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Beam Analysis

Run the calc
The free beam analysis calculator for the US at calcs.com/freetools/beam-analysis/us analyzes a beam and returns its behavior under load, with no sign-up. This article is the companion to Use the Beam Analysis Calculator, which walks through the full calculator step by step. Read this one to see what the free US version covers and where a Calcs.com account is needed.

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Method & scope

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Beam types you can analyze

The free calculator handles simply supported, cantilever, continuous (multi-span) and propped cantilever beams. There is no limit on the number of spans. Supports can be placed at any position along the beam, not only at the ends. Overhangs and internal supports are both straightforward to model.

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What requires a free Calcs.com account

Four things sit behind a free account:
  • Saving calculations.
  • PDF export.
  • Spring supports.
  • Advanced load types, meaning axial, linked and oriented loads.
An account also opens the full library of steel, timber and concrete design calculators written to AISC, NDS and ACI 318. That matters if you need a code design check rather than an analysis result.

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Is it free

Yes, the beam analysis calculator is completely free and no sign-up is required. Creating a Calcs.com account is also free, and it is what unlocks saving, PDF reports and the wider calculator library.

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A note on scope

The free calculator analyzes the beam you describe. Choosing the section, the load cases and the governing design standard stays with you. Check the inputs before relying on the output in a design submission.

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How to use it

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Inputs you need

Four properties define the beam itself:
  • Span length (L), the total length covering all spans.
  • Elastic modulus (E), 29,000 ksi for structural steel.
  • Second moment of area (I_x) for the section.
  • Cross-sectional area (A) for the section.
The default section is a W14x68, so you can get a result quickly. Substitute the properties of the section you are actually designing. After the section properties, you define the supports and the loads.
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Supports and loads included free

Pin, roller and fixed supports are all available without an account. On the loading side, the free version covers point loads, uniformly distributed loads, linearly varying loads and applied moments. Between those, most everyday beam cases can be built and analyzed.

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Next steps

Use the Beam Analysis Calculator

Get bending moment, shear force and deflection along single or multi-span beams using linear-elastic FEA. Handles cantilevers, continuous spans and mixed loads.

United States Calculator Library

Complete list of Calcs.com design calculators available for United States projects (AISC, ACI, NDS, ASCE 7, IBC, and related standards).