Hi fellow woodies,

My latest project involves the planning and construction, of an octagonal (8 sided) summerhouse/workshop on a base measuring 4.5 metres square, with a floor capacity of 4 metres² - 43.056 feet² - 6200.12 inches², and a wall height of (2.14 metres - 7 feet and 0.25 inch - 84.25inches). Try as hard as I can, I've been unable to get my head around the calculations necessary to work out how wide each of the individual 8 sides should be. I visited a book called 'The Woodworker's Complete Shop Reference' by J Churchill. However, my insufficient brain capacity cannot cope with the math, which seems to read as :- Radius=(Length / 2)² / height² / 2 x Height ( / = divided by). I've most likely misinterpreted the math calculation, as this is a weak point with me.

Simple checks using a graphics program seem to suggest a length in the region of 1.57 metres, however, I'm not sure if the prog has also measured the effects of certain viual effects used to make the plans look good when printed (thick outer lines of 5 points and rendering/bevelling and shading etc ...).
Can anyone give me an accurate figure for my measurements? Even better, a link to any online programs which could assist with my calcs, as I'm sure I'll need further assistance when it come to the roof.

Kind regards and TIA
John
(wheelz)
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