Calculators

Simplifies the design of residential structures to comply with 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, 2021, and 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) wall bracing requirements

Goes beyond calculating total bracing required and identifies each braced wall panel segment along the entire braced wall line and displays results in both elevation and plan view

Generates a complete, printable Project Report that can be submitted to a local code jurisdiction to streamline approvals

Supports projects up to three stories, accounting for seismic design category, wind speed, wind exposure category, and mean roof height

Save, export, edit and share project files—or import a prior project to convert older IRC versions to current IRC provisions

Applies APA's tested, Diekmann-based methodology to walls with asymmetric piers and multiple openings—conditions other published design examples often cannot address

Solves for required sheathing, nailing, hold-downs, straps, and deflection in a single worksheet

Enables use of narrower wall segments while still meeting height-to-width aspect ratio requirements—a critical advantage when segmented or perforated methods fall short

Reduces anchorage requirements by designing hold-downs only at wall boundaries, eliminating two or more hold-downs required under the segmented approach

Available as a free Excel spreadsheet download, developed using APA research