Shear and Moment Diagram Calculator
Calculate support reactions, shear force diagrams, bending moment diagrams, maximum shear, maximum moment, and values at any beam location.
Calculator is for informational purposes only. Terms and Conditions
Choose the beam setup
Select the beam type, example case, result focus, unit preset, and sign convention.
Enter beam geometry and loads
Add point loads, distributed loads, and applied moments at any beam location.
Beam, Shear, and Moment Diagrams
The beam diagram, shear force diagram, and bending moment diagram update with each load.
Solution
Live reactions, maximum shear, maximum moment, key values, warnings, and solution steps.
Quick checks
- Check—
Show key values table See values at supports, loads, zero shear points, and maximum locations
| Location | Event | V before | V after | M before | M after |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enter values to generate the key values table. | |||||
Show solution steps See reactions, equilibrium checks, unit conversions, assumptions, and diagram logic
- Enter values to see the full calculation steps and checks.
Source, Standards, and Assumptions
Calculation basis, sign convention, assumptions, and limitations.
Beam reactions are calculated from static equilibrium. Shear and moment diagrams are generated from the load-shear-moment relationships.
- Final structural design must be verified by a qualified engineer using applicable codes and project-specific load combinations.
On this page
Calculator Guide
How to Use the Shear and Moment Diagram Calculator
The Shear and Moment Diagram Calculator above calculates support reactions, shear force diagrams, bending moment diagrams, maximum shear, maximum moment, and values at a selected beam location. It is designed for statically determinate beams such as simple spans, overhanging beams, and cantilevers.
Use the calculator first to build the diagram, then use this guide to understand why the reactions, jumps, slopes, maximum values, and sign conventions appear the way they do. A shear and moment diagram is more than a graphic: it is the internal force map used to find critical beam sections for structural analysis and preliminary design checks.
Quick Answer
A shear and moment diagram calculator uses static equilibrium to find reactions, then builds the shear force diagram \(V(x)\) and bending moment diagram \(M(x)\) along the beam. Point loads create jumps in shear, distributed loads create sloped or curved shear, and moment changes according to the area under the shear diagram.
Do not rely on a simplified calculator when…
Do not use this as the only basis for final structural design, code compliance, continuous multi-span beams, fixed-fixed beams, propped cantilevers, nonlinear supports, dynamic loading, buckling checks, or load-rated construction decisions. Final design must also check load combinations, material capacity, deflection, lateral bracing, connection forces, support bearing, and applicable structural codes.
Inputs and Outputs for Shear and Moment Diagrams
The calculator needs a beam type, beam length, support conditions, and one or more loads. The output is a complete statics summary: reactions, shear values, moment values, critical locations, and a diagram that shows how internal forces change along the beam.
| Type | Value | What It Means | Common Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input | Beam length | Total distance from the left end to the right end of the beam. | ft, in, m, mm |
| Input | Beam type | Support arrangement such as simple span, overhanging beam, or cantilever. | — |
| Input | Support locations | Locations where vertical reactions occur for simple or overhanging beams. | ft, m |
| Input | Point load | A concentrated force applied at a specific beam location. | lb, kip, N, kN |
| Input | Distributed load | A load spread over a length, including uniform, triangular, or trapezoidal loading. | lb/ft, kip/ft, N/m, kN/m |
| Input | Applied moment | A concentrated couple applied at a beam location. | lb-ft, kip-ft, N-m, kN-m |
| Input | Check location \(x\) | A specific beam location where the calculator reports \(V(x)\) and \(M(x)\). | ft, in, m, mm |
| Output | Support reactions | Forces or fixed-end moments required to keep the beam in equilibrium. | lb, kip, N, kN; moment units for fixed ends |
| Output | Shear force diagram | Graph of internal vertical shear force along the beam. | lb, kip, N, kN |
| Output | Bending moment diagram | Graph of internal bending moment along the beam. | lb-ft, kip-ft, N-m, kN-m |
| Output | Key values table | Values before and after supports, point loads, applied moments, zero-shear points, and maximum locations. | varies |
Formula Used for Shear and Moment Diagrams
Shear and moment diagrams are built from equilibrium and the relationship between load, shear, and bending moment. Reactions come from force and moment balance, while the diagram shape comes from how load changes shear and how shear changes moment.
Static Equilibrium
These equations are used first to calculate the support reactions for statically determinate beams.
Load, Shear, and Moment Relationships
A distributed load \(w(x)\) changes shear, and shear \(V(x)\) changes bending moment \(M(x)\).
Area Relationships
The change in shear equals the negative area under the distributed load, while the change in moment equals the area under the shear diagram.
Maximum Moment Condition
A local maximum or minimum bending moment often occurs where the shear diagram crosses zero, unless a boundary, fixed support, or applied moment jump controls.
Variables Used in Shear and Moment Calculations
Every shear and moment calculation depends on consistent sign convention and distance measured from a reference point. In this calculator, locations are measured from the left end of the beam.
| Symbol | Meaning | How to Enter or Interpret It |
|---|---|---|
| \(L\) | Beam length | Enter the total beam length in one consistent length unit. |
| \(x\) | Location along the beam | Measured from the left end. Use \(x=0\) at the left end and \(x=L\) at the right end. |
| \(R_A, R_B\) | Support reactions | Calculated by equilibrium. Positive reaction values typically act upward in the reaction result. |
| \(P\) | Point load magnitude | Enter force magnitude and location. Positive downward loads reduce shear. |
| \(w(x)\) | Distributed load intensity | Enter start and end intensity for uniform, triangular, or trapezoidal loads. |
| \(V(x)\) | Shear force at location \(x\) | Read from the shear force diagram or key values table. |
| \(M(x)\) | Bending moment at location \(x\) | Read from the bending moment diagram or key values table. |
| \(M_0\) | Applied point moment | Creates a jump in the bending moment diagram but does not create a shear jump. |
How to Use This Calculator Step by Step
Start with the physical beam setup, then add loads one at a time. After each change, check that the reaction values, diagram shapes, and maximum locations make engineering sense.
Select the beam type
Choose simple span, overhanging beam, cantilever fixed at left, or cantilever fixed at right. This determines which reactions are available.
Enter beam geometry
Enter the beam length and, when applicable, support locations. For a simple span, supports are typically at \(x=0\) and \(x=L\).
Add loads and moments
Add point loads, distributed loads, and applied moments. Use distributed load start and end intensities to model uniform, triangular, or trapezoidal loads.
Choose the result focus
Select maximum moment, maximum shear, reactions, full summary, or values at a specific \(x\)-location. Use the check location input to find \(V(x)\) and \(M(x)\) at a chosen point.
Check the diagram and solution table
Review support reactions, jump locations, zero-shear points, maximum moment locations, diagram readout values, and the key values table before using the result.
Calculator-specific tip
Use the Example Case dropdown to test standard beam cases, then edit the loads to match your actual beam. Use the Key Values Table to inspect values immediately before and after point loads, supports, and applied moments.
Sign Convention Used by the Calculator
Sign convention is one of the most common reasons a shear or moment diagram appears different from a textbook answer. The magnitudes can be correct even when a diagram is drawn with the opposite sign convention.
| Quantity | Positive Convention | Practical Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical load | Positive downward | A positive point load or distributed load acts downward on the beam. |
| Uplift load | Negative vertical load | Use a negative load value for upward loads. |
| Support reaction | Positive upward in the reaction result | A negative reaction can indicate uplift at that support. |
| Applied point moment | Positive counterclockwise | A point moment creates a jump in the bending moment diagram. |
| Bending moment | Positive sagging | Sagging is commonly visualized as a smile-shaped curvature. |
| Negative bending moment | Hogging | Hogging commonly occurs near fixed supports or over supports in overhanging/continuous behavior. |
Textbook convention warning
If your textbook or class uses the opposite convention, your signs may appear reversed even when the absolute values are correct. Always compare the stated sign convention before deciding a shear or moment result is wrong.
How Each Load Type Changes the Shear and Moment Diagrams
A top-quality shear and moment diagram is built by understanding how each type of load changes the diagram. Point loads, distributed loads, support reactions, and point moments each affect the diagram differently.
| Load or Event | Effect on Shear Diagram | Effect on Moment Diagram |
|---|---|---|
| Support reaction | Vertical jump in shear | Changes the slope of the moment diagram after that point |
| Point load | Vertical jump equal to load magnitude | Moment remains continuous, but slope changes |
| Uniform distributed load | Linear slope | Parabolic curve |
| Triangular distributed load | Curved shear | Higher-order curved moment |
| Trapezoidal distributed load | Curved shear | Higher-order curved moment |
| Applied point moment | No shear jump | Vertical jump in moment |
| No load between points | Constant shear | Linear moment |
| Zero shear point | Shear crosses or touches zero | Possible local maximum or minimum moment |
Why before-and-after values matter
At a support or point load, shear can be discontinuous, so \(V\) just before the point and \(V\) just after the point are different. Moment is usually continuous through a point load, but it jumps at an applied point moment. This is why the calculator’s key values table separates “before” and “after” values.
How to Read a Shear and Moment Diagram from Left to Right
Reading a diagram from left to right is the easiest way to catch mistakes. Start at \(x=0\), track every support and load event, and confirm the diagram closes correctly at the end of the beam.
Start at the left end
Begin at \(x=0\). If there is a support reaction at the left end, the shear diagram jumps by that reaction.
Move across point loads and supports
Point loads and reactions cause shear jumps. Downward point loads reduce shear; upward reactions increase shear.
Handle distributed loads
Distributed loads change shear gradually. A uniform distributed load creates a straight sloped shear line.
Build moment from shear
Moment increases when shear is positive and decreases when shear is negative. The change in moment equals the area under the shear diagram.
Check the right end
For a simple span with no applied end moment, the moment should return to zero at the right support. If it does not, check reactions, loads, and moments.
How to Interpret the Results
The shear diagram tells you where vertical internal force is largest. The moment diagram tells you where bending demand is largest. These locations often control member sizing, reinforcement, connection forces, or the next design check.
| Result or Diagram Feature | What It Means | What to Check Next |
|---|---|---|
| Shear jumps upward | An upward reaction or upward point force occurs at that location. | Confirm support location and reaction sign. |
| Shear jumps downward | A downward point load occurs at that location. | Confirm load magnitude and load location. |
| Sloped shear line | A distributed load is acting over that span. | Check whether the load is uniform, triangular, or trapezoidal. |
| Linear moment diagram | Shear is constant over that region. | Check the area under the shear diagram. |
| Curved moment diagram | A distributed load is causing shear to vary. | Check maximum moment at zero-shear locations. |
| Moment jump | An applied point moment is present. | Confirm moment sign convention and magnitude. |
| Moment reversal | The bending moment changes sign from sagging to hogging or vice versa. | Check both positive and negative moment demands. |
| Negative reaction | A support may be in uplift for the selected loading. | Check overhangs, load placement, hold-downs, and support assumptions. |
What to do with the result
Use the maximum shear to check shear strength and support or connection forces. Use the maximum moment to check bending stress, section modulus, reinforcement, or member capacity. Use the shape of the diagrams to locate critical sections rather than checking only the beam midpoint.
When maximum moment is not at midspan
Maximum moment is not always at the center of the beam. It may occur where shear equals zero, at a fixed support, at a point moment jump, near a heavy unsymmetrical load, or at a support in an overhanging beam. Always check the full diagram and key values table.
Quick sanity check
For a simple span with only downward loads, the sum of upward reactions should equal the total downward load. Also, the bending moment at simple supports should usually be zero unless an applied point moment is located at the support.
How to Check the Calculator Results by Hand
A hand check helps confirm that the calculator inputs match the beam you intended to model. You do not need to redraw the full diagram to catch most errors.
- Add all downward loads. Include point loads and the resultants of all distributed loads.
- Check vertical equilibrium. For a simple span, confirm \(R_A+R_B\) equals the total downward load, adjusted for any upward loads.
- Take moments about one support. Confirm the other reaction balances the load moments and applied point moments.
- Check shear jumps. A support reaction should jump shear upward; a downward point load should jump shear downward.
- Check distributed load areas. The area under \(w(x)\) should match the change in shear across that loaded region.
- Check moment by shear area. The change in moment between two points should equal the area under the shear diagram.
- Check maximum moment locations. Look at zero-shear points, fixed supports, point moment jumps, and beam boundaries.
- Check end conditions. A simple support usually has zero moment; a fixed end usually has a fixed-end moment.
Self-weight reminder
Beam self-weight is not automatically included unless a calculator has a specific self-weight option. If self-weight matters, add it as a distributed load using the appropriate force-per-length value.
Input Quality Checklist
Small input mistakes can completely change the diagram. Before using the output, verify the beam model matches the real support and loading condition.
Check support type
Make sure the selected beam type matches the physical condition. A cantilever fixed end is not the same as a pin or roller support.
Check load direction
Use the calculator sign convention consistently. Positive downward loads and negative uplift loads should not be mixed accidentally.
Check load location
A point load at \(x=10\) ft is very different from a point load at \(x=10\) in. Confirm the location unit selector.
Check distributed load length
For partial distributed loads, verify both the start and end locations. Reversing them or using the wrong length changes the resultant.
Check units
Do not mix kip with lb or ft with in unless the unit selectors are set correctly.
Check assumptions
Use this statics-based calculator for determinate beams. Continuous beams and fixed-fixed beams need additional compatibility analysis.
Worked Examples for Common Shear and Moment Diagrams
Worked examples are useful for checking whether the calculator is behaving as expected. The examples below use common textbook-style beam cases.
Support Reactions
Maximum Moment
Final Answer
Reactions: \(R_A=5\,kip\), \(R_B=5\,kip\). Maximum shear: \(5\,kip\). Maximum moment: \(50\,kip\cdot ft\) at midspan.
Total Load and Reactions
Maximum Moment
Final Answer
Reactions: \(10\,kip\) at each support. Maximum shear: \(10\,kip\). Maximum moment: \(50\,kip\cdot ft\) at midspan.
Fixed Reaction
Fixed-End Moment
Final Answer
Fixed reaction: \(4\,kip\). Maximum shear: \(4\,kip\). Maximum moment: \(40\,kip\cdot ft\) at the fixed support.
Diagram Behavior
Key Point
A point moment changes the bending moment diagram suddenly, but it does not add vertical force. Therefore, it does not create a shear jump. This is one of the most common mistakes when drawing beam diagrams by hand.
Engineering Diagram: How Loads Create Shear and Moment
The live diagram above is the main visual for this calculator. The static reference below shows the same core idea without requiring any external image file: loads create reactions, reactions and point loads create shear jumps, and the bending moment diagram is shaped by the area under the shear diagram.
How to read the diagram quickly
Start at the left end. Reactions and point loads create vertical shear jumps. Distributed loads create sloped shear. The moment diagram rises when shear is positive, falls when shear is negative, and reaches a local maximum or minimum where shear crosses zero.
Reference Values and Common Beam Cases
Reference cases are useful for checking whether the calculator output is reasonable. These formulas apply only to idealized cases with the specific support and loading conditions shown.
| Beam Case | Reaction Result | Maximum Moment | Where Maximum Moment Occurs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple span, center point load \(P\) | \(R_A=R_B=P/2\) | \(M_{max}=PL/4\) | Midspan |
| Simple span, full uniform load \(w\) | \(R_A=R_B=wL/2\) | \(M_{max}=wL^2/8\) | Midspan |
| Cantilever, end point load \(P\) | \(R=P\) | \(M_{max}=PL\) | Fixed support |
| Cantilever, full uniform load \(w\) | \(R=wL\) | \(M_{max}=wL^2/2\) | Fixed support |
| Simple span with applied point moment | Depends on moment location and sign | Moment diagram contains a jump | Often near the applied moment or support region |
| Loading Condition | Shear Diagram Shape | Moment Diagram Shape |
|---|---|---|
| No distributed load | Constant shear | Linear moment |
| Point load | Vertical jump | Slope changes, usually continuous |
| Uniform distributed load | Linear slope | Parabolic curve |
| Linearly varying distributed load | Curved shear | Higher-order curved moment |
| Applied point moment | No change | Vertical jump |
Beam Types Supported by This Calculator
The beam type determines what reactions are available and where the maximum moment is likely to occur. Use the correct beam model before interpreting the diagrams.
| Beam Type | Best For | Main Reaction Behavior | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple span | Basic beam checks and homework examples | Two vertical reactions | Moment is typically zero at ideal pin/roller supports. |
| Overhanging beam | Loads extending beyond supports | Two vertical reactions | Can create uplift, hogging moment, and maximum moment away from midspan. |
| Cantilever fixed at left | Balcony, bracket, or projecting beam behavior | Vertical reaction plus fixed-end moment | Maximum moment often occurs at the fixed support. |
| Cantilever fixed at right | Reverse cantilever layout | Vertical reaction plus fixed-end moment | Load distance from the fixed end strongly affects moment. |
Special Notes for Overhanging Beams
A load outside the support span can create uplift at the opposite support. Negative reaction is not automatically an error; it may indicate that a hold-down or different support assumption is needed.
Special Notes for Cantilevers
A cantilever fixed support resists both vertical force and moment. Load distance from the fixed end matters because bending moment grows with lever arm, often making the fixed end the controlling location.
Indeterminate Beam Warning
Fixed-fixed beams, propped cantilevers, and continuous beams require compatibility or stiffness-based analysis. They cannot be solved by equilibrium alone.
Units for Shear and Moment Diagrams
Shear has force units, while bending moment has force times length units. Most incorrect answers come from mixing feet and inches, pounds and kips, or metric and U.S. customary values.
| Quantity | Common Units | Conversion Reminder |
|---|---|---|
| Length | in, ft, mm, m | \(1\,ft=12\,in\), \(1\,m=1000\,mm\) |
| Force | lb, kip, N, kN | \(1\,kip=1000\,lb\), \(1\,kN=1000\,N\) |
| Distributed load | lb/ft, kip/ft, N/m, kN/m | Multiply by loaded length to get resultant force. |
| Moment | lb-in, lb-ft, kip-ft, N-m, kN-m | Moment equals force times lever arm. |
| Stress follow-up | psi, ksi, Pa, MPa | Requires section properties such as \(I\), \(S\), or \(c\). |
Hidden unit trap
A moment of \(50\,kip\cdot ft\) is not the same as \(50\,kip\cdot in\). If you use the moment in a bending stress formula with section modulus in \(in^3\), convert \(kip\cdot ft\) to \(kip\cdot in\) first.
Shear Diagram vs. Moment Diagram vs. Deflection Diagram
Shear and moment diagrams show internal force demand. A deflection diagram shows displacement. All three are related, but they answer different engineering questions.
| Tool or Diagram | What It Shows | Best Used For | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shear force diagram | Internal vertical shear force \(V(x)\) | Support force, web shear, and connection checks | Does not directly show bending stress or deflection |
| Bending moment diagram | Internal bending moment \(M(x)\) | Flexural strength and section sizing | Requires section properties for stress checks |
| Deflection calculation | Beam displacement under load | Serviceability and stiffness checks | Requires material stiffness and moment of inertia |
| Bending stress calculation | Stress from moment and section geometry | Checking whether a member has enough flexural capacity | Requires \(M\), section modulus, and allowable or design stress |
Common Mistakes When Drawing Shear and Moment Diagrams
Most diagram errors come from skipped reactions, wrong sign convention, wrong load placement, or misunderstanding how point loads and point moments affect the diagrams.
Common Mistakes
- Drawing the shear diagram before solving support reactions.
- Treating a point load like a distributed load.
- Forgetting that point moments jump the moment diagram but not the shear diagram.
- Assuming maximum moment is always at midspan.
- Mixing ft and in when using moment or section properties.
- Forgetting to include self-weight as a distributed load when it matters.
- Using a simple-span model for a fixed, propped, or continuous beam.
Better Practice
- Solve reactions first using \(\sum F_y=0\) and \(\sum M=0\).
- Mark every load, support, distributed load start/end, and applied moment location.
- Use the key values table to check values immediately before and after jumps.
- Look for maximum moment where shear crosses zero or where the moment diagram jumps.
- Convert all force and length units before doing manual checks.
- Use indeterminate analysis for fixed-fixed, propped cantilever, or continuous beams.
Troubleshooting Unexpected Results
If the diagram looks wrong, first check the beam model, load direction, load location, and units. The math may be correct for the inputs even if the inputs do not match the real beam.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Support reaction is negative | Overhanging load or uplift condition is causing one support to lift. | Check support assumptions, load placement, and whether hold-downs are required. |
| Moment is not zero at a simple support | An applied point moment may be located at the support, or the beam model is not a simple pin/roller span. | Check applied moments and beam type. |
| Diagram jumps at an unexpected location | A point load, support, or applied moment may be entered at the wrong \(x\)-coordinate. | Review every load location and unit selector. |
| Distributed load result seems too large | Load intensity or loaded length may be wrong. | Multiply intensity by loaded length manually to check the equivalent resultant. |
| Maximum moment location seems wrong | Zero shear may occur away from midspan, especially with unsymmetrical loads. | Use the key values table and zero-shear markers. |
| Cantilever moment is much larger than expected | Load is far from the fixed support, increasing the lever arm. | Check \(M=P x\) or \(M=wL^2/2\) style hand estimates. |
Suspicious result examples
Be cautious if a simple beam shows reactions that do not add up to the total load, if a large point load does not create a shear jump, if a point moment changes shear, or if the moment units do not match the force and length units used in your manual check.
Assumptions, Sources, and Limitations
This calculator is intended for educational use, preliminary beam checks, and statically determinate structural analysis. It uses equilibrium and standard load-shear-moment relationships.
Determinate Beam Assumption
The calculator is intended for simple span, overhanging, and cantilever beams that can be solved using static equilibrium.
Load Assumption
Loads are idealized as point loads, distributed loads, and applied point moments at specified locations.
Support Assumption
Supports are idealized. Real supports, bearings, fixity, settlement, and connection flexibility can change behavior.
Design Limitation
The calculator does not check material strength, section capacity, deflection, buckling, fatigue, load combinations, or code compliance.
| Not Checked | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Shear capacity | The maximum shear must be compared with member and connection capacity. |
| Bending capacity | The maximum moment must be compared with allowable or design flexural strength. |
| Deflection | A beam can pass strength checks and still fail serviceability limits. |
| Load combinations | Dead, live, roof, snow, wind, seismic, and construction loads may need code-specific combinations. |
| Self-weight | Self-weight must be entered as a distributed load if it is not separately included. |
| Partial fixity or connection flexibility | Real supports may not behave as perfect pins, rollers, or fixed ends. |
| Moving loads | Vehicles, cranes, and bridge loads may require influence lines or load position envelopes. |
| Lateral-torsional buckling | Unbraced beams may fail by instability before reaching basic bending capacity. |
Calculation basis and source note
The diagram logic is based on standard engineering mechanics relationships for internal shear and bending moment, including \(\sum F_y=0\), \(\sum M=0\), \(\frac{dV}{dx}=-w(x)\), and \(\frac{dM}{dx}=V(x)\). For additional background, see the open engineering mechanics reference on shear and moment diagrams from Engineering LibreTexts.
For final structural design, verify the beam against applicable codes, project load combinations, material properties, serviceability limits, connection requirements, and professional engineering judgment.
Glossary of Shear and Moment Diagram Terms
These definitions explain the main terms used in the calculator and diagram output.
Shear Force
Internal vertical force in a beam section, commonly shown as \(V(x)\).
Bending Moment
Internal bending effect in a beam section, commonly shown as \(M(x)\).
Support Reaction
Force or moment provided by a support to keep the beam in equilibrium.
Point Load
A concentrated force applied at one location on the beam.
Distributed Load
A load spread over a length of beam, such as uniform, triangular, or trapezoidal loading.
Applied Moment
A concentrated couple that causes a jump in the moment diagram without changing the shear diagram.
Sagging Moment
Positive bending moment convention commonly associated with sagging curvature, often visualized as a smile shape.
Hogging Moment
Negative bending moment convention commonly associated with reverse curvature over or near a support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a shear and moment diagram calculator calculate?
It calculates support reactions, shear force values, bending moment values, maximum shear, maximum moment, values at selected beam locations, and key discontinuities for statically determinate beams.
Why does the shear diagram jump at a point load?
A point load changes the internal vertical force instantly at its location, so the shear diagram jumps by the magnitude of that point load.
Why does the bending moment diagram slope change?
The slope of the bending moment diagram equals the shear force, so when shear changes, the slope of the moment diagram changes.
Why is maximum bending moment often where shear equals zero?
Because \(\frac{dM}{dx}=V\), a zero-shear location is where the moment diagram has a local maximum or minimum, unless a boundary, fixed support, or applied moment jump controls.
Does an applied point moment affect the shear diagram?
No. An applied point moment creates a jump in the bending moment diagram but does not create a jump in the shear force diagram.
Can the calculator handle distributed loads and point moments?
Yes. The calculator can be used with point loads, uniform distributed loads, linearly varying distributed loads, and applied point moments at different beam locations.
Does this calculator solve indeterminate beams?
No. It is intended for statically determinate beams such as simple spans, overhanging beams, and cantilevers. Fixed-fixed, propped cantilever, and continuous beams require indeterminate analysis.
Can shear and moment diagrams be used for final beam design?
Shear and moment diagrams are essential for beam design checks, but final design also requires load combinations, material properties, member capacity, deflection limits, connection checks, bracing checks, code requirements, and professional engineering judgment.