Beam Load Capacity Calculator
Uniform Load on Simple Beam
Calculate bending stress and deflection for a uniformly loaded simple beam
Center Point Load
Calculate stress from a single point load at beam center
Formula
Uniform Load: M = wL^2/8 | Point Load: M = PL/4 | Stress = M/S | Deflection (uniform) = 5wL^4/(384EI)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate beam load capacity?
Beam load capacity depends on the beam's section modulus (S), allowable bending stress (Fb), and span length. For a uniform load: Max load = 8 x Fb x S / L (in inches). For wood beams, Fb is typically 1,000-1,500 psi. For steel (A36), Fb is about 36,000 psi on yield.
What is the L/360 deflection limit?
L/360 is a common deflection limit for floor beams, meaning the maximum allowable deflection is the span length divided by 360. For a 16-foot span, that is 0.53 inches. This limit prevents noticeable sagging and prevents damage to finishes.
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