Does this beam analysis calculator handle indeterminate beams?

Not on this page. The basic solver is for standard one-span cases. Use the continuous, fixed-fixed, or propped-cantilever pages when restraint or multiple supports control the response.

Is this page only for beam deflection?

No. It also returns reactions, shear, and bending moment, so it works as a compact preliminary beam analysis calculator rather than a deflection-only widget.

When should I stop using a closed-form beam page?

Move on when the real member has continuity, staged loading, changing stiffness, multiple concentrated loads that need a dedicated setup, or design checks tied to a project code workflow.

Beam Analysis

Beam Analysis Calculator

Estimate deflection, reactions, shear, and bending moment for common one-span beam cases with immediate visual feedback.

Switch between metric and imperial inputs while keeping the same elastic beam model.

Loading calculator...

Calculation Basis

MethodEuler-Bernoulli for standard one-span cases

ScopePreliminary elastic beam response check

ReviewTechnically reviewed: 2026-04-15

MethodologyView methodology

Assumptions & Limits

Linear-elastic behavior with small deflection assumptions.
Constant member stiffness E and I along the span.
Does not replace project-specific code checks or connection design review.

Reference Basis

Documentation: Methodology
Documentation: Engineering Review
Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain
Mechanics of Materials references

Validation Examples

These check cases show how key pages compare against known elastic beam benchmarks or symmetric reference cases.

Simply Supported UDL

Case setup

L = 6.0 m, w = 5.0 kN/m, E = 210 GPa, I = 8500 cm^4

Validated metric

Maximum deflection

Reference

Reference result: 4.73 mm

Calculator

Calculator result: 4.73 mm

Check

Difference: 0.00%

Benchmark: closed-form simple-span UDL formula

Cantilever Point Load

Case setup

L = 3.0 m, P = 8.0 kN at a = 3.0 m, E = 210 GPa, I = 3200 cm^4

Validated metric

Free-end deflection

Reference

Reference result: 10.71 mm

Calculator

Calculator result: 10.71 mm

Check

Difference: 0.00%

Benchmark: cantilever point-load formula

What this beam analysis calculator is best for

Fast one-span checks where you need deflection, support reactions, shear, and bending moment in one screen.
Early sizing studies before you move into a project-specific code check or a full frame model.
Teaching, QA, and hand-check comparison when the load case still fits classic Euler-Bernoulli beam formulas.

Need an indeterminate beam calculator?

If the beam has continuity, end restraint, or a prop, switch to the dedicated 1D stiffness-method pages below. Those cases are not reduced to the single-span formulas used in the basic beam analysis calculator.

2-Span Continuous Beam Solver 3-Span Continuous Beam Solver Propped Cantilever Beam Deflection Fixed-Fixed Beam Point Load

Typical beam analysis workflow

1. Pick the support model	Use the one-span solver for cantilever or simply supported beams only.
2. Set span, E, and I	Section stiffness usually drives the result more than anything else in early serviceability checks.
3. Run the load case	Point load and full-span UDL cover the fastest screening cases.
4. Compare the result	Use the deflection output against L/360, project criteria, or the next sizing iteration.

Beam Analysis FAQ

Does this beam analysis calculator handle indeterminate beams? Not on this page. The basic solver is for standard one-span cases. Use the continuous, fixed-fixed, or propped-cantilever pages when restraint or multiple supports control the response.
Is this page only for beam deflection? No. It also returns reactions, shear, and bending moment, so it works as a compact preliminary beam analysis calculator rather than a deflection-only widget.
When should I stop using a closed-form beam page? Move on when the real member has continuity, staged loading, changing stiffness, multiple concentrated loads that need a dedicated setup, or design checks tied to a project code workflow.