🏛 Beam & Column Calculator PRO
Determine beam depth, width, column size, rebar count, and material cost for wood, steel, or concrete structures.
Dimension Diagram — updates as you type
Simply supported beam elevation. Span and load set the depth; columns carry it to the footing.
1 Beam Specifications
2 Column Specifications
Higher safety factors recommended for seismic zones and high-wind areas.
Results
Beam Sizing
Column Sizing
Reinforcement (Concrete)
Weight & Cost
⚠️ Pre-Export Checklist
- Structural engineer review recommended for spans >16 ft
- Live and dead loads verified per local building code
- Connection details and bearing conditions specified
- Lateral bracing requirements confirmed
- Seismic zone and wind load requirements checked
- Building permit obtained
- Material grade and specifications confirmed with supplier
Professional Structural Sizing Guide
📐 Formulas & Engineering Standards ▼
Wood Beam (IRC Rule of Thumb)
Depth (in) = Span (ft) × 1.5
Width (in) = Depth ÷ 2
Suitable for residential loads up to 40 psf. Verify with span tables for specific species and grades.
Steel Beam (AISC)
Required Section Modulus S = (M × 12) / Fb
Where M = Load × Span² / 8 (moment)
Select W-shape beam with section modulus exceeding calculated value.
Concrete Beam (ACI 318)
Depth (in) = Span (ft) × 1.2 (min)
Width (in) = Depth ÷ 2 (min)
Rebar: 4 bars minimum for beams, 4 bars for columns. Stirrups at d/2 spacing.
Column Sizing
Wood: 4×4 min for 1 story, 6×6 for 2 story
Steel: W6×15 to W8×31 depending on load and height
Concrete: 12"×12" min for residential, 16"×16" for commercial
💡 Pro Tips ▼
- Always oversize by 10-20% to account for notching, drilling, and load variations.
- Wood beams can lose 50% strength if notched — avoid notching beyond midspan.
- Steel beams require fire protection in most commercial applications.
- Concrete columns need confinement reinforcement (ties/stirrups) for seismic zones.
- Consult a structural engineer for spans over 20 ft or non-residential loads.
Drag to rotate — Scroll to zoom
Calculatrices Connexes
Frequently used together on the same project.
Client & Quote (prints on PDF & Excel)
Adjustments (applies to exports)
Contingency is added as a separate line on the exported cost summary. Waste % is printed as an advisory reminder.
Project notes (prints on PDF & Excel)
Result compare (A/B)
| Item | Pinned | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Saved rates auto-apply from your Price Library. Advanced details stay in your browser — nothing is uploaded except inside your own PDF/Excel exports.
📖 Comment Utiliser la Calculatrice
Entrez la portée de la poutre.
Sélectionnez le matériau.
Entrez la charge permanente.
Entrez la charge d'exploitation.
Cliquez sur Calculer.
Passez en revue l'analyse détaillée.
📐 Formules de Conception
⚠️ Erreurs Courantes
Sous-estimer les charges.
Ignorer les limites de déflexion.
Ne pas considérer les charges ponctuelles.
Sélectionner uniquement par résistance.
Ignorer les détails de connexion.
💡 Conseils Professionnels
Consultez un ingénieur pour les portées supérieures à 6 mètres.
Considérez les charges futures.
Utilisez des produits de bois ingénierisé pour les longues portées.
Vérifiez les codes locaux.
Planifiez le placement tôt.
Considérez les critères de vibration.
Utilisez la section la plus légère.
❓ Questions Fréquentes
Dépend de la portée, des charges et du matériau. Règle générale, les poutres en bois typiques font 200 à 300mm de profondeur.
Les poutres en acier offrent un meilleur rapport résistance/poids et de plus longues portées. Les poutres en bois sont moins coûteuses.
Dépend de la taille, du matériau et de la portée. Une poutre en acier typique supporte 15 à 25 kN par mètre.
Limites courantes: portée/360 pour charge vivante et portée/240 pour totale.
Oui, si correctement conçues et connectées. Cet approche peut être plus économique.
🏗️ Applications Réelles
Utilisez notre calculatrice pour estimer tailles, capacités de charge et exigences.
✅Method, Sources & Review
Maintained by theBuildingCalc methods desk· Last reviewedSeptember 23, 2026. This calculator implements the standards and references below; every figure can be rechecked against the formulas and worked example on this page.
Results are estimates, not engineering advice. Verify against local codes and licensed professionals for structural, electrical, and gas work. See ourTerms. Spotted an error? Report it— corrections ship with the next review.