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Use our deck beam calculator to check beam load, span, moment, shear, and key size values for your deck project.
| Formula | Meaning |
|---|---|
| q = Live Load + Dead Load | Total deck load (psf) |
| TW = Joist Span ÷ 2 | Tributary width carried by the beam (one side) |
| w = q × TW | Uniform beam line load (lb/ft) |
| Mmax = wL² ÷ 8 | Maximum bending moment, simply supported, uniform load |
| Vmax = wL ÷ 2 | Maximum shear force |
| Sreq = Mmax(lb-in) ÷ Fb | Minimum section modulus needed for bending strength |
| S = bd² ÷ 6, I = bd³ ÷ 12 | Section modulus and moment of inertia of a rectangular beam |
| Δmax = 5wL⁴ ÷ (384EI) | Maximum deflection, simply supported, uniform load |
A deck beam holds up the deck frame. It spreads load to the posts. A good beam must carry the load with care. Our deck beam calculator helps you check key beam values fast.
It can help with beam load, span, shear, moment, and size checks. It works as a quick design aid for a wood deck. Always check your local code before you build.
A deck beam calculator gives key results from your deck size and load. It can help you find a beam line load and bending moment.
It can also help with beam size checks. This makes it useful for a deck beam size calculator, deck beam span calculator, or deck support beam calculator.
For wood work, you may also see terms like wood deck beam calculator or LVL deck beam calculator. The core math stays based on load, span, and beam shape.
First, find the total deck load:
Total Load = Live Load + Dead Load
Then find the tributary width:
Tributary Width = Joist Span ÷ 2
Next, find the beam line load:
Beam Load = Total Load × Tributary Width
For a simple beam with an even load, use:
Maximum Moment = Beam Load × Beam Span² ÷ 8
Maximum Shear = Beam Load × Beam Span ÷ 2
For a rectangular beam, the section modulus is:
Section Modulus = Beam Width × Beam Depth² ÷ 6
These formulas form the core of a deck beam load calculator.
The calculator does the math for you. You can use it as a free deck beam calculator for a quick first check.
Say your joist span is 8 ft. Your beam span is 12 ft. Use 40 psf live load and 10 psf dead load.
Total Load = 40 + 10 = 50 psf
Tributary Width = 8 ÷ 2 = 4 ft
Beam Load = 50 × 4 = 200 lb/ft
Maximum Moment = 200 × 12² ÷ 8 = 3,600 lb-ft
Maximum Shear = 200 × 12 ÷ 2 = 1,200 lb
So, the beam carries a line load of 200 lb/ft. Its max moment is 3,600 lb-ft. Its max shear is 1,200 lb.
A real beam check also needs wood grade, beam size, support details, and local code. A deck beam sizing chart or deck beam size chart can help, but don't use a chart without checking its limits.
A deck beam calculator gives you a fast way to check key beam values. It can help with beam span, load, moment, and shear. We developed this calculator so users can easily calculate deck beam values.
It can also help when you compare beam options. Still, it isn't a final code approval tool. Snow load, wood grade, posts, and local rules can change the result.
It is a tool that calculates key deck beam loads and strength values from your input.
First add live and dead load. Then multiply that load by the tributary width.
It is the clear span between beam supports, such as posts.
Yes, the core load math can help with an LVL beam. The final check needs the LVL grade and its design values.
The math can help with a first check. Canadian projects must also meet the local code and design rules.
No. Use it as a design aid. Get a professional review when the deck has unusual loads or support conditions.