Engineering

Column Buckling Calculator

Euler critical buckling load.

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Results
Critical buckling load
987 kN
Effective length
3 m
Safe load (FoS 2)
493.5 kN
In tonnes force
100.61

Quick answer

Euler buckling load depends on stiffness divided by the square of effective length.

Pcr = π²EI ÷ (KL)²

How to use the Column Buckling Calculator

  1. 1Enter the material modulus and section I.
  2. 2Enter the column length.
  3. 3Choose the end restraint condition.

Frequently asked questions

Why does end condition matter so much?

Fixing both ends quarters the effective length and quadruples capacity.

Does Euler apply to short columns?

No — short columns fail by crushing, not buckling.