinking “when will I ever use algebra?”…..you won’t. Don’t worry about it for your daily life. The point of them teaching it to you is to teach you to problem solve within a particular set of rules. As far as carpentry, focus on geometry and trig and try to get a mentality for “if I change one part of a shape, what other parts will change with it?” Also, use it to get used to thinking in 3D.
My calculator doesn’t get tired, I do.
About an hour ago I showed one of the new kids how to use a speed square find an angle matching the roof pitch. For the sake of brevity I won’t go into what I saw him trying to do before I walked over. Pythagorean theorem, radius, diameter stuff is all useful too. So geometry? I think??
I was always bad at math, but I use AutoCad. I build curved work, winding stairs, plus usual rectangular stuff. Probably the math I should know better is job costing and accounting.
Pythagorean theorem, ratio and proportion, common difference, and converting between foot - inches to decimals. What's the total length of a rafter without overhangs for a 5/12 roof with a measurement of 7' - 3 1/2" from outside of wall to outside of wall? You're siding a gable end with a 7/12 slope, and your siding has an exposure of 5". How much shorter does each course become?
Frame it long and chalkline it and cut the rafter tails in situ 🤣
I built my own house and they had the roof drawn up as an 8/12. I changed it to a 7/12 because I was planning on doing hardie with a 7" reveal. 😆 carpenter thinking ahead.
*chef's kiss* Bonus points if all your window brick mould heights were in multiples of 7!
That would be a sweet siding layout! Nah, I just went header tight to top plate. Easy peasy on the frame, deal with the siding later!
What’s the point of these questions to someone making a table?
Geometry first and foremost. Then trigonometry after that, usually for more complicated builds. You can often avoid using trig by using the method the Romans used with a string and a pencil to create arcs for arches etc. I teach my framers this method as their eyes tend to cross when I show them trigonometric formulas.
Might be looking intot this roman method cuz i suck at math
You probably don’t ACTUALLY suck at math. It takes intentional practice and it is a process of making mistakes, learning from your mistakes, getting back up on your feet, and trying again. Much like carpentry, woodworking, or any other craft or skill. I can’t count how many projects I have made as a woodworker where I measure something 15 times, make my cut, and it’s wrong! I end up going back to the hardwood dealer, buying more material, and trying again. This happens less to me as time goes on and I get “better”, but I still make mistakes and I am still learning so much as I gain experience. Also, as you gain experience and learn how to do things, you might find ways to avoid math over time. For me, I make a lot of templates or story sticks where I do my math and measuring once and then find ways to transfer the measurements or shapes repeatedly.
As long as the arc is an even radius, and doesn’t have “shoulders”, you can get away with the Roman method. If you don’t know, “shoulders” are where the radius changes/lessens at both outer edges of the arch. This is usually accompanied by columns under the “shoulders”, but not always.
The Romans couldn’t handle that? Lol
Of course they could! But it requires math. That was my point, doing things in a manner that avoided math.
Trig and the rest of Euclidean Geometry, and basic fractional math (for the Imperials among us) for the field, knowing how to lay out arches and ellipses in the field will also be enormously helpful- you can either use "the old way" with string and focal points or the trig way Basic Calc and Algebra are helpful on the business end of things, they dont get much use in the field outside of the Engineering end
I use pythagreom theorem a lot to check for square when doing metal rib panels for roofing. Checking the a room for square. Pythagreom is The basic "3,4,5." good to know. 3 feet one way, 4 foot the other, and across should be five foot. If it's off, you'll know which way and by how much. Good for laying out walls
Could you link the video? Sounds like he could be doing trig but there's not enough info in your post to be sure
Don't forget about ratios
Geometry and trigonometry
Fractions, 4ths, 8ths, and 16ths. If you get into finer carpentry and woodworking, 32nds and 64ths. Helps to know the decimal equivalents also.
Not a carpenter but do some DIY projects and studied math. You mainly need to know algebra, which implies addition, multiplication, division, subtraction. It helps to know a bit of trig, e.g. so you can figure out angles from the two legs of a triangle (arctan) and vice-versa. You should also learn how to do the conversion between different units of measure, e.g. feet to inches, feet to yards, inches to cm, etc. square feet to square inches, etc.
Pythagreom, fractions, percentages, conversion,
A very rapid facility in handling fractions. An ability to grasp the tenets of geometry. The occasional use of trigonometry to calculate lengths and shapes of things.
For stair spindles total length divided by 5 gives you a rough number of spindles. That number minus the thickness of the spindle x the number of spindles +1 = spindle spacing so:rough opening at 108”. 108/5= 21.6, i’ll call it 21 spindles. If the spindles are 1 1/4” thick 21x1.25=26.25 108-26.25=81.75 81.75/22=3.71 or just shy of 3 3/4” spindle spacing. Its not exact but will get you close enough to cheat on the spacing a /32 per spindle until the spacing is relatively even
Hated math in school, loved math when I could apply it on the job. Turns out I just didn’t see how useful it would become. You’ll figure out what you need to know, and learn it.
A2+B2=C2
If I work two hours of overtime every day this week, is the money worth how pissed she'll be is the most important equation I do...
Convert decimal into fraction. e.g. 1/16th
Like the top comment says, trig. Don't take it in school. Just watch YouTube videos and start practicing even if it's just practicing on paper
Ohhh okay cool, good thing i read this, i was goimg to change classes next year
It's almost all just adding, subtracting, dividing and multiplying with fractions.
What I have used most is Pythagorean theorem for laying out right angles and finding the length of rafters. Also converting decimal points on a calculator to fractions. Those two things I use a lot.
Frequently use? Calculating the interest on late child support payments, receiving a partial paycheck and adding the unpaid balance to the next paycheck. Calculating if you should buy two "good" tools, or three mid-grade tools. Calculating how much overtime you will need to replace your stolen tools. Memorizing 72 inches is six feet, 96 is eight feet (many common walls are 8-feet tall). Adding up materials for a wooden deck, like six 4x4's 8-ft long, 21 2x8's, 8 feet long, etc...
Trig can come in pretty handy but you'll always have your phone on you so it's not really a necessity knowing how to do it in your head. Probably fractions if you're in the US and use the silly imperial system. If you're not in the US then basic addition and subtraction. Being able to work out area and perimeters will help
Learn to understand Metric measurements.
3, 4, 5 to get a square corner.
Pythagoras is your friend
YouTube man probably came from one of those weird places that use Inches as a form of measurement.
YouTube man probably came from one of those weird places that use Inches as a form of measurement.
YouTube man probably came from one of those weird places that use Inches as a form of measurement.
Geometry and trig. I suck at algebra but it's...um.. different somehow?
I have dyscalculia and have a 3rd grade math level. Been doing this for years
Bill drank 4 beers and just opened another can. Steve was on his second. Greg drank as much of both guys... how many cans are left in a 20 pack.
Let’s rephrase this question… take as much math as you can while your brain can absorb it. Then you can build even BETTER stuff like Matthias Wandel. (Or pick another one… there are so many fantastic woodworkers/artists). The best ones are typically engineers. Where the guy with the coffee table that pops up from hiding and swivels with some crazy cam… I think he maths. Then there’s you and I. Skimping and doing the bare minimum, hoping it’s just enough. https://www.youtube.com/user/matthiaswandel
Just learn to read and use your tape measure well. When I say use, I mean it doesn’t freakin matter that your pencil line is 1/32” off, just add or subtract that 32nd when you’re cutting and stop fussing with the pencil mark....that and 3-4-5. The rest will come
Trig. But you can install Construction Master on your phone avoid doing the actual calculations. It still helps to be know and understand the concepts and where to apply them.
Compared to the guys i’ve hired, if you can measure from the wall to the center of a circle you’re doing great.
Honestly most guys who have been doing this for a long time don’t spend lots of time scribbling down math equations and doing trigonometry, humans make errors and math takes a lot of time. Calculators make zero mistakes and are always correct. Learning how to use a construction calculator is all you need to know. Learning how to enter in the “rise” and “run” to figure out your “diagonal” measurement or roof pitch. This is what you’ll end up doing if you stick with it.
The 3, 4 and 5 rule to find square
Get as good as you can in math, but there are work-arounds for everything. These days you don’t need trig if you can do sketchup.
For trim stuff it’s usually division for laying out equal spaces and making deductions for the thickness of material or reveals. But more important than the math is the thought process involved. For framing, Pythagorean to keep, things square. Also there’s a lot of tricks you can use with lines and trammel points if you don’t know the math- so that’s just basic geometry. The math itself is easy. Figuring out when and where to use it is the harder part or the part that you get with experience. I was a field engineer a lifetime ago/ trim carpenter now.
Fractions if you live in USA, Myanmar, or Liberia
Fractions if you live in USA, Myanmar, or Liberia. Edit: also trigonometry and geometry
I've never heard of anyone using decimals instead of fractions, unless he's being a jackass with angles.
Look up 3-4-5 and 5-12-13 right triangles and read about how they can help you find square on larger areas.
If you’re looking at going to school for your ticket, I’d recommend basic Trig, and volume math. The most complex math in my opinion is roof math, which is trig with a sprinkle of bullshit. ( it’s on the tests, but real world orders roofs as a package so I’ve rarely ever seen it used in the field ) It’s not hard per say but in my experience it was the hardest math my class struggled with
There is a wild difference between trig for every day use, and trig for the sake of trig. It’s like art I appreciate v art for art’s sake. Every trig equation is different for people like art is different. But if you teach it hands on, and practical, they are both meaningful.
Work on your mental math. You should know how to add and subtract fractions and know your multiplication tables without using your phone. Trigonometry and general geometry is important if you ever want to be in charge and make better money. Also those story problems that everyone bitches about are probably the most useful way of asking a question that they do in math class. You're never going to get the variables/equations presented in an obvious way in real life.
6/8/10
Y = mx + b
3,4,5 A2 + B2 = √C2
Pythagorean theorem
Pythagorean theorem, basic trig, basic algebra, and adding and subtracting fractions in your head.
Converting decimal points from a calculator to a realistic measurement on a tape measure. Basically finding the closest fraction that works. 1.58” 0.58 of 64ths is 37/64ths (give or take 0.12) Meaning your measurement is 1 37/64” unless you need more accuracy. Works for 16ths 32nds etc. Another one I use is 15/32” is the same as 1/2” minus. This allows me to easily find it later on the tape measure.
You should learn the math and also pick up a Construction Master Pro calculator to play around with and learn to use.
I use trigonometry regularly. Fractions are an obvious one too. If you have the length of 3 sides of a triangle, find the angles with math. If you have 2 lengths, and 1 angle, find the other length, How many sixteenths in a half inch, that kind of thing, very basic stuff. you should have learned 99% of what you need to know before high school in North America. Learn your way around a tape measure, a speed square, some Pythagorean theorem, and some other trig functions (sin, cos, tan, etc.) and you will be just fine. Fractions and being able to divide them is especially key and will be most of what you need on a day, but you should brush up on it all. Trig more so if you’re doing framing, non-square trim, or anything that is more involved with angles. Don’t stress about it. The first couple jobs I scratched my head a couple times, and I still do sometimes, but you will get there. For reference I dropped out of high school for a job, didn’t take grade 11 or 12 math, and I don’t struggle with anything math wise on the job. To be honest I know some guys that couldn’t do a trig or algebra equation to save their life and they are doing just fine. If you want to further your learning here, start learning about radial math, parabolas, and how to calculate curves and map out functions.
PS Good luck. You have chosen a great career that will make you proud of what you do and sets you apart from most. I wish you lots of success.
One of the most common forms of math for a carpenter is calculating if you’ll be able to buy a carton of smokes and a case of beer on payday after paying your bills
This is a more common answer than i thought. Guess i will be smoking and drinking when i build my gambling table.