Calculate estimated beam loads, uniform line loads, point loads, tributary area loads, total load, support reactions, maximum shear, and maximum bending moment. Use this beam load calculator for simple structural planning, framing estimates, floor beams, deck beams, headers, girders, and preliminary load checks.
Uniform load:
The calculator multiplies the uniform line load by beam span to estimate total load.
Tributary area load:
The calculator adds dead, live, and snow or roof load, then multiplies by tributary width to estimate pounds per linear foot.
Point load:
The calculator estimates support reactions based on the point load position along the beam span.
Combined load:
The calculator combines uniform load, tributary area load, and point load into one estimated beam load result.
A beam load calculator helps estimate how much load a beam may need to carry before sizing, comparing, or discussing the beam with a qualified professional.
It can help compare total load, pounds per linear foot, tributary area load, reactions, shear, bending moment, and basic load path assumptions.
Your result shows estimated beam span, uniform line load, tributary area load, point load, total load, left reaction, right reaction, maximum support reaction, maximum shear, and estimated maximum bending moment. These are planning estimates only and do not replace structural design.
A beam load is the weight or force a beam carries. Loads may come from floors, roofs, walls, snow, people, furniture, equipment, or other framing members.
Multiply the area load in pounds per square foot by the tributary width in feet. For example, 50 PSF over a 10-foot tributary width equals 500 PLF.
A point load is a concentrated load applied at one location, such as a post, column, bearing wall, or another beam framing into the main beam.
No. This calculator estimates loads and basic simple-span reactions. Beam sizing depends on material, grade, section properties, deflection limits, connections, bearing, code requirements, and load combinations.