Continuous Beams or Custom Configurations?
For more flexible analysis with multiple spans, variable loads and different support types
Free Beam Calculator Online - Bending Moment & Shear Force Diagrams
Free structural analysis calculator online specialized in bending moment diagrams and shear force for beams. Selecting the appropriate beam configuration and loading conditions is fundamental in structural design, as it provides a detailed summary of all structural properties with professional accuracy.
These include equations for resultant forces, shear forces and bending moments, crucial for beam analysis and design. The beam calculators are available in both metric and imperial units as well as MKS, facilitating the process of evaluating and optimizing structural beams.
Simply Supported Beams
Uniformly Distributed Load
Triangular Distributed Load
Symmetric Triangular Distributed Load
Central Uniform Distributed Load
Distributed Load at One End
Distributed Load at Each End
Point Load at Center of Beam
Point Load
Two Equal Point Loads Uniformly Distributed
Two Equal Point Loads Unequally Spaced
Two Different Point Loads
Beams Fixed at One End
Beams Fixed at Both Ends
Cantilever Beams
Single Span Beams with Cantilever
Two Span Continuous Beams
Three Span Continuous Beams
What Properties Are Calculated?
Bending Moment Diagram
Our beam calculator generates precise bending moment diagrams for any configuration. Identifies maximum positive and negative moments, essential for designing structural sections and longitudinal reinforcement.
Shear Force Diagram
Automatic calculation of shear force diagram along the beam. Determines maximum shear and location of critical points for verifying shear resistance and designing transverse reinforcement.
Support Reactions
Calculates vertical, horizontal reaction forces and moments at all supports. Critical information for designing foundations, columns and structural connections.
Deflection and Slopes
Complete analysis of maximum deflections and deflection curves. Verifies serviceability limits according to structural codes and optimizes beam sizing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the online beam calculator work?
The online beam calculator uses structural mechanics formulas to solve statically determinate and indeterminate beams. Enter the dimensions, loads and support conditions to obtain bending moment diagrams, shear force, deflections and reactions instantly.
What types of loads does the beam calculator support?
The calculator handles uniformly distributed loads, triangular loads, point loads, partial distributed loads and multiple load combinations. It also considers variable loads and applied moments for comprehensive beam analysis.
What's the difference between determinate and indeterminate beams?
Determinate beams have exactly the number of reactions needed for static equilibrium and are solved using equilibrium equations. Indeterminate beams have more reactions than available equilibrium equations, requiring compatibility of deformation methods for solution.
How to interpret the bending moment diagram?
In the bending moment diagram, positive values indicate bending that causes tension in the bottom fiber and compression in the top fiber. Negative values reverse this condition. Maximum points determine cross-sectional sizing.
What units does the beam calculator handle?
The calculator operates in metric system (kN, m, GPa), imperial system (lb, ft, ksi) and MKS system (ton, m, kg/cm²). Results are automatically presented in the selected units for international convenience.
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Browse the complete collection of structural beam formulas. Find equations for moment, shear, deflection and reactions for each type of beam and loading configuration.
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