Beam Calculator
Reactions, SFD, BMD, deflection and stress — solve by hand first, validate here.
What this beam calculator does
Enter a span, place supports and add loads, and the calculator returns the support reactions and the full shear force and bending moment diagrams, with the peak bending moment and where it occurs. Switch to 3D · With profile, pick a cross-section and material, and it adds deflection, bending and shear stress, factor of safety and a deflection-limit check (L/180 to L/500).
How to use it
- Set the beam length and add supports — pin, roller or fixed — at any position.
- Add point loads, UDLs, linearly varying loads or moments.
- Read the reactions, SFD and BMD, and the SF & BM values at key points.
- For stress and deflection, choose 3D mode, a section (rectangular, RHS, circular, CHS, ISMB I-beam, T or channel) and a material, or enter E, yield strength and density yourself.
Solve by hand first, then validate
The calculator shows a hand-calculation check next to every result, so you can follow the equilibrium equations and standard beam formulas instead of trusting a black box. That is the same method we teach in our ANSYS Workbench course: estimate the answer with the right formula, build the model in simulation software, and compare. For holes and notches, use the plate-with-a-hole Kt calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What does the beam calculator compute?
Support reactions, shear force and bending moment diagrams (SFD and BMD), the location and value of peak moment, and — in 3D mode with a cross-section and material — deflection, bending and shear stress, factor of safety and an L/δ deflection check.
Which supports and loads can I use?
Pin, roller and fixed supports placed anywhere along the span, and any combination of point loads, uniformly distributed loads (UDL), linearly varying loads and applied moments — so simply supported, cantilever, overhanging, propped and continuous beams are all covered.
Which cross-sections are available?
Rectangular, rectangular hollow (RHS), circular, circular hollow (CHS), I-sections including Indian standard ISMB 100–600, T-sections and channels, plus custom dimensions.
How accurate is it?
The solver uses beam finite elements and is checked against textbook formulas, and the tool shows a hand-calculation check beside the result so you can see where the numbers come from.
Is it free? Do I need to sign in?
Yes, it's free and needs no sign-in.