How do I calculate Beam Deflection & Stress?

To calculate Beam Deflection & Stress: Enter Loading configuration, Applied load F (or total w×L for UDL), Beam span L and other values. Click Calculate. INDUGRID computes the result instantly using the formula: Simply supported, central load: δ_max = F×L³/(48×E×I) | σ_max = M_max × c / I. No registration required.

What units does the Beam Deflection & Stress calculator use?

The Beam Deflection & Stress calculator uses the following units: kN, m, GPa, cm⁴, mm. SI units are used by default.

Is the Beam Deflection & Stress calculator free?

Yes. The INDUGRID Beam Deflection & Stress calculator is completely free, requires no account or login, and works on desktop and mobile browsers.

Structural Engineering

Beam Deflection & Stress

Calculate maximum deflection, bending stress and reaction forces for common beam loading configurations.

Units:

in LinkedIn

💡Maximum deflection L/300 is a common serviceability limit for machine frames. Structural beams: L/250. Precision equipment: L/500–L/1000. Check both strength (stress < allowable) AND stiffness (deflection < limit) — they often give different required sizes.

Simply supported, central load: δ_max = F×L³/(48×E×I) | σ_max = M_max × c / I

Input

Loading configuration iSelect the beam support and loading configuration.

Applied load F (or total w×L for UDL) iPoint load in kN, or total distributed load (w × L) in kN for UDL cases.

Beam span L iClear span length of the beam in metres.

Elastic modulus E iYoung's modulus of the material. Steel: 210 GPa, Aluminium: 70 GPa, Cast iron: 100–170 GPa.

GPa

Second moment of area I iSecond moment of area of the cross-section in cm⁴. HEA 100: 349, IPE 120: 318, RHS 100×60×4: 171 cm⁴.

cm⁴

Distance to neutral axis c iDistance from neutral axis to extreme fibre in mm. For symmetric sections: c = h/2.

Result

Maximum deflection δ_max [mm] —

Deflection ratio L/δ —

Maximum bending moment M_max [kN·m] —

Maximum bending stress σ_max [MPa] —

Deflection assessment —