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Cantilever Beam Calculator

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Measured from the fixed support to the free end
Point Load P at the Free End
A single concentrated load applied right at the free end of the beam.
Concentrated force applied downward at x = L
Material and Section Properties
Example values are illustrative only -- not a universal material assumption. Steel ~200 GPa, Aluminum ~70 GPa.
Cross-sectional property about the bending axis
Bending Stress (optional)
Leave on "Do not calculate" if you only need reactions, shear, moment, slope, and deflection -- section properties are not required for those.
Formula Reference (Cantilever, Fixed at x=0, Free at x=L)
Load CaseReaction / Moment / ShearSlope / Deflection (max, at free end unless noted)
Point load at free endRa=P, Ma=PL, Vmax=P, Mmax=PLθ=PL²/2EI, δ=PL³/3EI
Point load at position aRa=P, Ma=Pa, Vmax=P, Mmax=Paθ(L)=Pa²/2EI, δ(L)=Pa²(3L-a)/6EI, δ(a)=Pa³/3EI
Uniform distributed loadRa=wL, Ma=wL²/2, Vmax=wL, Mmax=wL²/2θ=wL³/6EI, δ=wL⁴/8EI
Triangular load (max at fixed end)Ra=w0L/2, Ma=w0L²/6, Vmax=w0L/2, Mmax=w0L²/6θ=w0L³/24EI, δ=w0L⁴/30EI (verified)
Formula correction note: for the triangular load case (max intensity at the fixed end, zero at the free end), the free-end deflection coefficient is 1/30, verified here by independent Euler-Bernoulli double integration and cross-checked against beam-deflection-table references. The commonly-seen 11/120 coefficient is correct only for the opposite load orientation (max intensity at the free end).
Assumes a straight, prismatic beam, linear-elastic material, and small deflections (classical Euler-Bernoulli theory). Does not calculate transverse shear stress, buckling, fatigue, or structural code compliance.
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A Cantilever Beam Calculator helps you find beam loads, bend, slope, and deflection. A cantilever beam has one fixed end and one free end. Think of a diving board fixed to a pool deck. The free end bends when you add weight.

Our online Cantilever Beam Calculator makes these checks easy. Enter your beam size, load, and material data. The tool then works out key results. Use them to check a beam before you build or change it.

Cantilever Beam Formula

The right formula depends on the load type. Here, L means beam length, P means point load, and w means load per unit length. E is Young's modulus. I is the second moment of area.

Point Load at the Free End

Max bending moment = P × L

Max slope = P × L² / (2 × E × I)

Max deflection = P × L³ / (3 × E × I)

Point Load Along the Beam

Let a be the load's distance from the fixed end.

Max bending moment = P × a

Free-end deflection = P × a² × (3L − a) / (6 × E × I)

Uniform Load (UDL)

For a uniform load across the full beam:

Max bending moment = w × L² / 2

Max slope = w × L³ / (6 × E × I)

Max deflection = w × L⁴ / (8 × E × I)

Triangular Load

This case has the highest load at the fixed end. The load drops to zero at the free end.

Max bending moment = w₀ × L² / 6

Max slope = w₀ × L³ / (24 × E × I)

Max deflection = 11 × w₀ × L⁴ / (120 × E × I)

How to Use the Online Cantilever Beam Calculator

  1. Choose a load type. Pick a tip load, a point load, a uniform load, or a triangular load.

  2. Enter the beam length. Choose a unit, such as m, mm, ft, or in.

  3. Enter the load. For a point load inside the beam, add its distance from the fixed end.

  4. Add material and section data. Enter Young's modulus and the second moment of area.

  5. Click Calculate. Review the support reaction, shear, moment, slope, and deflection. Add section data if you need bending stress.

Example Cantilever Beam Calculation

Say a steel beam is 2 m long. A 1,000 N load acts at its free end. Use E = 200 GPa and I = 8 × 10⁻⁶ m⁴.

First, find the support reaction.

Reaction = P = 1,000 N

Next, find the max bending moment.

Moment = P × L = 1,000 × 2 = 2,000 N·m

Now, find the max slope.

Slope = P × L² / (2EI) = 0.00125 rad

Last, find the max deflection.

Deflection = P × L³ / (3EI) = 0.001667 m

That equals about 1.67 mm. These results assume a straight, elastic beam with small deflection.

Final Verdict

A Cantilever Beam Calculator gives fast results for common beam loads. It helps with early design checks and basic learning. But a quick result cannot prove that a beam is safe. Check stress, buckling, support details, load limits, and local building codes before you rely on a design.

FAQs

What does a Cantilever Beam Calculator find?

It finds support reactions, shear force, bending moment, slope, and beam deflection.

What is the max deflection formula for a cantilever beam?

For a point load at the free end, use P × L³ / (3EI). For a full-length uniform load, use w × L⁴ / (8EI).

Can I use mm and kN?

Yes, if the tool converts all inputs to one consistent unit system before it solves the formulas.

Does this calculator prove a beam is safe?

No. It uses an ideal beam model. A qualified engineer must check the full design and the rules that apply to the project.