Cantilever Beam Calculator

Compute shear, moment, deflection, and visualize loads with multiple load types.


Beam Properties

Point Loads
Value (kN)Position (m)Action
Value (kN/m)Start (m)End (m)Action
Start Value (kN/m)End Value (kN/m)Start Pos (m)End Pos (m)Action
Value (kN.m)Position (m)Action

Results

Max Shear (kN)
Max Moment (kN.m)
Max Deflection (mm)
Safety Check
Shear Force Diagram
Bending Moment Diagram
Deflection Diagram
Beam Diagram

Cantilever Beam Calculator – Free Online Structural Analysis Tool

A cantilever beam calculator is an essential tool for civil and structural engineers, construction professionals, and students who need to quickly evaluate shear force, bending moment, and deflection of beams under various loading conditions. This calculator simplifies structural analysis by providing accurate results for common load cases such as point loads, uniformly distributed loads (UDL), triangular loads, and applied moments.

Whether you are designing buildings, bridges, or mechanical components, the ability to analyze cantilever beams quickly is crucial for ensuring both safety and cost efficiency. Traditionally, engineers had to perform lengthy manual calculations or use complex structural software. Our free cantilever beam calculator bridges the gap by offering an interactive, browser-based solution that is easy to use, yet delivers engineering-grade accuracy.

Why Use a Cantilever Beam Calculator?

  • Accuracy: Compute shear force, bending moment, and deflection instantly.
  • Efficiency: Save time compared to manual hand calculations.
  • Visualization: Get charts and a beam diagram showing applied loads and reactions.
  • Flexibility: Add multiple loads (point, UDL, triangular, moments) at different positions.
  • Safety Checks: Compare results with deflection and shear limits using safety factors.

How the Cantilever Beam Calculator Works

The calculator uses fundamental principles of structural mechanics. A cantilever beam is a beam fixed at one end and free at the other. When loads are applied, it experiences internal stresses that cause bending and deflection.

The tool breaks down the beam into discrete positions along its length and computes:

  1. Shear Force Diagram (SFD): Shows how shear varies along the beam.
  2. Bending Moment Diagram (BMD): Displays internal bending effects.
  3. Deflection Curve: Visualizes how the beam bends under load.

For example, a point load applied at the free end creates maximum moment at the fixed support, while a uniformly distributed load spreads the effect along the span. The calculator accounts for these behaviors automatically.

Key Features of This Calculator

  • Add unlimited point loads, UDLs, triangular loads, and applied moments.
  • Interactive charts powered by Chart.js.
  • Beam diagram with clear visualization of loads and reactions.
  • Option to export charts and beam diagram as PNG or CSV.
  • Dark/Light mode support for better user experience.

Who Can Benefit?

This calculator is ideal for:

  • Civil Engineers: Quick checks for cantilever beams in building frames and bridges.
  • Mechanical Engineers: Shaft or machine component deflection analysis.
  • Students & Academics: Learning tool for structural analysis courses.
  • Architects: Estimating structural responses during preliminary design stages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A cantilever beam is a structural member fixed at one end and free at the other. It resists loads by creating shear forces, bending moments, and deflections. Common examples include balconies, overhangs, and cantilever bridges.

The calculator is based on classical beam theory equations, making it accurate for standard load cases. However, for complex structures, material non-linearity, or unusual loadings, detailed FEA software may be required.

Yes! You can export shear, moment, and deflection charts as PNG or CSV. The beam diagram can also be exported as an image for reports or presentations.

Yes, this cantilever beam calculator is completely free to use online with no registration required.