LVL Beam Span Calculator Size, Deflection & Load Checks

Calculate beam size, maximum span, deflection, shear, and bending checks for Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) beams. Based on NDS 2024 / IBC 2021 principles.

NDS 2024 IBC 2021 Free Tool Real-Time Bending + Shear + Deflection
Units
⚠ For preliminary design only. Consult a licensed engineer for final approvals.
⚡ Quick Load Presets
🔳 Beam Properties
psi
psi
psi
in
⇄ Span & Loading
ft
Enter a valid span (1–80 ft)
ft
psf
psf

Point load is added to the uniform load calculation. Location assumed at midspan for worst-case bending.

lbs
% span
ⓘ Self-weight auto-calculated based on dimensions and LVL density (~36 lb/ft³). Added to dead load automatically.
🔳

Enter beam properties and loading, then click Calculate Beam to see results.

➤ Try a quick preset above to get started instantly.

☑ Section Properties

\[ b_{total} = b_{ply} \times n_{plies} \]
\[ I = \frac{b \cdot d^3}{12} \]
\[ S = \frac{b \cdot d^2}{6} \]

b = total beam width (in), d = beam depth (in), I = moment of inertia (in⁴), S = section modulus (in³)

☑ Uniform Load Conversion

\[ w = (w_{LL} + w_{DL}) \times L_{trib} \]

w = total uniform load (plf), wˇ = live/dead load (psf), Lₜᵣᵢᵇ = tributary width (ft). Self-weight of beam also added to dead load.

☑ Bending Moment (Simple Span)

\[ M_{max} = \frac{w L^2}{8} \]
\[ M_{point} = \frac{P \cdot a \cdot b}{L} \]

M = maximum moment (lb·in), w = uniform load (plf), L = span (ft), P = point load, a+b = L

☑ Adjusted Bending Stress

\[ F'_b = F_b \times C_D \times C_M \times C_t \times C_L \]
\[ f_b = \frac{M}{S} \leq F'_b \]

F'ᵇ = adjusted allowable bending stress (psi), Cᴰ = load duration, Cᴹ = wet service, Cₜ = temp, CĻ = lateral stability

☑ Shear Check

\[ V_{max} = \frac{w L}{2} \]
\[ f_v = \frac{1.5 \cdot V}{A} \leq F'_v \]

V = maximum shear (lbs), A = b × d (in²), F'ᵥ = adjusted allowable shear stress (psi)

☑ Deflection Check (Uniform Load)

\[ \Delta_{max} = \frac{5 w L^4}{384 E I} \]
\[ \Delta_{allow} = \frac{L}{360} \text{ (live load)} \]

Δ = midspan deflection (in), w = uniform load (lb/in), L = span (in), E = modulus (psi), I = moment of inertia (in⁴)

☑ Bearing Check

\[ R = \frac{w L}{2} \]
\[ l_b = \frac{R}{b \times F_{c\perp}} \]

R = end reaction (lbs), lᵇ = required bearing length (in), Fᵐ⊥ = compression perpendicular to grain (psi, typically 625 psi for LVL)

☑ Floor Vibration (Simplified)

\[ f_n \approx \frac{\pi}{2} \sqrt{\frac{g}{\Delta_{DL}}} \]

fₙ = natural frequency (Hz), ΔᴰĻ = dead load deflection (in), g = 386.4 in/s². Target: fₙ > 8 Hz for residential comfort.

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⚠ This tool provides preliminary estimates only. Always consult a licensed structural engineer before construction. Results do not constitute engineering approval.