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Beam Span Calculator

Review preliminary beam span choices with load, species, grade, ply count, and use case stated.

Reviewed
2026-09-05
Units
US + metric

Calculated result / live

5000 lb total load

The preliminary line load is 500 lb/ft. Use the load and clear span to select an approved beam table or engineered member.

10.00 ft clear span × 10.00 ft tributary width at 40 psf live + 10 psf dead load.

Input panel

Project measurements

Secondary quantities
Clear span10.00 ft
Line load500 lb/ft
Total modeled load5000 lb

Calculation trace

Formula with your numbers

10.00 ft × 10.00 ft × (40 + 10) psf = 5000 lb

5000 lb total load
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What this beam span calculator calculates

A 12 ft span with a 10 ft tributary width at 40 psf live plus 10 psf dead models 6,000 lb total load.

Formula

Clear span × tributary width × (live load + dead load) = total load; tributary width × total psf = line load.

Worked example

12 × 10 × (40 + 10) = 6,000 lb, or 500 lb/ft of line load over the 12 ft span.

Ordering decision

Point loads, bearing, connections, deflection, species, plies, and lateral restraint require a verified design.

The page cites the applicable Uzi Tools reference table beside the calculator. Product labels, current editions, local code, and a licensed professional govern structural, electrical, and life-safety work.

02

How to use it

  1. Enter the measured dimensions and keep the displayed units beside each field.
  2. Review the beam load from span and tributary width result and the substituted formula before ordering.
  3. Adjust waste for the layout, cut pattern, product package, and site conditions.
  4. Copy or print the material list, then verify the cited product data and local requirements.
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Beam load from span and tributary width

Use this beam calculator for a preliminary uniform-load check. It turns clear span, tributary width, live load, and dead load into line load and total modeled load without pretending to select a beam size.

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Limits and professional review

Measurements, product yield, waste, moisture, and site conditions can change the order quantity. Local code and a licensed professional govern structural and electrical work.

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Data sources

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Related calculations

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Same-project tools

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Questions specific to this estimate