Frequently Asked Questions

AutoCalcs is a free, browser-based structural analysis tool for beams, frames, plates, and trusses. It allows you to create 3D models with members and quadrilateral or triangular plate elements, 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 from 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.

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.

Yes. You can use AutoCalcs completely for free without an account (up to 2 analysis runs per day). Sign up for a free account to get 5 runs per day, 20 cloud-saved projects, and settings sync. All free users are subject to an 8-node limit per model. Unchanged official sample models are exempt. Pro users get unlimited nodes, runs, cloud storage, and PDF and Excel analysis report exports.

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.

AutoCalcs supports linear static analysis, P-Delta (linearised second-order elastic) analysis, elastic buckling analysis, modal (natural frequency) analysis, and tension/compression-only member analysis. You can view results including bending moments, shear forces, axial forces, torsion, reactions, and deflected shapes.

Yes. You can import DXF files from CAD and IFC files as basic structural geometry. DXF maps supported lines, polylines, and plate faces onto nodes, members, and plates, converting CAD units and Z-up coordinates into the model. IFC import converts supported beams, columns, members, slabs, and walls into the same objects; it is a geometry import, not a full BIM/Revit round trip, so you assign materials and sections in AutoCalcs after import. You can also create models from scratch using the built-in 3D modelling tools including draw, copy, extrude, mirror, and split commands.

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.

Yes. Save your model to the cloud, then use Share in the ribbon to create a link. Anyone with the link can open it and clone a full copy into their own workspace (they must sign in). Your original project is not modified. Export to JSON is also supported for offline backup.

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.

The best place to start is our Structural FEA documentation, which walks through modelling, loads, supports, analysis types, and viewing results. If you prefer to follow along, we also have a video tutorial on YouTube that walks through building and analysing a simple beam from scratch.

We use Pynite, an open-source finite element analysis library based on the direct stiffness method.

AutoCalcs supports 3D beam/frame elements for beams, columns, braces, and truss members, plus flat quadrilateral and triangular plate/shell elements for slabs, walls, panels, and diaphragms. You can mix members and plates in the same model, assign materials, library cross-sections, or custom sections from Custom Section Builder, and define member end releases for pin connections.

Yes. The Custom Section Builder lets you draw a section from scratch, combine standard library shapes, add holes, or import a closed DXF outline. Calculate to get area, centroid, bending, torsion, shear, and warping properties. Free accounts get 3 calculations per day. Pro users can view stress contours, export a PDF, save sections to the cloud, and assign them to members in Structural FEA for analysis. Design checks are not supported for drawn sections. See the Custom Section Builder documentation.

Linear static, P-Delta (linearised second-order elastic), elastic buckling (Classic LBA and Wittrick-Williams exact), modal (natural frequencies and mode shapes), and tension/compression-only member active-set analysis. 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. Pro users can export PDF and Excel analysis reports containing geometry, loads, results, diagrams, and member forces. Pro also includes PDF handcalc exports from design checks. Every user can open the report dialog and configure the available sections before upgrading.

AutoCalcs supports international steel design standards including AISC 360-16 and AISC 360-22 (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 and reference calculations. You can review the verification tests and results for each standard: AISC 360-16, AISC 360-22, 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 standalone steel design calculators for each standard that let you check individual members without building a full FEA model. Usage limits apply on the free tiers (see the next question). Calculators: AISC 360-16, AISC 360-22, 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.

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