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Calcs.com

Beam Analysis

Support reactions link directly to column and footing calculations in the same project - update a load and every linked calculation recalculates automatically. Model simple or continuous beams with unlimited loads and supports for FEA-accurate moment, shear, and deflection results. Available on the free plan with no credit card required.

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What it calculates

Perform FEA-based analysis of simple and continuous beams with unlimited loads and supports. Results include moment, shear, and deflection diagrams with values at any point along the span. Available on the free plan.

How it calculates

The Beam Analysis (Free) calculator applies the same finite element stiffness method as the full analysis calculator but requires section stiffness properties to be entered directly.

Section stiffness

Bending stiffness is computed as EI = E × Ix and axial stiffness as EA = E × A. These values are passed to the FEA solver to assemble the global stiffness matrix. Using direct E/I input makes this calculator material-agnostic - enter properties for any steel, timber, concrete, or custom section.

FEA solver and results

The solver resolves a single unfactored load set at 1.0× magnitude, applying boundary conditions at each support and recovering the displacement solution. The governing demand outputs are envelope maxima:

  • M = max|moment|* across the full beam length
  • V = max|shear|* across the beam length
  • δ = max|deflection| - positive downward

Per-span results report positive and negative moment peaks within each bay between supports. Per-support results report vertical reaction, moment reaction (fixed supports), and shear.

Free plan limits

Spring supports, continuous supports, inclined roller supports, axial loads, and moment loads are locked in the free version. These are available in the full paid Beam Analysis calculator along with a section database for direct property lookup.

Related calculators

Beam Analysis→Beam Analysis with Load Combinations (ASD)→Beam Analysis with Load Combinations (LRFD)→

What engineers say

Calcs.com simplified my beam analysis. It made structural checks easy and impressively fast. I first heard about Calcs.com while looking for alternatives to StruCalc, checked out a few options, and went with Calcs.com for simple residential...

Aaron D. Obermiller, P.E.

Engineer, REO Engineering

The wood and steel beam calculators are delightful. I especially like selecting the wood species for my beam and Calcs.com automatically loading all of the relevant material properties so I don't need to look them up in the NDS.

John Cagle

Project Engineer, CHM Engineering

Frequently asked questions

What does the Beam Analysis (Free) calculator compute?
FEA-based structural analysis of beams with no design code applied. Enter section properties directly (E, A, Ix) and get bending moment, shear force, and deflection results at every point along the span. Supports simple spans, cantilevers, propped cantilevers, and multi-span continuous beams.
What are the key inputs?
Beam length, Young's modulus E (psi or MPa), cross-section area A (in² or mm²), and second moment of area Ix (in⁴ or mm⁴). Support types and positions (pinned, roller, fixed), and applied distributed and point loads.
How does this differ from the full Beam Analysis calculator?
The free version requires you to enter E, A, and Ix directly rather than linking to a section database. Advanced features - spring supports, continuous supports, inclined roller supports, axial loads, and moment loads - are available in the paid plan. Core beam analysis (shear, moment, deflection, reactions) is fully available for free.
What results does it provide?
Governing moment M*, shear V*, maximum deflection, and support reactions globally across the beam. Per-span results include positive and negative moment peaks within each bay. Shear force, bending moment, deflection, and free-body diagrams are generated.
Can it model continuous beams with multiple spans?
Yes - any number of spans with pinned, roller, or fixed supports. Cantilever overhangs and propped cantilevers are supported. For full spring support and inclined beam options, upgrade to the paid Beam Analysis calculator.
Does this calculator support load linking with column and footing calculations?
Yes - support reactions link directly to connected column or footing calculations in the same project. When any load or geometry input changes, all linked downstream calculations update automatically.

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