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Free Online Beam Calculator
with Instant Diagrams

What you can analyze

Perform professional-grade beam analysis within the RodX 2D finite element environment. Generate precise shear force (SFD), bending moment (BMD), and deflection diagrams in seconds.

  • Shear force diagrams (SFD)
  • Bending moment diagrams (BMD)
  • Bending stresses
  • Beam deflections
  • Support reactions

Calculation engine

Powered by the OpenSees finite element analysis engine — the same technology used by researchers and engineers worldwide.

All calculations are performed directly in the browser. No software installation required.

Typical beam analysis example

Bending moment diagram and support reactions for a continuous multi-span beam analyzed using the RodX online beam calculator
Example of a continuous beam model analyzed using the RodX with the Beam Wizard.

Beam Wizard

Beam analysis in RodX is performed within the general 2D FEA environment. The built-in Beam Wizard simplifies beam modeling and significantly reduces setup time, especially for multi-span beam systems.

Watch RodX in Action: 2-Minute Beam Analysis Guide

In this video, we demonstrate how to set up a multi-span beam, apply loads, and interpret FEA results in less than 2 minutes.

Start Beam Analysis →

How to Use 2D RodX FEA + Beam Wizard

  1. 1
    Launch the Wizard: In the top center panel, navigate to Wizard → Beam.

    On mobile, tap Wizard menu → Beam Wizard

  2. 2
    Define Material & Section: Select your desired material and section profile from the catalogs. If you need specific properties, click Create Custom Material/Section.
  3. 3
    Configure Spans: Enter your span lengths in the Span(s) field, separated by spaces or commas. Use the "*" symbol for multiple identical spans.

    Example: Entering 4 3*5 4 generates a continuous beam with spans of 4-5-5-5-4.

  4. 4
    Set Coordinates: Define the starting node for your beam in the X, Y fields (default is 1,1).
  5. 5
    Build the Model: Click the Generate Beam button to create the geometry in the workspace.
  6. 6
    Apply Boundary Conditions & Loads: Use the side panels to assign Supports (pinned, fixed, or roller) and apply Loads (point or distributed). You can also manage Load Cases for complex analysis.
  7. 7
    Analyze Results: View interactive, real-time Shear Force (SFD), Bending Moment (BMD), and Deflection diagrams directly on the model.

Calculate Bending Moment, Shear Force, and Deflection

Get accurate diagrams for M, V, and displacement. Visualize structural behavior instantly.

Support for Point Loads, UDL, and Moments

Apply concentrated forces, distributed loads, and moments to your beam model with ease.

Verified Against Analytical Solutions

The use of beam elements for the analysis of bending members is verified against analytical solutions and established benchmark problems. See Verification & Benchmarks.