Free Beam Calculator – Timber Beam Calculator & Steel Beam Span Calculator
A beam calculator (or timber beam calculator) helps you perform online timber beam analysis and calculate beam size, deflection, and load capacity. Use this free steel beam calculator and steel beam span calculator to determine optimal beam dimensions. This optimal beam calculator supports timber beam deflection check, steel i beam calculator, and beam analysis calculator for structural design.
Last updated: February 2, 2026
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Moment Capacity
7,200,000 lb-ft
Shear Capacity
1,296,000 lbs
Deflection
0 in
Safety Factor
216
Design Recommendation
Beam design is safe with good safety margin.
Beam Calculator Types & Analysis
Material strength
50,000 psi Yield
High-strength steel beams for long spans and heavy loads
Compressive strength
4,000 psi Concrete
Fire-resistant concrete beams with steel reinforcement
Flexural strength
2,400 psi Douglas Fir
Natural wood beams for residential and light commercial construction
Moment formula
Mn = Fy × S
Critical calculation for beam design and safety verification
Deflection limit
L/360 for Live Loads
Ensures serviceability and prevents excessive deflection
Minimum factor
1.67 for Steel
Ensures adequate safety margin against failure
Quick Example Result
For a 12' steel beam (6" × 12") with 1000 lbs/ft uniform load:
Moment Capacity
1,800,000 lb-ft
Safety Factor
2.5
Online Timber Beam Analysis & Timber Beam Calculator
Online timber beam analysis is a web-based tool that calculates timber beam capacity, deflection, moment, and shear forces. Use this timber beam calculator (or free timber beam calculator) to perform timber beam deflection check, calculate moment capacity, and verify safety factors according to NDS standards. This online timber beam analysis tool supports Douglas Fir, Southern Pine, and other wood species for residential and commercial construction.
Steel Beam Calculator & Steel Beam Span Calculator
A steel beam calculator (or steel i beam calculator) calculates steel beam capacity, deflection, and design requirements using AISC standards. A steel beam span calculator determines the maximum span a steel beam can safely support based on load, beam size, and material properties. This steel beam calculator helps select appropriate steel beam sizes (W-shapes, I-beams) for construction projects.
Optimal Beam Calculator & Beam Analysis Calculator
An optimal beam calculator finds the most efficient beam size that meets strength, deflection, and safety requirements while minimizing material cost. A beam analysis calculator performs comprehensive structural analysis including moment capacity, shear capacity, deflection, and safety factors. This optimal beam calculator balances structural requirements with economic efficiency for construction projects.
How Our Beam Calculator Works
Our beam calculator uses fundamental structural engineering principles and material properties to determine beam capacity, deflection, and safety factors. The calculation applies building code standards to ensure safe and efficient beam design for construction projects.
Structural Analysis Principles
Moment Capacity = Fy × S (Section Modulus)Shear Capacity = Fv × Area × 0.6Deflection = (5×w×L⁴)/(384×E×I)Safety Factor = Capacity / Applied LoadThese fundamental equations form the basis of structural beam design. The section modulus (S) and moment of inertia (I) depend on the beam's cross-sectional geometry and material properties.
Shows moment, shear, and deflection diagrams for different support conditions
Engineering Foundation
Beam design is based on structural engineering principles from AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction), ACI (American Concrete Institute), and NDS (National Design Specification for Wood Construction). These standards ensure beams can safely resist applied loads without exceeding material strength limits or deflection criteria.
- Moment capacity depends on material yield strength and section modulus
- Shear capacity is limited by material shear strength and cross-sectional area
- Deflection limits ensure serviceability and prevent excessive movement
- Safety factors provide margin against uncertainty and material variations
- Support conditions significantly affect moment and deflection behavior
- Load types (uniform, point, distributed) create different stress patterns
Sources & References
- AISC Steel Construction Manual - 15th EditionStandard reference for steel beam design and analysis
- ACI 318 Building Code - Concrete Design RequirementsReinforced concrete beam design standards
- NDS for Wood Construction - American Wood CouncilWood beam design and engineering standards
Need help with other structural calculations? Check out our truss calculator and rafter calculator.
Get Custom Calculator for Your BusinessBeam Calculator Examples
Beam Properties:
- Span: 16 feet
- Size: W12×26 steel beam
- Material: A992 steel (Fy = 50 ksi)
- Load: 2,000 lbs/ft uniform
Calculation Steps:
- Calculate maximum moment: M = wL²/8 = 2,000×16²/8 = 64,000 lb-ft
- Find section modulus: S = 33.4 in³ (from steel manual)
- Calculate moment capacity: Mn = Fy×S = 50×33.4 = 1,670 kip-in
- Check safety factor: SF = 1,670/64 = 26.1 (adequate)
Result: W12×26 beam is adequate for the applied load
Safety factor of 26.1 exceeds minimum requirement of 1.67.
Concrete Beam Example
12" × 18" reinforced concrete beam
Moment capacity: 1,200 kip-ft
Wood Beam Example
2×12 Douglas Fir beam
Moment capacity: 180 kip-ft
Frequently Asked Questions
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