Free Cantilever Beam Calculator
Analyse cantilever beams instantly with our free structural analysis tool. Get deflection, bending moment diagrams, and shear force results for any cantilever configuration—no signup or download required.
Visualise bending moment, shear force, and deflection diagrams instantly
Cantilever Beam Analysis
A cantilever beam is fixed at one end and free at the other—common in balconies, awnings, signage brackets, and retaining wall stems. Unlike simply supported beams, cantilevers develop maximum moment and shear at the fixed support, making accurate analysis essential for safe design.
Configurations
- Simple cantilever (fixed-free)
- Propped cantilever (fixed-roller)
- Cantilever with backspan
- Multiple cantilever spans
Load Types
- Point loads at any position
- Uniform distributed loads (UDL)
- Triangular / trapezoidal loads
- Applied moments
Results
- Maximum tip deflection
- Bending moment diagrams
- Shear force diagrams
- Fixed-end reactions and moments
Features
- Real section library (I-beams, channels, etc.)
- Steel design code checks (Pro)
- Multiple load combinations
- Save & share projects
How It Works
AutoCalcs uses Pynite, an open-source finite element engine, to solve cantilever problems using the Direct Stiffness Method. This means you get accurate results for any configuration—not just the standard textbook cases with closed-form solutions.
- Create a fixed support — Place a node with full fixity at the wall/column
- Draw your cantilever — Extend the beam to the free end
- Assign a section — Pick from the steel, timber, or concrete library
- Apply loads — Point loads, UDL, or combinations
- Run analysis — Instant results with deflection, moment, and shear diagrams
Why Choose AutoCalcs?
Most online cantilever beam calculators only handle a single point load or UDL with textbook formulas. AutoCalcs handles any combination of loads on any cantilever configuration:
- Any Load Combination — Multiple point loads, partial UDLs, and moments on the same beam.
- Design Code Checks — Integrated AISC 360, Eurocode 3, AS 4100, and CSA S16 steel design checks (Pro).
- Beyond Simple Cantilevers — Add backspans, intermediate supports, or extend into full frame models.
- Professional Accuracy — FEA-based solver, not simplified formulas.
- Instant Access — No installation, no signup. Open your browser and start.