Can I use the calculator for cantilever beams?

The calculator uses imperial units (feet, pounds, inches) by default but also supports metric input, so you can enter values in either system as long as they are consistent within a single calculation.

Do I need to sign up to run a basic beam analysis?

The tool provides formulas for common loading cases such as simply supported beams with uniform loads, showing moment, shear, and deflection equations like wL²/8 for moment and 5wL⁴/384EI for deflection, with results displayed in diagrams and tables.

ConstructionTool Review

Beam Deflection Calculator

Provided byCalcs.com (formerly ClearCalcs)calcs.com

This free beam calculator uses an FEA engine to compute shear, moment, and deflection from user-defined beam geometry...

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Screenshot of Beam Deflection Calculator on Calcs.com (formerly ClearCalcs) — calcs.comOpen the live tool →

About this tool

What Beam Deflection Calculator does

The Simply Supported Beam Calculator on Calcs.com is a free, FEA-powered tool that computes reactions, shear forces, bending moments, slopes, and deflections for user-defined beam configurations. Users input span length, material modulus, and section properties to get instant results, with the ability to model multiple load cases, support types, and overhanging or propped beams without requiring an account. The output includes tabulated per-span moments and support reactions alongside visual diagrams showing moment, shear, and deflection along the beam's length. While advanced features require signup, the core analysis workflow is immediately accessible. Compared to other online beam tools, Calcs.com’s version distinguishes itself by offering both imperial and metric unit support with a streamlined interface that skips registration for basic calculations, and it includes specialized options for cantilever and propped beam configurations that some competitors reserve for paid tiers. The site also provides clear, code-independent explanations of the underlying formulas, making the physics transparent to the user.

Step by step

How to use the Calcs.com (formerly ClearCalcs) Beam Deflection Calculator

1
Enter beam geometry by setting span length, elastic modulus, second moment of area, and cross-sectional area in the designated fields
2
Add supports at any position along the beam, selecting fixed, pinned, or roller types to model cantilevers or propped configurations
3
Apply point loads in pounds or distributed loads in pounds per foot, using unequal magnitudes for linearly varying loads or partial load placement
4
View instant diagrams and tables showing bending moment, shear force, and deflection results, with per-span and per-support values tabulated below the charts

Is it right for you

Best for

Engineers, students, or DIYers who need a quick, code-independent beam analysis without creating an account, especially those working with imperial units or modeling complex support conditions like cantilevers and propped beams.

Limitations

Results are based on linear elastic assumptions and may not account for material nonlinearity or local buckling
No automatic unit conversion between imperial and metric; users must input consistent units
Advanced material models, composite sections, or detailed code checks require a paid signup or external software

Questions

Beam Deflection Calculator FAQ

Can I use the calculator for cantilever beams?: The calculator uses imperial units (feet, pounds, inches) by default but also supports metric input, so you can enter values in either system as long as they are consistent within a single calculation.
Do I need to sign up to run a basic beam analysis?: The tool provides formulas for common loading cases such as simply supported beams with uniform loads, showing moment, shear, and deflection equations like wL²/8 for moment and 5wL⁴/384EI for deflection, with results displayed in diagrams and tables.

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