User Guide

1A) Steel beam span length
This is the effective span length of the beam, the distance from the centre of one end bearing to the centre of the other end bearing. For example, if the clear distance between supports is 3m and the beam has a minimum end bearing length of 0.1m at both ends, you would work out the effective span length as follows:

3m + 0.1m/2 + 0.1m/2 = 3.1m

Figure 1A

1B) Steel beam shape and size
Our calculator defaults to "Universal Beams" but you can also choose "Universal Columns" and "Parallel Flange Channels" as well. Universal Beams and Universal Columns both have a distinctive "I" shape but whereas the depth and width are very similar in Universal Columns, the depth is always noticeably greater than the width in a Universal Beam. In contrast, Parallel Flange Channels have a C shape. Read more about these shapes.

Once you have chosen the right shape of beam, select its dimensions (Depth, Width and Weight) from the Dropdown Menu. If you're not sure what beam size to use, just allow the steel beam calculator to select the beam size for you.

You need to know what type of load your beam will be supporting.

• Uniformly Distributed Load is where the load is evenly distributed across the full length of the beam.
• Partial Uniformly Distributed Load is where the load is evenly distributed across part of the beam.
• Point Load is where there are localised loads at certain points along the beam.

2A) Uniformly Distributed Loads and Partial Uniformly Distributed Loads
If you choose one of these types, you can select the Loading Details from the Dropdown Menu (e.g. "Sloping roof with an angle of up to 30 degrees or timber floor in a domestic dwelling" and then enter the Width or Height of the load (use "other" if you can't see an option that describes the nature of your load.)

For details on how to calculate the load widths, see our Examples Page and Diagrams showing how to calculate load widths. We also have a list of Standard permanent loads for commonly used items, such as clay tiles and rafters.

You can add multiple loads (e.g. more roofs, floors, walls etc).

You do not need to add the weight of the steel beam itself, our calculator automatically does this.

2B) Point Loads
If the load on your beam is a Point Load, you will need to enter the dimension between the Point Load and the end of the beam, as well as its Permanent and Variable load.

If you need to work out the point load from a beam which is going to be supported by another beam, please see our How to design a beam which is required to support another beam guide.

3A) Variable load safety factor
We recommend this is 1.5 and our Calculator defaults to this.

3B) Permanent load safety factor
We recommend this is 1.35 and our Calculator defaults to this.

4A) You need to know if the beam is going to be Fully Restrained along its length. Usually, the answer is no. It is only classed as fully restrained if it meets the requirements stated in SCI Publication P360, an example being where a steel beam is cast into a concrete floor. If you need to know more, please call 01332 410066 for help.

4B) If your beam is not going to be fully restrained, you will need to know the length between its lateral restraints. This is usually the same as the beam span length. However, if another beam is fixed at right angles to the beam along its length, this will provide lateral restraint. In this case, you should measure the greatest distance between lateral restraints and enter these details. Please call us if you need help.

A Deflection Limit is the maximum amount you allow the beam to sag. You can set a limit for how much it can sag under Variable Loads – usually things that can change, such as people or furniture – and under Permanent Loads, such as the weight of the floor or a wall. Our Calculator defaults to the recommended limits, but you may need to change these.

5A) Variable Load Deflection Limit
Normally this is restricted to span/360, however there are exceptions. For example, if you are using the beam to span above bi-fold doors you may need to set a lower limit, or if the beam is going to be used as a structural ridge beam the variable load deflection should not normally exceed 10mm.

5B) Total Variable and Permanent Load Deflection Limit
We recommend this is usually span/200, however, some engineers recommend span/250.

That’s all the information we need. Now you just have to press the ‘Run Calculation’ button and your PDF report will appear in seconds. If you are using the auto select feature, you will be shown a list of all the steel beam sizes that are suitable for your requirements.