AutoCalcs is a free, browser-based structural analysis tool for beams, frames, and trusses. It allows you to create 3D models, apply loads and supports, and analyse structures for internal forces, reactions, and deflections-all from your browser with no installation required.
No. AutoCalcs is 100% cloud-based and runs entirely in your web browser. There's nothing to download or install, and you can access your projects from any device. If you prefer, you can optionally install AutoCalcs as a PWA (Progressive Web App) for a more native app-like experience, but this is completely optional.
AutoCalcs works best on modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. We recommend using the latest version of your preferred browser for the best experience.
Yes. Your data is stored securely on our servers with encryption. We use industry-standard security practices to protect your information and project data.
Account
Click the "Get Started" or "Sign In" button on the homepage. You can create an account using your email address or sign in with Google or other supported providers.
Yes. You can update your email address and other account details through your account settings after signing in.
Click "Sign In" and then select "Forgot password?" to receive a password reset link via email.
Pricing & Billing
Yes. You can use AutoCalcs completely for free without an account (up to 3 analysis runs per day). Sign up for a free account to get 20 runs per day, 20 cloud-saved projects, and settings sync. All free users are subject to a 12-node limit per model. Pro users get unlimited nodes, runs, and cloud storage.
We accept all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Payments are processed securely through our payment provider.
Yes. You can cancel your subscription at any time from your account settings. You'll continue to have access until the end of your current billing period.
Refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us at admin@autocalcs.com if you have concerns about your subscription.
Features & Usage
AutoCalcs supports linear static analysis, P-Delta (second-order) analysis, elastic buckling analysis, and tension/compression-only member analysis. You can view results including bending moments, shear forces, axial forces, torsion, reactions, and deflected shapes.
Currently, models are created directly within AutoCalcs using our intuitive 3D modelling tools including draw, copy, extrude, and mirror commands. Import functionality for CAD files is planned for future releases.
Without an account, your projects are saved locally in your browser storage. When signed in, projects can be saved to the cloud so you can access them from any device.
Free users can save up to 20 projects in cloud storage, plus unlimited projects in local browser storage. Pro users have unlimited cloud storage.
Project sharing features are planned for future releases. Currently, projects are private to your account.
Browser local storage has limited capacity and is shared across all websites. If you're not a Pro user and relying on local storage for saving projects, you may hit this limit-even if data from other sites is taking up space. To free up space, go to your browser settings > Privacy/Security > Clear browsing data > select "Cookies and site data" or "Local storage". Note: This will clear data for all sites, including your locally saved AutoCalcs projects, so be sure to export any files you want to keep before clearing.
Structural FEA
We use Pynite, an open-source finite element analysis library based on the direct stiffness method.
AutoCalcs supports 3D beam/frame elements for modelling beams, columns, braces, and truss members. You can assign materials, cross-sections from our library, and define member end releases for pin connections.
Linear static, P-Delta (second-order), elastic buckling, and general nonlinear analysis with tension-only and compression-only member support. All analysis types include full 3D results for bending moment, shear, axial force, torsion, reactions, and deflected shapes.
AutoCalcs provides comprehensive modelling tools including node and member creation, copy, extrude, mirror, and split commands. Smart snapping features (axis, grid, and inference snapping) help ensure accurate geometry. A command line interface is also available for power users.
Both metric (kN, m, MPa) and imperial (kip, ft, ksi) unit systems are supported. You can switch between them at any time and the model will convert automatically.
Yes. Free account users and above can export PDF and Excel reports containing analysis results, diagrams, and member forces. Pro users can also export PDF handcalcs from steel design checks.
Steel Design Checks
AutoCalcs supports four international steel design standards: AISC 360-16 (United States), EN 1993-1-1 Eurocode 3 (Europe), CSA S16-19 (Canada), and AS 4100:2020 (Australia). Each engine checks section classification, tension, compression, flexure, shear, lateral-torsional buckling, and combined actions.
Every design engine is paired with a live verification suite that compares results against published worked examples from textbooks and reference software. You can review the verification tests and results for each standard: AISC 360, Eurocode 3, CSA S16-19, AS 4100.
Each engine performs a comprehensive set of limit state checks including: section classification, tension capacity, compression (section and member buckling), flexural resistance (yielding and lateral-torsional buckling), shear resistance, and combined action interaction equations. The specific clauses and formulas used are documented on each engine's documentation page.
Yes. We offer free standalone steel design calculators for each standard that let you check individual members without building a full FEA model. These are available at AISC 360, Eurocode 3, CSA S16-19, and AS 4100.
Without an account you get 3 steel design checks per month. A free account gives you 10 per month. Pro subscribers get unlimited design checks and PDF handcalc exports. All tiers can access design checks within the Structural FEA tool.
Troubleshooting
First, try refreshing the page. If that doesn't help, try a hard refresh (Ctrl+Shift+R on Windows/Linux, Cmd+Shift+R on Mac) to clear the cache. If the issue persists, please contact us at admin@autocalcs.com with details about the problem.