Engineering AI Assistant — User Guide
AI chat, AISC sections, unit converter, RFQ generator, offline calc, history & right-click context menu — engineering answers in one Chrome extension.
Engineering Calculator AI Co-Pilot
Complete User Guide — Chrome Extension for Structural, Mechanical & Civil Engineers
AISC 360-22
ASCE 7-22
ACI 318
AWS D1.1
Eurocode
Offline Capable
Multi-AI: Claude · GPT · Gemini · Grok
What Is the Engineering Calculator AI Co-Pilot?
The Engineering Calculator AI Co-Pilot is a free Chrome browser extension built for practising structural, civil, and mechanical engineers. It brings AI-powered calculations, AISC steel section lookup, unit conversions, code-compliant member design, and professional document generation directly into your browser — without switching tabs, opening Excel, or navigating to another website.
Every feature is built around real engineering workflows — the same tasks engineers repeat dozens of times a day: converting MPa to psi, checking a beam's moment capacity, looking up W14X90 section properties, or writing a steel purchase RFQ.
AI Engineering Chat
Code-grounded answers with formulas, clause references, and step-by-step numeric results.
Instant Offline Calc
Weight, unit conversion, and section modulus results — no API call, no internet needed.
AISC Section Database
150+ W-shapes, HSS, angles, and channels from AISC SCM 16th Edition — fully offline.
Unit Converter
50+ engineering unit conversions across stress, force, length, mass, moment, and section properties.
RFQ & Document Generator
12 professional templates — RFQ, NCR, inspection reports, submittal letters — in seconds.
Conversation History
Last 50 AI conversations saved locally. Re-open, copy, email, or share any past calculation.
Right-Click Context Menu
Highlight any engineering value on any webpage, right-click, and instantly Calculate, Convert, Explain, Lookup Section, Solve, or Generate RFQ — without switching tabs.
✅ Accuracy Statement: All offline calculations use published AISC Steel Construction Manual 16th Edition data and verified mathematical constants. AI-generated design checks are based on AISC 360-22, ASCE 7-22, ACI 318, and AWS D1.1. Always verify critical results against the relevant code and have designs reviewed by a licensed professional engineer. Results are for preliminary design and engineering judgement — not for construction without independent verification.
How to Install the Engineering Calculator Chrome Extension
1
Download from the Chrome Web Store
Search "Engineering Calculator AI Co-Pilot" in the Chrome Web Store, or visit SteelSolver.com for the direct link. Click Add to Chrome.
2
Pin the extension to your toolbar
Click the puzzle-piece icon (🧩) in Chrome's top-right corner → find "Engineering Calculator" → click the pin icon. The orange gear icon (⚙️) now appears in your toolbar.
3
Add your API key (for AI features)
Click the extension icon → go to ⚙️ Settings tab → choose your AI provider (Claude, OpenAI, Gemini, or Grok) → paste your API key → click Save API Key. Offline features (Sections, Convert, Tools) work immediately without a key.
4
Start calculating
Click ⚙️ in your toolbar to open the 520×660px popup. All 7 tabs are immediately accessible.
Free vs Premium — What's Included at Each Tier?
| Feature | Free Forever | 14-Day Trial | Premium ($9/mo or $49 lifetime) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔧 Tools Tab — live sitemap sync | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 📐 Sections Tab — 150+ AISC sections offline | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 🔄 Convert Tab — 50+ unit pairs offline | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| ⚙️ Settings / Preferences | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 💬 AI Chat — full responses | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 🕘 History — last 50 conversations | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Right-click context menu (Calculate/Convert/Explain) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Follow-up question suggestions | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Multi-AI provider (Claude/GPT/Gemini/Grok) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Copy / Share / Email / WhatsApp results | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 📧 RFQ document generation | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
💡 No credit card required for the 14-day trial. After trial, upgrade at Gumroad and paste your License Key in Settings → Activate to unlock instantly.
Key Engineer Pain Points — How This Extension Solves Them
⏱ Tab-switching wastes time
Engineers switch between code books, Excel, calculator websites, and email constantly. This extension puts all those tools in one click without leaving the page you're reading.
🔢 Unit conversion errors cause mistakes
MPa vs psi, kN vs kip, mm vs inch — wrong units are a leading cause of engineering errors. The built-in converter handles 50+ pairs with verified conversion factors.
📚 Section properties require AISC manual
Looking up Ix, Sx, Zx for W14X90 means opening a 1000-page manual. The offline section database gives you all properties in 2 seconds, anywhere.
📧 RFQ emails take 20+ minutes to draft
Writing procurement RFQs, NCRs, and inspection reports from scratch wastes time. One-click templates generate complete, professional documents instantly.
🧠 Preliminary design checks need code books
Quick "will this beam work?" checks meant opening AISC 360, finding the right clause, and doing the algebra. AI Chat does preliminary code checks in seconds.
📱 No engineering tool works on any webpage
If you're reading a spec, quote, or email with an engineering value in it, there was no way to instantly act on it. The right-click context menu solves this on any page.
Before vs After — What Engineers Experience
| 😤 Before This Extension | ✅ After Installing |
|---|---|
| Open 3 browser tabs to find unit conversion factors while reviewing drawings | Type "250 kN to tonnes" directly in the extension — instant result in 1 second |
| Manually search a 1000-page AISC PDF to find W18X50 section properties | Type "W18X50" in Sections tab — all 10 properties returned offline in 2 seconds |
| Spend 30 minutes writing a steel purchase RFQ email from a blank page | Click "Steel Purchase RFQ" template → complete professional email in under 10 seconds |
| General AI chatbots give vague answers with no code clause references or formula steps | Every AI answer shows: formula → substitution → result → AISC/ASCE code clause |
| No way to instantly act on engineering values seen in a vendor email or PDF | Select text → right-click → Calculate/Convert/Explain/RFQ on any webpage |
| Lost past calculations — no record of what was computed last week | History tab stores last 50 conversations with copy, email, and WhatsApp share |
Extension Interface Overview — 7-Tab Layout
Clicking the ⚙️ toolbar icon opens a 520×660px popup with seven tabs. The diagram below shows the AI Chat tab in action with annotations identifying every key element:
Tab 1 — 💬 AI Chat: AI-Powered Engineering Calculations
The AI Chat tab is the core feature. Type any engineering question in plain language and receive a code-grounded answer with formulas, variable substitutions, numeric results, and code clause references.
36 Quick-Start Prompts — One Click to Calculate
The welcome screen shows a 2-column grid of 36 engineering prompt buttons organised by category:
| Category | Prompts Available | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ⚖️ Weight & Mass | Plate · Bar · Pipe · Rebar | Weight of 12mm plate 2.5m × 1.2m |
| 🔄 Unit Conversion | MPa↔psi · kN↔tons · mm↔inch · kN·m↔kip·ft | Convert 345 MPa to psi and ksi |
| 📐 Section Lookup | W14X90 · W18X50 · HSS 6×6 · W-shape Select | All properties for W14X90 |
| 🏗️ Beam Design | Simple UDL · Cantilever · Composite · Deflection | W18X50, 7m, 25 kN/m — AISC 360 |
| 🏛️ Column Design | Column Check · Column Select · Euler Buckling | W10X49, 4m, 400 kN, pinned-pinned |
| 🔩 Connections | Bolt · Fillet Weld · Bolt Group · Base Plate | M20 Grade 8.8 single shear capacity |
| 🌬️ Loads | Wind · Seismic · Snow · Load Combinations | ASCE 7-22 wind on 10m × 6m wall |
| 📊 Formulas | Plastic Modulus · Shear Force · Moment of Inertia · Stress | Explain Zx vs Sx with example |
| 📧 Documents | Steel RFQ · Weld Procedure · Inspection Report · NCR | Complete RFQ for 30T MS plate A36 |
Instant Offline Calculations — No API Key Needed
Simple queries are answered instantly without an AI call, using built-in formulas:
Steel Plate Weight Formula
W = ρ × t × L × B
Where: ρ = 7850 kg/m³ (steel density), t = thickness (m), L = length (m), B = width (m)
Example: 12mm × 2.5m × 1.2m
W = 7850 × 0.012 × 2.5 × 1.2 = 282.6 kg
Where: ρ = 7850 kg/m³ (steel density), t = thickness (m), L = length (m), B = width (m)
Example: 12mm × 2.5m × 1.2m
W = 7850 × 0.012 × 2.5 × 1.2 = 282.6 kg
⚠️ Common mistake: Enter plate thickness in mm, not metres. The calculator converts automatically. Entering 0.012 instead of 12 will give a result 1000× too small.
Steel Round Bar Weight Formula
W = ρ × (π/4) × d² × L
Where: d = diameter (m), L = length (m), π/4 = 0.7854
Example: 20mm dia, 6m length
W = 7850 × 0.7854 × (0.020)² × 6 = 14.8 kg | Linear: 2.47 kg/m
Where: d = diameter (m), L = length (m), π/4 = 0.7854
Example: 20mm dia, 6m length
W = 7850 × 0.7854 × (0.020)² × 6 = 14.8 kg | Linear: 2.47 kg/m
Steel Pipe Weight Formula
W = ρ × (π/4) × (OD² − ID²) × L
Where: ID = OD − 2 × wall thickness
Example: 219.1mm OD, 8mm wall, 12m
ID = 219.1 − 2×8 = 203.1mm
W = 7850 × 0.7854 × (0.2191² − 0.2031²) × 12 = 49.3 kg
Where: ID = OD − 2 × wall thickness
Example: 219.1mm OD, 8mm wall, 12m
ID = 219.1 − 2×8 = 203.1mm
W = 7850 × 0.7854 × (0.2191² − 0.2031²) × 12 = 49.3 kg
Moment of Inertia — Rectangular Section
The second moment of area Ix is the fundamental property for beam deflection, flexural stress, and lateral-torsional buckling checks.
Ix = b × h³ / 12 (moment of inertia, mm⁴ — strong axis)
Sx = b × h² / 6 (elastic section modulus, mm³)
Zx = b × h² / 4 (plastic section modulus, mm³)
Example: 200mm wide × 300mm deep rectangle:
Ix = 200 × 300³ / 12 = 450 × 10⁶ mm⁴
Sx = 200 × 300² / 6 = 3,000 × 10³ mm³
Zx = 200 × 300² / 4 = 4,500 × 10³ mm³
Sx = b × h² / 6 (elastic section modulus, mm³)
Zx = b × h² / 4 (plastic section modulus, mm³)
Example: 200mm wide × 300mm deep rectangle:
Ix = 200 × 300³ / 12 = 450 × 10⁶ mm⁴
Sx = 200 × 300² / 6 = 3,000 × 10³ mm³
Zx = 200 × 300² / 4 = 4,500 × 10³ mm³
Worked Example — Built-up I-Section Ix (Parallel Axis Theorem)
Built-up I-Section: Flanges 200×20 mm, Web 400×10 mm
Web contribution: Ix_web = 10 × 400³ / 12 = 53.33 × 10⁶ mm⁴
Each flange centroid is at y = (400/2 + 20/2) = 210 mm from N.A.
Ix_flange (own) = 200 × 20³ / 12 = 0.133 × 10⁶ mm⁴
Ix_flange (parallel axis) = 200 × 20 × 210² = 176.4 × 10⁶ mm⁴ per flange
Total Ix = 53.33 + 2 × (0.133 + 176.4) = 406.4 × 10⁶ mm⁴
Sx = Ix / (d/2) = 406.4×10⁶ / 220 = 1847 × 10³ mm³
⚠️ Common mistake: Forgetting the parallel axis term A×d² for flanges offset from the neutral axis — this accounts for >99% of the flange's Ix contribution.
Euler Column Buckling Formula
Pcr = π² × E × I / (K × L)²
Where: E = 200,000 MPa (steel), I = moment of inertia (mm⁴),
K = effective length factor, L = column height (mm)
K values: Both pinned = 1.0 | Fixed-pinned = 0.7 | Fixed-fixed = 0.5 | Fixed-free = 2.0
Where: E = 200,000 MPa (steel), I = moment of inertia (mm⁴),
K = effective length factor, L = column height (mm)
K values: Both pinned = 1.0 | Fixed-pinned = 0.7 | Fixed-fixed = 0.5 | Fixed-free = 2.0
Effective Length Factor K — Code Reference Table (AISC 360-22)
| End Condition | K (Theoretical) | K (AISC Recommended) | Effect on Pcr vs Pinned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both ends pinned | 1.0 | 1.0 | Baseline |
| Fixed base, pinned top | 0.699 | 0.80 | 1.56× higher capacity |
| Both ends fixed | 0.5 | 0.65 | 2.37× higher capacity |
| Pinned base, fixed top (sway) | 2.0 | 2.10 | 0.23× — most vulnerable |
| Fixed base, free top (cantilever) | 2.0 | 2.10 | 0.23× — most vulnerable |
⚠️ Common mistake: Using K = 1.0 for all columns. A fixed-base column has K = 0.7–0.8, which can increase load capacity by 1.5–2×. Always confirm actual boundary conditions before designing.
Follow-Up Question Suggestions
After every AI response, 5 context-aware follow-up chips appear below the answer — generated based on what you asked:
- Beam question → "Check lateral torsional buckling", "What is φVn?", "Show BMD"
- Column question → "Combined axial + bending interaction", "Slenderness ratio KL/r"
- Weight question → "Convert to tonnes", "Calculate cost at $850/tonne"
- Weld question → "What electrode type?", "Is preheat required?"
Copy, Share, and Export AI Responses
- 📋 Copy — copies the full text response to clipboard
- 🔗 Share — opens share buttons: ✉️ Email · 💬 WhatsApp · 🐦 X/Twitter · 💼 LinkedIn
- Orange calculator buttons — each relevant response includes a direct link to the full SteelSolver.com calculator
Worked Example: Beam Design Check
Worked Example — W18X50 Beam AISC 360-22 LRFD
W18X50 Simply Supported Beam — 7m Span, 25 kN/m UDL
Type in AI Chat: W18X50 beam, 7m simply supported, 25 kN/m UDL — check moment capacity and deflection per AISC 360
Factored moment: Mu = w × L² / 8 = 25 × 7² / 8 = 153 kN·m
Section properties (W18X50): Zx = 800 × 10³ mm³ (AISC SCM 16th Ed.)
Plastic moment: Mp = Fy × Zx = 345 × 800,000 = 276 kN·m
Design capacity (AISC 360-22 Eq. F2-1): φMn = 0.9 × 276 = 248 kN·m
Check: Mu = 153 kN·m < φMn = 248 kN·m → ✅ PASS (DCR = 0.62)
Service deflection: δ = 5wL⁴ / 384EI = 12.4 mm
Deflection limit (L/360): 7000/360 = 19.4 mm → 12.4 mm < 19.4 mm → ✅ PASS
ℹ️ This check covers compact section flexure and serviceability deflection only. Lateral-torsional buckling, shear, and web crippling must be checked separately for production design.
Tab 2 — 🔧 Tools: Live Calculator Directory with Auto-Sync
The Tools tab displays every live calculator from the SteelSolver.com sitemap, auto-synced every 24 hours. No manual updates needed — publish a new page and it appears automatically.
How the Auto-Sync Works
- On install and every 24 hours, the extension fetches
https://www.steelsolver.com/sitemap-pages.xml - Every
/p/URL slug is extracted from the sitemap - Each slug is auto-categorised using keyword matching (e.g.
bolt-group→ Fasteners & Bolts) - Hub pages, info pages, FAQs, and privacy pages are automatically excluded
- The popup shows only live tools — nothing more, nothing less
15 Auto-Categorised Tool Categories
- 📐 Structural Steel (Beams · Columns · Connections · Trusses · Foundations)
- ⚛️ Mechanical Properties (Stress · Thermal · Fatigue · Hardness)
- 🔥 Fabrication & Machining (Welding · Bending · Cutting · Cost)
- 🏗️ Construction & Architecture (Building · Loads · Takeoff)
- ⚖️ Weight & Dimensions (Standard Shapes · Pipes · Section Properties)
- 📈 Trade & Sustainability (Cost · Logistics · Carbon)
- 📦 Construction Materials (Concrete · Lumber · Roofing)
- 🔄 Unit Converters · ⚙️ Mechanical Engineering · 💧 Fluid Mechanics
- 🌡️ Thermal Engineering · ⚡ Solar & Electrical · 📏 Angle & Geometry · 🔩 Fasteners & Bolts
💡 Search: Use the search box above the category list to filter by keyword. Type "bolt" to instantly find all bolt-related calculators across all categories.
Tab 3 — 📐 Sections: AISC Steel Section Lookup — Fully Offline
The Sections tab gives instant access to the complete AISC Steel Construction Manual 16th Edition section database — 150+ sections, fully offline. No internet connection required once installed.
How to Look Up a Section
- Type the designation:
W14X90,HSS6X6X1/2,L4X4X1/2,C15X50 - Click Lookup or press Enter
- Filter by type: All · W-Shapes · HSS · Angles · Channels
- Click 💬 Ask AI about this section to send all properties to AI Chat for design checks
- Click 📋 Copy Props to copy A, Ix, Sx, Zx, W to clipboard
Section Properties Explained
| Symbol | Property | Unit (US) | Unit (SI) | Used For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Cross-sectional area | in² | mm² | Axial load, weight calculation |
| d | Total depth | in | mm | Clearance checks, depth limits |
| bf | Flange width | in | mm | Lateral stability, connection geometry |
| tf | Flange thickness | in | mm | Weld design, compactness check |
| tw | Web thickness | in | mm | Shear capacity, web crippling |
| Ix | Moment of inertia (strong axis) | in⁴ | mm⁴ | Deflection, elastic stress |
| Sx | Elastic section modulus | in³ | mm³ | Elastic bending stress = M/Sx |
| Zx | Plastic section modulus | in³ | mm³ | LRFD φMn = 0.9 × Fy × Zx |
| rx | Radius of gyration (strong axis) | in | mm | Slenderness ratio KL/rx |
| W | Self-weight | lb/ft | kg/m | Dead load (1 lb/ft = 1.488 kg/m) |
⚠️ Units note: All section properties are in US customary units (in², in³, in⁴) as published in the AISC SCM. To convert: 1 in⁴ = 416,231 mm⁴ · 1 in³ = 16,387 mm³ · 1 in² = 645.16 mm²
8 Section Quick Tools
- 📏 Moment Capacity — φMn per AISC 360-22 Chapter F
- ✂️ Shear Capacity — φVn per AISC 360-22 Section G2
- 🏛️ Axial Capacity — φPn column check per AISC 360-22 Chapter E
- ⚖️ Weight/m — linear weight in lb/ft and kg/m
- 📊 Compare Sections — side-by-side Ix, Sx, Zx, W comparison
- 🔍 Select by Moment — lightest section for a given factored moment
- 📐 Deflection Check — L/360 or L/240 serviceability
- 🔩 Compact Check — flange and web compactness per AISC Table B4.1b
Tab 4 — 🔄 Convert: 50+ Engineering Unit Conversions — Works Offline
The Convert tab provides instant, verified conversions across 8 engineering unit groups. All conversions work fully offline with no API key required.
Stress and Pressure
| From | To | Exact Factor | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPa | psi | × 145.038 | 345 MPa = 50,038 psi |
| psi | MPa | ÷ 145.038 | 36,000 psi = 248.2 MPa |
| MPa | ksi | × 0.145038 | 250 MPa = 36.3 ksi |
| MPa | N/mm² | × 1 (equal) | 345 MPa = 345 N/mm² |
| MPa | kPa | × 1000 | 1.5 MPa = 1500 kPa |
Force and Load
| From | To | Exact Factor | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| kN | tonne-force | ÷ 9.80665 | 250 kN = 25.48 t |
| kN | lbf | × 224.809 | 100 kN = 22,481 lbf |
| kN | kip | × 0.224809 | 100 kN = 22.48 kip |
| kN/m | lb/ft | × 68.5218 | 25 kN/m = 1713 lb/ft |
| kg | lb | × 2.20462 | 100 kg = 220.5 lb |
| kg/m | lb/ft | × 0.671969 | 74.1 kg/m = 49.8 lb/ft |
Moment and Torque
| From | To | Exact Factor | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| kN·m | kip·ft | × 0.737562 | 100 kN·m = 73.76 kip·ft |
| N·m | lb·ft | × 0.737562 | 1355 N·m = 999 lb·ft |
| N·m | lb·in | × 8.85075 | 100 N·m = 885 lb·in |
Section Properties
| From | To | Exact Factor | Use For |
|---|---|---|---|
| mm⁴ | in⁴ | ÷ 416,231 | Moment of inertia Ix, Iy |
| in⁴ | mm⁴ | × 416,231 | Converting AISC tables to SI |
| mm³ | in³ | ÷ 16,387 | Section modulus Sx, Zx |
| in³ | mm³ | × 16,387 | Converting AISC tables to SI |
| mm² | in² | ÷ 645.16 | Cross-sectional area A |
⚠️ Common mistake: Confusing kN (point force) with kN/m (distributed load). Dividing a 25 kN/m UDL by 9.807 gives 2.55 tonne/m — not the same as converting a point load. Select the correct conversion group.
Tab 5 — 📧 RFQ: Engineering Document Generator — 12 Templates
The RFQ tab provides one-click generation of complete, professional engineering documents in the AI Chat tab. Click any template and a fully written document is generated in seconds.
Available Document Templates
- 📋 Steel Purchase RFQ — supplier quotation request with grade, quantity, MTR requirements
- 📊 Material Request (MR) — internal procurement document with approval blocks
- 🔍 Site Inspection Report — pass/fail checklist for beams, columns, welds, bolts
- 📨 Supplier Follow-up — professional overdue delivery chase email
- 📝 Weld NCR — Non-Conformance Report for weld defects (AWS D1.1)
- 🏗️ Submittal Cover Letter — shop drawing submission with code references
- 📐 Design Calculation Cover — calc package cover sheet and table of contents
- 🔩 Bolt/Weld Inspection Form — connection inspection checklist (AISC + AWS)
- ⚠️ Change Order Request (COR) — scope/cost variation with breakdown
- 📉 MTR Verification Checklist — mill test report check against ASTM
- 🏛️ Column Design Summary — AISC 360-22 LRFD calculation note
- 🌬️ Wind/Seismic Load Report — ASCE 7-22 lateral load summary
Tab 6 — 🕘 History: Last 50 Conversations with Share Options
The History tab saves your last 50 AI conversations automatically (if the "Save history" preference is on). Each saved conversation shows:
- The question you asked (truncated to 90 characters)
- A preview of the AI answer (truncated to 120 characters)
- Time ago (e.g. "2h ago", "3d ago")
- 💬 Re-open — loads the full conversation back into AI Chat
- 📋 Copy — copies Q+A to clipboard
- ✉️ Email — opens your email client with Q+A pre-filled
- 💬 WA — shares to WhatsApp
Tab 7 — ⚙️ Settings: API Key, AI Provider, Preferences & Premium
Supported AI Providers
| Provider | Model Used | Free Tier | Get API Key |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claude (Anthropic) | Claude Haiku | No | console.anthropic.com |
| OpenAI / GPT | GPT-4o-mini | No | platform.openai.com |
| Google Gemini | Gemini 1.5 Flash | Yes | aistudio.google.com |
| Grok / xAI | Grok Beta | No | console.x.ai |
💡 Recommended for beginners: Google Gemini has a free tier with generous daily limits — enough for typical engineering use without any charges.
4 User Preferences
- ✅ Show calculator links in AI replies — orange buttons linking to full SteelSolver calculators
- ✅ Instant offline calculations — weight/conversion results shown before the AI responds
- ✅ Save conversation history — store last 50 conversations in History tab
- ✅ Show units clearly in all results — units displayed alongside every numeric result
Activating Premium with License Key
1
Purchase on Gumroad — Visit muhiuddinalam.gumroad.com/l/mvcxoh and complete payment ($9/month or $49 lifetime).
2
Copy your License Key — Check your Gumroad receipt email. The License Key looks like:
XXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXX3
Paste in Settings — Open the extension → ⚙️ Settings → scroll to the Activation field → paste your License Key → click Activate Premium.
4
Instant unlock — The extension verifies your License Key against Gumroad's API and unlocks all premium features immediately. No email or account required.
Right-Click Context Menu — Calculate on Any Webpage
The most powerful feature of the extension is the right-click context menu — it lets you act on any engineering text on any webpage in Chrome, without copying, switching tabs, or reformatting.
How to Use the Right-Click Context Menu
1
Highlight any engineering text on any webpage — a value, a formula, a section designation, a material spec, anything.
2
Right-click the selected text. The browser context menu opens.
3
Hover over "⚙️ Engineering Calculator" in the menu to expand the submenu.
4
Choose your action — the selected text is automatically prefixed with the right instruction and sent to AI Chat.
Real-World Context Menu Examples
| You're Reading | You Highlight | You Right-Click | AI Does |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplier quote | "219.1mm OD × 8mm wall, 12m" | ⚖️ Calculate | Returns pipe weight: 49.3 kg |
| AISC code PDF | "W = Fy × Zx" | 📐 Explain Formula | Explains each variable with worked example |
| Tender document | "W14X90" | 🔍 Lookup Section | Returns all 10 section properties |
| Engineering spec | "345 MPa Grade A36" | 🔄 Convert Units | Returns 50,038 psi / 345 N/mm² |
| Project email | "50 tonnes MS plate 12mm" | 📧 Generate RFQ | Writes complete purchase RFQ email |
| Calculation sheet | "W10X49 column, 400 kN" | 🧠 Solve / Design | Full AISC 360-22 LRFD column check |
🔒 Privacy note: Selected text is stored only in
chrome.storage.session — which clears automatically when Chrome closes. It is transmitted only to your chosen AI provider (Anthropic/OpenAI/Google/xAI) using your own API key, and never to SteelSolver servers.Real-World Usage — How Engineers Use This Extension Every Day
🛒 Procurement Engineer
Reviewing a structural drawing, needs weight of all steel members for the material takeoff. Right-clicks the plate schedule text → Generate RFQ → complete purchase order email drafted in seconds, including material grade, quantity, MTR requirements, and delivery terms.
🏗️ Site Engineer
On site, notices a column appears undersized. Types "W10×49 column 4m pinned-pinned, 350 kN axial, check AISC 360" — gets the full LRFD check: φPn, slenderness ratio KL/r, and pass/fail — in under 10 seconds, without SAP2000.
📐 Steel Detailer
Needs W14×90 flange width and thickness to size a moment end-plate connection. Types "W14X90" in the Sections tab — instantly gets bf, tf, tw, d, Ix, Sx, Zx without opening the 1000-page AISC Steel Construction Manual.
💰 Estimator
Types "weight of 100 pieces 12mm plate 2.4m × 1.2m" — gets the total tonnage instantly and calculates cost at current market rates, feeding the data directly into the bid submission.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
⚠️ Wrong: Mixing LRFD and ASD load factors
AISC 360 LRFD uses φ = 0.9 for bending. ASD uses Ω = 1.67. Don't mix them. Tell the AI which method: "Check this beam using LRFD" or "Check using ASD".
AISC 360 LRFD uses φ = 0.9 for bending. ASD uses Ω = 1.67. Don't mix them. Tell the AI which method: "Check this beam using LRFD" or "Check using ASD".
⚠️ Wrong: Entering weight per metre as total weight
W18X50 means 50 lb/ft (74.4 kg/m). For a 6m beam: total weight = 74.4 × 6 = 446 kg. Don't enter "50" as the total weight.
W18X50 means 50 lb/ft (74.4 kg/m). For a 6m beam: total weight = 74.4 × 6 = 446 kg. Don't enter "50" as the total weight.
⚠️ Wrong: Assuming Cb = 1.0 for all beams
The moment gradient factor Cb increases the allowable moment for beams with non-uniform moment. For simply supported beams with UDL, Cb ≈ 1.14. Using Cb = 1.0 is conservative but may result in an unnecessarily heavy section.
The moment gradient factor Cb increases the allowable moment for beams with non-uniform moment. For simply supported beams with UDL, Cb ≈ 1.14. Using Cb = 1.0 is conservative but may result in an unnecessarily heavy section.
⚠️ Wrong: Using effective length KL without checking end conditions
K = 1.0 is only for pinned-pinned columns. A column fixed at base and pinned at top has K = 0.7–0.8 — which increases load capacity by up to 2×. Always confirm actual boundary conditions.
K = 1.0 is only for pinned-pinned columns. A column fixed at base and pinned at top has K = 0.7–0.8 — which increases load capacity by up to 2×. Always confirm actual boundary conditions.
⚠️ Wrong: Confusing Sx and Zx
Sx (elastic modulus) is for serviceability checks. Zx (plastic modulus) is for LRFD strength design. φMn = 0.9 × Fy × Zx, not Sx. Using Sx underestimates capacity by the shape factor (~1.12 for W-shapes).
Sx (elastic modulus) is for serviceability checks. Zx (plastic modulus) is for LRFD strength design. φMn = 0.9 × Fy × Zx, not Sx. Using Sx underestimates capacity by the shape factor (~1.12 for W-shapes).
⚠️ Wrong: Pasting the API key into the chat box
The API key will appear in your conversation history and is visible to others if you share. Always save it via ⚙️ Settings → API Key field — stored locally, never in chat.
The API key will appear in your conversation history and is visible to others if you share. Always save it via ⚙️ Settings → API Key field — stored locally, never in chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the extension work without an internet connection?
Yes, partially. The Sections tab (150+ AISC sections), Convert tab (50+ unit pairs), and offline instant calculations (plate weight, bar weight, pipe weight, unit conversions) all work completely offline. AI Chat, the Tools sitemap sync, and premium verification require internet.
Does my API key get stored securely? Who can see it?
Your API key is stored in
chrome.storage.local — local to your browser only, never transmitted to SteelSolver.com servers. It is sent directly to your chosen AI provider (Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, or xAI) when you submit a chat message.How accurate are the AI design checks?
AI responses are based on AISC 360-22, ASCE 7-22, ACI 318, AWS D1.1, and other referenced codes as instructed in the system prompt. They are suitable for preliminary design and feasibility checks. All critical results should be independently verified by a licensed structural engineer against the full code before use in construction documents.
Why are section properties shown in US customary units (in², in⁴)?
The AISC Steel Construction Manual is published in US customary units. The extension uses AISC SCM 16th Edition data as published. Use the Convert tab: 1 in⁴ = 416,231 mm⁴, 1 in³ = 16,387 mm³, 1 in² = 645.16 mm².
Why does the AI show LaTeX-style formulas like $$W = \rho \times t$$?
The extension is configured to output plain-text formulas (× ÷ √ π). If you see
$$ or \frac, the extension's built-in LaTeX converter will clean it up automatically. If it still appears, try clearing the chat and asking again.How do I activate Premium after purchasing on Gumroad?
After purchasing, check your Gumroad receipt email for your License Key (format:
XXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXX). Open the extension → ⚙️ Settings → paste the key → click Activate Premium. Verification happens instantly via Gumroad's API.What happens after the 14-day free trial ends?
AI Chat, History, and context menu features stop working. Free features (Sections, Convert, Tools) continue working indefinitely. A prompt in Settings shows upgrade options. Purchase and activate Premium to restore full access.
Can I use this on sites other than SteelSolver.com?
Yes. The extension works on any webpage in Chrome. The right-click context menu works on any site. AI Chat works anywhere. The Tools tab syncs tools from SteelSolver.com's sitemap but can also detect engineering calculator links on the current page.
Which AI model gives the best engineering answers?
In testing, Claude Haiku (Anthropic) gives the most code-accurate structural engineering responses. Gemini 1.5 Flash is recommended for cost-conscious users as it has a free tier. GPT-4o-mini is a strong middle option. Grok is newer with less engineering-specific training data.
The "Tools" tab shows no tools. How do I fix this?
Click the 🔄 Sync Now button in the Tools tab. This fetches the latest sitemap from SteelSolver.com. If you're offline, no tools will appear until you reconnect. Tools sync automatically every 24 hours once internet is available.
About This Extension
The Engineering Calculator AI Co-Pilot is developed and maintained by SteelSolver.com — a free structural and steel engineering calculator platform with 200+ tools covering AISC, ASCE, ACI, AWS, and NDS standards.
For support, feature requests, or to report a bug, visit www.steelsolver.com.
📋 Disclaimer: This extension and its AI features are provided for informational and preliminary design purposes only. All structural calculations must be reviewed, verified, and stamped by a licensed professional engineer before use in construction documents. SteelSolver.com accepts no liability for errors in AI-generated design results. AISC, ASCE, ACI, AWS, and NDS standards are the authoritative references — always consult the current edition.