Rafter Seats

[JeffC]

I'm building a simple 16' wide with steep roof (14:12), and when I draw out my rafters (2x8s witha 2x10 ridge), my rafter seat is only @ 3 3/16" .  The "books" all say that the seat should be the same width as the top plate, but this seems nearly impossible with a 2x6 plate and steep pitch.   Is this enough of a seat? Or am I missing something (or just entering the "analysis paralysis" phase once again.  

[MarkAndDebbie]

I think John's plans all call for a larger rafter which would solve the problem. You should be able to start with the seat and back your way into the height based on the pitch - google sketchup is good for this (rotate a vertical 2x8 at the inside top plate the correct angle). But your problem will be that with a 2x 8 on a 2x6 plate you will get less than 2" of the rafter left to hold the tail. Are you doing clipped eaves or false tails?