Calculadora de vigas de acero
This free steel beam calculator helps you size and check steel beams for load, span, and deflection in one place. It is a starting point for headers, floor beams, and simple structural members.
How it works & formula
Sizing a beam means satisfying two limits. Bending: required section modulus S ≥ M / Fb, with M = wL²/8 for a uniform load. Deflection: the mid-span deflection δ = 5wL⁴/(384EI) must stay within your limit, typically L/360.
Choose the lightest section whose section modulus and moment of inertia meet both checks. Use E = 29,000 ksi (200 GPa) for steel and an allowable stress of about 0.66 Fy.
Reference data
Key properties for common sections used in sizing:
| Section | Sx (in³) | Ix (in⁴) | Weight (lb/ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| W8×18 | 15.2 | 61.9 | 18 |
| W10×22 | 23.2 | 118 | 22 |
| W12×26 | 33.4 | 204 | 26 |
| W14×30 | 42.0 | 291 | 30 |
Frequently asked questions
What size steel beam do I need?
Determine your load and span, compute the required section modulus for bending and the moment of inertia for deflection, then pick the lightest beam that meets both. This calculator performs those checks for standard sections.
How do you calculate a steel beam?
Find the maximum bending moment (M = wL2/8 for a uniform load), divide by the allowable stress to get the required section modulus, then verify deflection with delta = 5wL^4/(384EI).
What is section modulus?
Section modulus (S) relates a beam's cross-section to its bending strength: allowable moment equals S times allowable stress. Deeper sections have larger S and carry more moment for the same weight.
Should I design for strength or deflection?
Both. Short, heavily loaded beams are usually strength-governed; longer floor beams are deflection-governed. The controlling check is whichever demands the larger section.
Steel Beam Calculator
Calculate weight, load capacity and specifications for various steel beam types.
Beam Cross-Section
How to use this calculator:
- Select the steel beam type (I-Beam, H-Beam, Channel, etc.)
- Choose a standard size or toggle to enter custom dimensions
- Enter the length of the beam in meters or feet
- Select the steel material type
- Input the quantity of beams
- Click "Calculate" to get the weight and section properties
This calculator provides the weight of steel beams based on their dimensions, length, and material density. It also calculates important section properties for structural analysis.
Standard Steel Beam Properties
| Designation | Height (mm) | Width (mm) | Web (mm) | Flange (mm) | Weight (kg/m) |
|---|