> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://calcs.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Design a Wood Beam (LRFD) to NDS 2024

> NDS 2024 LRFD wood beam: bending, shear, bearing, three deflection checks with conversion and time effect factors. Multi-ply, flitch plate, inclined.

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    <div className="calc-details-chips"><span className="calc-chip calc-chip--region">United States</span><span className="calc-chip calc-chip--primary">NDS 2024 (LRFD)</span></div>
    <div className="calc-details-head"><span className="calc-card-icon">    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/clearcalcs/76EPoy-ubBj1vg6U/images/calculator-icons/649cfd2350a4e9dff9571d7206c120c25366ae22664a6e771345655c2ae11c49.svg?fit=max&auto=format&n=76EPoy-ubBj1vg6U&q=85&s=7644c89b19b0e175130168469a03abc3" alt="" width="24" height="24" loading="lazy" data-path="images/calculator-icons/649cfd2350a4e9dff9571d7206c120c25366ae22664a6e771345655c2ae11c49.svg" /></span><p className="calc-details-name">Wood Beam (LRFD)</p><a className="calc-details-run" href="https://app.calcs.com/new/sheet/timberBeamLRFDNDS-2024">Run the calc</a></div>
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<div className="calc-answer">
  Design and verify wood beams to NDS 2024 LRFD, bending, shear, bearing, and three deflection limits, each shown with the governing NDS adjustment factors and code reference. Load reactions at each support link directly to connected column and footing calculations so changes propagate automatically through the full load path. Supports simple and continuous spans, multi-ply beams, flitch plate composite beams, and inclined configurations.
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The easy to use online Calcs.com Wood Beam LRFD Calculator to NDS 2024 enables you to do quick and powerful design and analysis for simple and continuous wood beams, with unlimited supports and loads. Choose from our library of thousands of common wood sections, or create your own and get instant results with our easy to understand traffic light checks for moment, deflection, and shear. The calculator also supports flitch plates.

## Method & scope

| Property         | Detail                                                                                                                    |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Design standards | NDS 2024 (LRFD)                                                                                                           |
| Regions          | United States                                                                                                             |
| Presets          | Generic Beam, Generic Flitch Beam, Floor Joist, Floor Girder, Ceiling Joist, Hip / Valley, Rafter, Ridge Beam, and 5 more |
| What it checks   | LRFD adjustment framework, Bending check (NDS 2024, Cl. 2.3), Shear check, Bearing check, Deflection checks               |

#### Calculation method

The Wood Beam (LRFD, NDS 2024) calculator checks sawn lumber, glulam, LVL, I-joist, and flitch plate beams against the Load and Resistance Factor Design provisions of the 2024 National Design Specification for Wood Construction. For each ASCE 7 load combination, the calculator resolves factored demands and compares them against factored resistances adjusted through the NDS 2024 LRFD framework.

##### LRFD adjustment framework

NDS LRFD converts reference design values, tabulated on an ASD basis in the NDS Supplement, into the LRFD resistance space using the format conversion factor **K\_F**. Each adjusted resistance is then multiplied by the applicable resistance factor **φ** and the time effect factor **λ**, which accounts for the duration of the governing load:

* **λ = 0.8** for occupancy live loads
* **λ = 1.0** for snow (short duration) and impact
* **λ = 1.25** for wind and seismic

The full adjusted moment resistance is: **φM\_n = φ\_b · K\_\{F,b} · λ\_b · C\_M · C\_t · C\_F · C\_fu · C\_i · C\_L · C\_r · F\_b · S**

Adjustment factors applied per the 2024 NDS Supplement include: wet service (C\_M), temperature (C\_t), size (C\_F), flat use (C\_fu), incising (C\_i), repeating member (C\_r), and beam stability (C\_L) for lateral-torsional buckling.

##### Bending check (NDS 2024, Cl. 2.3)

**utilization = M\_u / φM\_n ≤ 1.0**

The calculator evaluates all ASCE 7 load combinations, identifies the one producing the maximum factored moment M\_u, and compares it against the factored moment resistance φM\_n. For beams without continuous bracing, beam stability factor C\_L is computed from the effective slenderness ratio R\_B and governs when lateral-torsional buckling is critical.

##### Shear check

**utilization = V\_u / φV\_n ≤ 1.0**

Factored shear V\_u is taken conservatively at the face of support rather than at distance d as permitted by code. The factored shear resistance φV\_n applies the shear resistance factor and the full suite of adjustment factors relevant to the shear reference design value F\_v.

##### Bearing check

**utilization = R\_u / φR\_n ≤ 1.0**

Governing bearing demand R\_u (maximum factored vertical reaction at any support) is compared against the factored bearing resistance φR\_n. Minimum required bearing lengths at end and interior supports are output separately. Bearing at point loads is not checked per the calculator assumptions.

##### Deflection checks

Three independent deflection limits are verified using unfactored (service-level) loads:

* **Live/short-term deflection**: δ\_ST ≤ Δ\_ST,max (default span/360, user-adjustable)
* **Long-term deflection**: δ\_LT ≤ Δ\_LT,max (default span/240, accounts for creep under sustained loads)
* **Simplified DL+(LL or SL) deflection**: δ\_D+(L|S) ≤ Δ\_D+(L|S),max

Deflection limits can be doubled for cantilevers. When explicitly enabled, shear deflection is added to flexural deflection using the approximation method described in the NDS supplement.

##### Reactions and load linking

At each support, the calculator outputs maximum factored vertical and horizontal reactions (R\_u,vertical and R\_u,horizontal). These reactions can be linked directly to connected wood column or footing calculations in the same project, so downstream members update automatically when beam loading or geometry changes.

## How to use it

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the calculator">
    Open it from **Run calc** in the About this calculator panel above. To start from a typical setup, choose one of the presets listed there.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your inputs">
    Work through the input sections from top to bottom. Click any input label to see its reference explanation, clause, conditions and assumptions. See [Checks, References, Conditions and Assumptions](/docs/running-calculations/checking-results/checks-references-conditions-assumptions).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review the results and export">
    Check the utilization of each governing check in the summary, then export a PDF report. See [Views and Export](/docs/running-calculations/exporting-reports/views-and-export).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Available presets

Each preset opens the calculator with a typical setup already entered.

| Preset                                             | Open in Calcs.com                                                                                      |
| -------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| <span id="genericBeam" />Generic Beam              | [Run with preset](https://app.calcs.com/new/sheet/timberBeamLRFDNDS-2024?presetCode=genericBeam)       |
| <span id="genericFlitchBeam" />Generic Flitch Beam | [Run with preset](https://app.calcs.com/new/sheet/timberBeamLRFDNDS-2024?presetCode=genericFlitchBeam) |
| <span id="floorJoist" />Floor Joist                | [Run with preset](https://app.calcs.com/new/sheet/timberBeamLRFDNDS-2024?presetCode=floorJoist)        |
| <span id="floorGirder" />Floor Girder              | [Run with preset](https://app.calcs.com/new/sheet/timberBeamLRFDNDS-2024?presetCode=floorGirder)       |
| <span id="ceilingJoist" />Ceiling Joist            | [Run with preset](https://app.calcs.com/new/sheet/timberBeamLRFDNDS-2024?presetCode=ceilingJoist)      |
| <span id="hipValley" />Hip / Valley                | [Run with preset](https://app.calcs.com/new/sheet/timberBeamLRFDNDS-2024?presetCode=hipValley)         |
| <span id="rafter" />Rafter                         | [Run with preset](https://app.calcs.com/new/sheet/timberBeamLRFDNDS-2024?presetCode=rafter)            |
| <span id="roofGirder" />Ridge Beam                 | [Run with preset](https://app.calcs.com/new/sheet/timberBeamLRFDNDS-2024?presetCode=roofGirder)        |
| <span id="roofHeader" />Roof Header                | [Run with preset](https://app.calcs.com/new/sheet/timberBeamLRFDNDS-2024?presetCode=roofHeader)        |
| <span id="floorHeader" />Floor Header              | [Run with preset](https://app.calcs.com/new/sheet/timberBeamLRFDNDS-2024?presetCode=floorHeader)       |
| <span id="comboBeam" />Combination Beam            | [Run with preset](https://app.calcs.com/new/sheet/timberBeamLRFDNDS-2024?presetCode=comboBeam)         |
| <span id="deckJoist" />Deck Joist                  | [Run with preset](https://app.calcs.com/new/sheet/timberBeamLRFDNDS-2024?presetCode=deckJoist)         |
| <span id="deckBeam" />Deck Beam                    | [Run with preset](https://app.calcs.com/new/sheet/timberBeamLRFDNDS-2024?presetCode=deckBeam)          |

## Common questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What design standard does this calculator use?">
    Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) per NDS 2024. Factored demands are compared against factored resistances using NDS phi-factors, format conversion factors K\_F, and time effect factors λ sourced from the 2024 NDS Supplement.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What are the key inputs?">
    Span configuration (simple, continuous, or cantilever), wood species and grade, section size and number of plies, support conditions, lateral bracing for LTB, and applied loads by type (dead, live, roof live, snow, wind). Reference design values are loaded automatically from the NDS 2024 Supplement.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What checks and outputs does it produce?">
    Factored bending (M\_u ≤ φM\_n per NDS 2024 Cl. 2.3), shear (V\_u ≤ φV\_n), bearing (R\_u ≤ φR\_n), and three deflection limits: live/short-term, long-term, and simplified DL+(LL or SL). Each check shows the governing load combination and utilization ratio.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does it support multi-ply and flitch plate beams?">
    Yes. The calculator handles multi-ply sawn lumber and glulam beams, composite flitch plate beams (steel plates sandwiched between wood), I-joists, and inclined members. For flitch plates, shear and bearing are conservatively assigned to the wood component and the combined section is checked for bending.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="When should I use LRFD NDS 2024 instead of ASD?">
    Use LRFD when your load combinations follow ASCE 7 factored format, or when wind or seismic loads govern the design. ASD remains more common for routine gravity-dominated residential and light commercial work. The choice typically follows your firm's standard practice and what your AHJ accepts.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does this calculator support load linking with column and footing calculations?">
    Yes. Vertical and horizontal reactions at each beam support can be linked directly to connected wood column or footing calculations in the same project. When span lengths, section sizes, or loads change, all linked calculations update automatically, no manual re-entry.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Design a Deck Beam" icon="calculator" href="/docs/calculators/us/beams/deck-design/deck-beam">
    Part 2 of the Deck Design Series: design a deck beam to NDS 2024, ASD or LRFD, with the Wood Beam: Deck Beam preset.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Design a Deck Joist" icon="calculator" href="/docs/calculators/us/beams/deck-design/deck-joist">
    Part 1 of the Deck Design Series: design a deck joist to NDS 2024, ASD or LRFD, with the Wood Beam: Deck Joist preset.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Design a Deck with Calcs.com" icon="calculator" href="/docs/calculators/us/beams/deck-design/index">
    A US example project that designs a deck to NDS 2024 (ASD and LRFD) in Calcs.com: joists, beams, posts and pier footings, linked through the load path.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Design a Wood Beam, Including Joists, Rafters, and Ridge Beams to NDS 2018" icon="calculator" href="/docs/calculators/us/beams/design-wood-beam-including-joists-rafters-ridge-beams">
    Design simple and complex span wood joists, rafters and ridge beams to NDS with the Calcs.com Wood Beam calculator, ASD or LRFD.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Flitch Beam Design" icon="calculator" href="/docs/calculators/us/beams/flitch-beam-design">
    Design a flitch beam, a wood beam with one or more attached steel plates, using a modular ratio in the Wood Beam calculator.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Proprietary Glulam Products Grade Matching" icon="calculator" href="/docs/calculators/us/beams/proprietary-glulam-products-grade-matching">
    Proprietary Glulam Products Grade Matching
  </Card>

  <Card title="Design a Wood Beam (ASD) to NDS 2024" icon="calculator" href="/docs/calculators/us/beams/timberBeamASDNDS-2024">
    Design wood beams to NDS 2024 (ASD): bending, shear, bearing and three deflection limits, with multi-ply and flitch plate options.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Use Treated (Wolmanized) PSL Products" icon="calculator" href="/docs/calculators/us/beams/using-treated-wolmanized-psl-products">
    Using Treated (Wolmanized) PSL Products
  </Card>

  <Card title="US Wood Beam - Basic Guide" icon="calculator" href="/docs/calculators/us/beams/wood-beam-basic-guide">
    Use the US Wood Beam calculator: size and grade selection, supports, load inputs, and reading moment, shear and deflection results.
  </Card>

  <Card title="US Wood Beam - Interpreting & Optimizing Results" icon="calculator" href="/docs/calculators/us/beams/wood-beam-interpreting-optimizing-results">
    Read the four wood beam checks (bending, shear, deflection and bearing) in Calcs.com and find ways to optimize the design.
  </Card>

  <Card title="US Wood Beam - Validation Examples (ASD & LRFD)" icon="calculator" href="/docs/calculators/us/beams/wood-beam-validation-example">
    Validation examples for wood beams (ASD and LRFD) to NDS 2018: Calcs.com moment, shear and deflection results compared with textbook results.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Worked Example: US Wood Beam to NDS 2018" icon="calculator" href="/docs/running-calculations/example-calculations/us/worked-example-us-wood-beam">
    Worked example: design a multi-span wood ridge beam to NDS 2018 in the Wood Beam calculator, with a one-page PDF and video to follow along.
  </Card>

  <Card title="United States Calculator Library" icon="list" href="/docs/calculators/us#timberBeamLRFDNDS-2024">
    Complete list of Calcs.com design calculators available for United States projects (AISC, ACI, NDS, ASCE 7, IBC, and related standards).
  </Card>

  <Card title="Design a Wood Column (LRFD) to NDS 2024" icon="calculator" href="/docs/calculators/us/columns/timberColumnLRFDNDS-2024">
    NDS 2024 LRFD wood column. Stability (Cp), combined bending and axial (NDS 3.9), and bearing with φc, KF, λ. Load reactions link from connected beams.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Design a Sloped or Angled Member" icon="book" href="/docs/running-calculations/setting-up-a-calculation/geometry-and-supports/design-sloped-or-angled-member">
    Design rafters, hip beams and other inclined members: set the slope, choose plan or inclined view, pick a load orientation, or convert lengths with formulas.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>