How do I use the Structural Steel I-Beam Load Capacity & Deflection Sizer?

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AISC Structural Steel Engineering

Structural Steel I-Beam Sizing & Deflection Calculator

Calculate allowable uniformly distributed load (UDL), maximum bending moment (M_max = wL²/8), moment of inertia (Ix), and live load deflection limits (L/360).

Beam Span & Section

Clear Span Distance (ft)

Standard Wide-Flange (W-Beam) Section

Total Uniform Design Load (plf - dead + live)

Structural Check & Deflection

Maximum Midspan Bending Moment

M = wL² / 8

47,500 ft-lbs

Calculated Midspan Deflection

Δ = 5wL⁴ / 384EI (E=29,000 ksi)

0.42 Inches

AISC Deflection Compliance (L/360)

Allowable limit = 0.67 Inches

PASS (SAFE)

Residential floor beams require deflection not exceeding L/360 to prevent drywall ceiling cracking and floor vibration bounce.