Cut Length vs. Length

[redmondb024]

Okay so I know other people have posted this question before explaining the difference between cut length and length. All of the forum posts say that the length is never longer than the cut length. However, in my instance the cut length is longer than the length... I am creating a pavillion with beams that are placed on a sloped plane, would this be the reason my cut length is longer than my length? I just want to confirm which dimensions to use when we start to build this thing. The difference between the two measurements is about 2' and it would create a huge problem if I screw this up LOL please help! Thanks in advance

[Mike.FORM · Accepted solution]

The difference is based on how you are dimensioning. If you are dimensioning in plan then yes the length is only showing the span in the x-axis. You either need to add a spot slope in plan on the sloped beam so that you can calculate the actual length (hypotenuse of triangle) using math, or you can show a section/elevation and measure both the span length, the height difference, the slope, and the actual overall length with a dimension parallel to the slope of the beam.

[redmondb024]

I figured I would have to do something along those lines but I just wanted to confirm. Thank you! 

[Mike.FORM · Accepted solution]

Here is a good visual showing the difference.